In Focus: Spring 1998

Information … How do you stay informed?

San Francisco Sidewalk and KQED named the Project Inform (PI) Web Site as their February Digital Pioneer. This award is given to those who use technology to make the lives of others better. Kudos to Project Inform’s all volunteer Web Site Team for their work in designing and developing the site, which now receives over 120,000 hits per month from individuals and organizations world-wide. Their efforts have made PI’s HIV/AIDS treatment information available globally, to people from Australia to Zambia.

New features have been added to the PI Web Site! Through a new Get Sent Email option, you can be notified electronically when new and revised publications are added. Project Inform wants feedback on how you heard about the site, what information you use and what you would like to see added. Simply fill out the New Web Site Feedback Form. For those not able to come to PI Town Meetings, New Town Meeting Slide Presentations are being posted. Currently the Report from the 5th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections is featured. Copies of these slides are also available through the PI Hotline.

Do treatment questions to PI’s National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline differ if the caller is a man or a woman or if they live in a rural or urban area? In February, Project Inform began the Treatment Information Assessment Project, to find out the answer to those and other questions. What PI learns from the project will be invaluable in helping PI and other organizations meet the evolving treatment information needs of people living with HIV. Project Inform is grateful for the major support of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation that has made this project possible.

Through Project Inform’s Leave a Legacy: Planned Giving Campaign you can remember PI in your will or estate plan. The gift could be in the form of a cash donation or of a valuable asset such as stocks, real estate, art or vehicles. Or you could name Project Inform as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or pension plan. For more information on the Leave a Legacy program or other ways to support Project Inform, call Tom Teasley, Director of Development at 415-558-8669 or email at tteasley@projectinform.org

The generosity of our donors and volunteers enables PI to provide a range and depth of HIV/AIDS treatment information and advocacy services free-of-charge. Project Inform is an extremely efficient steward of your contributions. In 1997, total fundraising and administrative expenses were 14.3% of all expenses, which is among the lowest overhead costs of major AIDS organizations, and well below national averages for non-profits in general. There are many ways for you to support Project Inform. To name a few, you can send a check, make a gift of appreciated stock, purchase event tickets, join our monthly pledge program or help us create a special gift or bequest in support of a particular program. If you’re interested in supporting PI, please return the form at the back of this In Focus, or contact us at our web sight.

Inspiration … Making a difference!

On Saturday, May 9 Project Inform will sponsor the 4th annual Ron Wilmot Bike Ride. This leisurely seven mile ride to the ocean through San Francisco’s scenic Golden Gate Park raises money for Project Inform’s HIV/AIDS treatment information and education programs. Ron Wilmot, an HIV/AIDS activist, avid cyclist and long-time Project Inform supporter, started the Ride in 1995. Since then nearly $150,000 has been raised—last year alone riders raised over $40,000. Before losing his battle against HIV/AIDS, Ron challenged his family, friends and the community to continue organizing a local ride for people of all abilities—it was a special wish of Ron’s that people living with HIV/AIDS take part in the Ride.

In establishing the Ride, Ron hoped to ensure that life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment information continued to reach people throughout the Bay Area and around the country. For information on registering, volunteering, or to make a donation, contact Brad Chenoweth at 415-558-8669—or fill out the sign-up sheet on PI’s web site www.projinfectinform.org

Major financial support and exciting prizes for The Ron Wilmot Bike Ride have come from Pacific Bell, American Airlines, The Castro Lions, Positive Peddlers, Voo Doo Cycles and Total Communications. Thanks to them and to Dr. Robert Perkins and the BWB Trust for a challenge grant matching early donations to the Ride dollar for dollar!

Did you know that when you shop at Under One Roof and Cole Hardware in San Francisco or the Stadtlander’s Wellness Center in New York a portion of your purchase can be donated to Project Inform? At Under One Roof it is as simple as looking for Project Inform’s name on the item you are purchasing. At Cole Hardware, mention Project Inform and our code number—1965—and 10% of your purchase will be donated to Project Inform. Also, for any items you donate to Community Thrift in San Francisco, just mention Project Inform and code “18”, and a portion of what the store receives will be donated to PI.

To strengthen volunteer recruitment and support the work of other AIDS organization, 42 San Francisco HIV-related organization have come together to form the Collaboration of AIDS Volunteer Managers. In February, the Collaboration published a brochure, “AIDS Volunteer Opportunities in San Francisco and the Bay Area,” which describes each of the participating organizations and what kind of volunteer opportunities they offer. Anyone interested in the brochure can find it in San Francisco at The Volunteer Center and public libraries, or by calling Mark Owens at Project Inform at 415-558-8669.

