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AIDS Athens, Incorporated diagnoses
five or six new HIV cases each month, according to Executive Director Olivia
Long, and most of those newly infected individuals are 18–24–year-olds. The
nonprofit organization serves 10 northeastern Georgia counties by assisting
individuals with HIV/AIDS and those affected by the disease as well as
preventing the spread of the disease through education and outreach. Long said
that approximately 88 percent of AIDS Athens’ patients have an undetectable
viral load. She expressed her great satisfaction at getting people in to be
tested and for them to adhere to the treatment program.
The organization offers monthly free
testing events and testing through appointments and provides anonymous oral
testing without blood or needles. AID Athens, Incorporated has been operating
for 25 years. Its two biggest goals are educating the community about HIV
prevention and treatment and reducing the stigma associated with the disease.
She felt that the way to decrease stigma and to get more people in to be tested
is to spread the word in the community. When necessary, AIDS Athens can provide
financial assistance for individuals with HIV or AIDS. Long stated that the
organization’s annual income has increased from $300,000 to $1.3 million
throughout the last six years.
Long said the organization tries to
get involved with the University of Georgia’s (UGA) campus whenever possible.
The group has worked with the School of Social Work, teaching how to more
effectively work with individuals with HIV infection, and with the Institute
for Women’s Studies educating them on the ways that HIV/AIDS affect women. Long
noted that 10 percent of the AIDS Athens’ client population with HIV infection
are students from UGA and nearby colleges. AIDS Athens also provides volunteer
and internship opportunities for UGA students who assist with prevention
education programs and planning and executing special events.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
