HIV has been with us for 30 years now. We have seen a lot of changes to this pandemic since its beginning.  Now with treatment people living with HIV can live full lives without developing the illnesses that defined HIV in the past.  In fact, treatment even reduces the chance of passing HIV on to uninfected partners.  We live in very hopeful times.  If everyone infected with HIV gets into treatment, we could see the end of AIDS.

Unfortunately right here in Southwest Michigan, HIV is still a death sentence for many.  About half of those infected with HIV in our area are not receiving life sustaining treatment.  About a quarter of those who are infected do not even know it yet.  The barriers to getting people tested and treated are many and complex, but we recognize that stigma is one of the greatest problems.  Because people are afraid of how they will be treated once others know they are HIV positive.

CARES Facing AIDS photo installation 2011

Community Leaders such as State Representative Sean McCann, Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell and other city commissioners are featured in our Facing AIDS photo installation.  When a community leader stands up and says, I am willing to fight AIDS, it gives confidence and support to the people living with HIV.  This photo installation represents our community coming together in the fight against AIDS.

The Facing AIDS project gives us an opportunity to show support for those living with HIV, and reminds all of us that while great improvements have been made, we need to continue to Face AIDS and commit to fighting stigma.  Will you join us?  Go to our Facebook page and like the CARES page.  Then take a picture with your sign that says “I am Facing AIDS”… and post it on our wall.  Show the community that you will join us in the fight against AIDS.

http://cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/18/7802623-gamers-solve-molecular-puzzle-that-baffled-scientists

It costs CARES approximately $10.22 to perform an HIV rapid test. Current federal and state budget cuts jeopardize our prevention funding. CARES prevention staff work hard to test out in the community to reach those most at risk and we offer free HIV testing to the entire community. Please support our campaign by clicking here and donating to continue this crucial program.

Thanks for your support,

Your Friends at CARES

click here

In Kalamazoo and Battle Creek:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at CARES, 629 Pioneer St., Kalamazoo
• 1st Wednesday of every month from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Edison Neighborhood Association, 816 Washington Ave., Kalamazoo
• 2nd Wednesday of every month from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Vine Neighborhood Association, 511 W. Vine, Kalamazoo
• 3rd Wednesday of every month from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at S.H.A.R.E. Center, 120 Grove St., Battle  Creek
• 4th Wednesday of every month from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Ministry with Community, 440 N. Church St., Kalamazoo

Participating partners in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek include the Edison Neighborhood Association, the Vine Neighborhood Association, the S.H.A.R.E. Center and Ministry with Community.

In Benton Harbor:

• Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for walk-ins, or by appointment from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. at CARES, 185 E. Main St., Suite 604, Benton Harbor
• National Testing Day – Monday, June 27 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Benton Harbor Street Ministry, 200 E. Empire Avenue in Benton Harbor

Participating partners in Benton Harbor’s National HIV Testing Day event include the Berrien County Health Department, Lakeland Health Specialties, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Bethel Christian Restoration Center, Benton Harbor Street Ministry, The OutCenter, Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and community volunteers.  This event will also offer colon cancer screening kits, as well as cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.

For more information, please call CARES at 269-381-2437 (Kalamazoo) or 269-927-2437 (Benton Harbor.)

The Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF), a worldwide advocacy network for men who have sex with men (MSM), is encouraged by new HIV prevention guidelines from The Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator for use in countries receiving assistance from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), according to an MSMGF statement. However, MSMGF asserts the guidelines lack specific recommendations.

The guidelines define six core elements for any effective HIV prevention program aimed at MSM. These include: community-based outreach; distribution of condoms and condom-compatible lubricants; HIV counseling and testing; active linkage to health care and antiretroviral treatment; targeted information, education and communication; and prevention, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.

Matthew Bradley, Prevention Specialist from CARES’ Benton Harbor office, shares his opinion:  “I think that PEPfar is a great program that will help save many lives in countries that have the need for assistance the most.  I think the first step in these programs should be education.  Educating the populations on HIV transmissions and working to reduce homophobic behavior, which causes more stigma, and causes HIV rates to sky rocket because people are scared to seek HIV education.  More training should be given to healthcare providers in order for them to know how to get around the trust barriers and to also build a trust bond in their respective communities.”

To read the entire MSMGF statement, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-forum-on-msm–hiv-encouraged-by-new-pepfar-guidance-on-hiv-prevention-for-men-who-have-sex-with-men-122262008.html

Through Dave Watt’s Mr. Friendly outreach, I’ve gotten to learn so much more about the services that CARES provides. I knew they did wonderful things in the community, but now I can speak intelligently about them when asked. I am a straight ally, and I do all I can to encourage the reduction of any stigma relative to being gay, transgender or questioning. So helping with HIV/AIDS awareness is a natural fit for me. I’m very excited to be a hands-on participant this year in Dining Out for Life!

So it is that time of year again, springtime…the birds are chirping, it is warmer
out and Dining Out for Life is just around the corner. Dining Out for Life is one
of my favorite events of the year! CARES brought this great event to our town 3
years ago and it has been building momentum ever since. Why? Because it is
simple! Eat out at a great restaurant and they donate a percentage of the money
to CARES. How easy! And believe me, I think that piece of chocolate cake has
zero calories when it goes to a good cause!

At the Dining Out for Life event each year, I volunteer to be an ambassador at
one of the participating restaurants. I enjoy the job because it feels like I am
having lots of friends over to my house to eat and I don’t have to cook or clean.
I get to socialize at each table and talk about CARES and how each customer
is supporting our event. And here’s another great thing that happens that
night, if you make a donation of $25 or more to CARES, you get a really sweet
discount card, which gives 20% off of food at 15 participating restaurants and off
chocolate at Confections with Convictions every Tuesday for a year! It is a great
deal and you get one when you donate $25.00 to CARES. I used my card all the
time last year. And since I used to work for CARES, I know the money is going
to a great organization and to clients who really need the help. CARES reaches
thousands of people each year in Southwest Michigan with prevention messages
and safe sex conversations and people living with HIV find support and a safe
haven.

I hope to see you all at one of our participating restaurants on Thursday, April
28th!

Click here to find out who is participating: http://www.diningoutforlife.com/
kalamazoo/participating