The San Francisco AIDS Foundation has three major goals.
Goal #1: Reduce new HIV infections by 50% in San Francisco
- 1 in 5 people do not know they are infected with HIV
- More than half of new infections are transmitted by people who do not know they are positive
- Test for HIV and counsel - a combination that works. The Foundation is actively working to expand both services.
- Statistics for 2008 - the Foundation provided:
- 3500 HIV tests
- 2 million clean needles
- 134,000 answers via the AIDS hotline and website
- Learn more here
- People at risk commonly don't know they are
- Regarding HIV testing - we need to make it widely known, socially acceptable and easy to get tested
- We need to grow capacity to do HIV testing.
- Statistics for 2009 - the Foundation was involved in:
- Reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act
- Development of the first-ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy
- Reversal of Federal bans on funding needle exchange programs and admittance of HIV+ people to the US
- Learn more here
Goal #3: Ensure that all HIV Positive San Franciscans receive proper care
- HIV positive people in care are less likely to infect others - this is a highly effective focal point if we want to reduce the number of new cases.
- Care means:
- Medical personnel who understand HIV
- The ability to get regular checkups
- Effective treatment including mental health and substance abuse services
- In high risk communities, extend the reach of programs and connect people with proper care.
A heartfelt thanks to all of you for caring and sponsoring me on the Ride!
The money you are donating is saving lives - right now!
