News
December 1, 2020Gilead Sciences Supports Alliance for Positive Health Food Delivery to HIV+ Clients on World AIDS Day
It has been a tough year for most people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those living with chronic diseases. Through the support of GILEAD SCIENCES, staff and board members at the Alliance for Positive Health will be delivering meals to clients living with HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day, Tuesday December 1st. Alliance for Positive Health is a non -profit organization with a mission to reduce the impact and incidence of HIV/AIDS and other serious medical and social conditions to clients and their families throughout Northeastern New York.
The Alliance for Positive Health provides vital program services to individuals including case management, housing support, nutrition, transportation and emergency financial assistance. The Alliance for Positive Health has been providing services to clients for over 36 years in a 17- county region. “It’s challenging for many of our clients to do their own grocery shopping, and particularly now during the pandemic,” said Donna Vancavage, Director of Development & Marketing. When the pandemic hit the U.S. in March, Alliance for Positive Health experienced a greater need for its services from our clients including food pantry bags. This had an impact on the daily operations and care provided to the clients. “There is more of a need than ever,” said Vancavage.
With World AIDS Day coming up next week, Vancavage said the plan is to deliver meals to clients and their families to recognize this important day.
World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1st and is an opportunity for people to unite worldwide in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who lost their lives to the disease. It is estimated that over 1 million Americans are living with HIV, and yet one out of five do not know it. Many barriers remain to getting tested for HIV including stigma and discrimination. HIV testing is essential in ensuring that all people living with HIV can lead health and productive lives. In New York State, people age 13 and over are encouraged to know their HIV status by getting tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.
The Alliance for Positive Health provides free, confidential HIV testing so you can know your status and take the right steps to improving your health. For more information on testing and other Alliance for Positive Health’s programs and services, visit our website at www.allianceforpositivehealth.org, or call 518.434.4686.
