According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people living with HIV infection in the United States is higher than ever before. The increase is due to a higher number of people becoming infected with HIV than the number of people who die each year with HIV or AIDS. Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV infection, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable in recent years. Better treatment options have resulted in fewer people receiving a diagnosis of AIDS or dying from AIDS while prevention efforts have helped keep the overall number of new HIV infections stable. In addition, more people in the United States with HIV know of their HIV infection, which is a sign of progress for HIV prevention because research shows that most individuals reduce behaviors that could transmit HIV when they know they are infected. Do you want to help raise AIDS awareness and support organizations that can further research into HIV prevention and treatment options? Do your part by getting involved in AIDS charities and events around the country and worldwide.
AIDS Charities
You can join the fight against HIV/AIDS by getting involved in the growing number of AIDS charities, organizations and events throughout the US and even worldwide. Here are just a few of the AIDS charities that are raising awareness and providing invaluable support to those with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones. From donating time or money to hitting the road to walk for the cause, your support is instrumental in AIDS prevention and treatment efforts.
AIDS Walk
If you want to do more than simply donate money to support the AIDS cause, get involved in an AIDS Walk, a charity walk with events around the country. The most renowned is the AIDS Walk New York (May 16), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This year’s milestone event will raise money for Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), a New York City-based non-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based AIDS service organization, and other local AIDS organizations in the tri-state area. To date, AIDS Walk New York has raised more than $110 million to fight AIDS in the New York and tri-state area, spearheading millions of people to get involved in the fight against AIDS. The 10K walk will begin and end in Central Park.
To register for AIDS Walk New York or to donate, visit http://www.aidswalk.net/newyork/, or visit http://www.aidswalk.org/ to find an AIDS Walk near you.
Art for AIDS International
Art for AIDS International, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those most affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, offers art and HIV/AIDS awareness workshops and art showings and collaborates with corporations, school boards and unions on art portfolios, with the goal of fostering hope and passion for the AIDS cause and providing direct support to grassroots organizations across the sub-Saharan Africa.
For more information on art workshops and sponsorship opportunities, visit http://www.artforaidsinternational.org/.
Children with AIDS project of America
A national non-profit organization, Children with AIDS Project recruits and assists families in adopting children with HIV/AIDS and provides education, advocacy support and legal services.
For more information on adoption opportunities or other ways you can help, visit http://www.aidskids.org/.
Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)
Entertainment icon Elton John established the EJAF in 1992 to support innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. EJAF focuses on supporting community-based prevention programs, harm reduction programs, public education to reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, advocacy to improve AIDS-related public policy, and direct services to persons living with HIV/AIDS, especially populations with special needs.
To learn more or to donate to the EJAF, visit http://ejaf.org/.
HIV/AIDS Ministries
The United Methodist Church provides health education workshops for youth, women, pastors, and lay leaders in United Methodist churches in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Latin America as well as HIV/AIDS focus papers and World AIDS Day resources. The church also supports home-based care programs, children orphaned by AIDS, and selected United Methodist Hospitals in need.
For more information, visit http://gbgm-umc.org/health/aids/.
National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)
NMAC represents a coalition of 3,000 F/CBOs and AIDS service organizations (ASOs) delivering HIV/AIDS services in communities of color nationwide. The organization’s mission is to develop leadership in communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS through public education programs, conferences, treatment and research programs and trainings, and printed and electronic information. The NMAC’s advocacy efforts are funded by private funding and donations.
For information on programs and training or to donate, visit http://www.nmac.org/.
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC)
GMHC, located in New York City, is the world’s first and leading provider of HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy for men, women and their loved ones. The GMHC mission is to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected, providing emotional support, education, advocacy, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships that ultimately result in an improved quality of life. This year, GMHC has partnered with the AIDS Walk New York to commemorate the Walk’s 25th anniversary.
To learn more about GMHC or how you can donate, volunteer, tour the agency, or become a client, visit http://www.gmhc.org.
More ways to join the fight
For a comprehensive list of AIDS charities in the US and worldwide, visit http://www.cellscience.com/HIVcharities.html.
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