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Sep 8, 2010
On Sept. 19, AIDS Walk Wisconsin, the state’s largest AIDS fundraiser, returns to the Summerfest grounds. We urge you to become involved.
AIDS is not a gay disease but it continues to disproportionately impact our community. Gay and bisexual men in the United States are diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, at 44 times the rate of straight men. Still, the LGBT community has become increasingly apathetic toward the ongoing epidemic. The disconnect is generally attributed to the lack of experience that young people have had with the disease and to the improved treatments that have made HIV a largely manageable condition.
But while people diagnosed with HIV today can expect to live long and relatively healthy lives if they access treatment promptly and adhere to it, they still face significant challenges. HIV drugs are outside the financial grasp of many people, especially the young men and men of color who are currently experiencing the highest rates of new infections. To survive, they must turn to government programs and HIV/AIDS organizations like the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, which benefits from AIDS Walk.
Treatment is also technically complex, often requiring the services of a case manager in order to be implemented effectively. Housing is another major challenge, particularly for those who experience periods of illness in which they’re unable to work.
For people battling HIV, it’s imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means getting treatment for depression and addiction problems, eating right and receiving dental and other ancillary healthcare.
ARCW provides all of these services to more than 2,600 people in the state living with HIV. In addition, ARCW makes 150,000 prevention contacts every year with people at risk.
Nearly three decades into the epidemic, AIDS discrimination still exists and service organizations still have to lobby for funding. In addition to providing care, ARCW has proven a formidable advocate at the Capitol and throughout the state, helping to secure funding, preventing harmful legislation from becoming law and intervening on behalf of people experiencing discrimination.
Help ARCW continue this critical work by walking on Sept. 19. Go to www.aidswalkwis.org for information.