By volunteering at Project Inform you can make a tremendous difference in the lives of people living with HIV. Throughout the history of Project Inform, volunteers have been the life blood of the organization, by supporting existing programs and through inspiring new programs. The range of volunteer opportunities includes becoming a Treatment Action Network member and helping to organize lobby teams in your local area, speaking at outreach events, clerical and office support, helping on special events and working on PI’s National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline.

The next training for Project Inform’s National HIV/AIDS Treatment Hotline is planned for May 16–17. This training is required for all new hotline volunteers, and an excellent training opportunity for case managers and others working with clients on issues related to HIV/AIDS treatments. For more information on volunteer opportunities, in San Francisco or in your local area, contact Mark Owens at 415-558-8669.

One Volunteer’s Story

My name is Glenda McDowell. I first heard about Project Inform from a doctor in 1989. I was taking care of a friend who was HIV+. There was so little information about HIV-related infections, and treatments in general and on the advice of this doctor we called PI. The experience of taking care of a childhood friend and helping him through the dying process had a profound effect on me. Moved by this experience I started volunteering at PI in 1994 hoping to give back a little of what was given to me.

I have been involved in many things at PI. In the past, I worked on the Tuesday Night Crew doing administrative work, stuffing envelopes for mailings and I have helped with fund raising events. I am currently helping to organize an evening hotline study group. For 3 years I have helped with hotline trainings and been a hotline volunteer. Also, I am involved in the Project WISE Task Force, to improve Project Inform’s services to women living with HIV.

The one thing I love most about the hotline is talking to different people. Callers are from all parts of the country, all walks of life and each has a story to tell. I find each story compelling. One call that stands out in my mind was from a woman who needed specific treatment information. I researched her request and called her back. Eight months later I received a call from a woman who told me about a successful treatment she was using. As it turned out, this was the same woman I had called back months earlier. She now was calling to share how the information I had given her had saved her life. She was able to say thank you to me, a stranger, who had made a difference in her life. And I in turn, was able to hear how thankful someone was for my time and energy. It made me feel great!

While volunteering on the hotline I began to notice an increase in the number of women callers, which sparked an interest in services and information available to HIV+ women. I surveyed the hotline operators on women’s needs, which resulted in the development of a volunteer and staff task force to improve women’s services at PI. I am impressed by the organization’s commitment to women’s services and am thrilled to be a part of it. I have watched PI grow quickly over the last four years, expanding in all areas. Throughout all the changes, PI has maintained its integrity and commitment to providing information to all who seek it.

Advocacy … What is Project Inform doing for you?

PI regrets to announce the departure of Dawn Averitt, the director of Project Inform’s Project WISE. Dawn will continue to be involved in some PI activist activities and speaking engagements. Dawn remarks that “… for me this move is an important part of my personal journey. This decision was difficult for me to make. Project WISE is dear to my heart, it’s a program that I’ve put years of my life into seeing happen and it’s not one that I intend to divorce myself from. I feel confident that at Project Inform, Project WISE will flourish.”

Project WISE will remain a vital part of Project Inform and its commitment to improve services to women living with HIV. Since the inception of Project WISE in April, 1996, the readership of WISE WORDS, has doubled. Additionally, PI has been increased coverage of treatment issues specific to women living with HIV in the PI Perspective and other publications. Moreover, PI has increased its presence at women-specific events, including the National Conference on Women and HIV, as well as local and regional conferences and workshops. Hotline Operators are receiving special training on women’s needs and volunteer recruitment efforts toward women are increasing. Through its Project WISE Task Force, PI continues to expand and improve services to women living with HIV. The goal of the Task Force is to develop closer working relationships with health and service providers and with HIV positive women. Through these closer ties, HIV positive women and their health and service providers will learn about Project Inform services and PI will be better able to meet the treatment information and access needs of women living with HIV. Any one interested in volunteering at Project Inform and being a part of this Task Force should contact Mark Owens, Volunteer Manager, at 415-558-8669.

“Thank[s] for all your help when my son was so ill. The phone conversations helped me tremendously.”

(Joyous B.)

Project Access

With the advent of Project Access, Project Inform is expanding the services of its Hotline to include help with access to treatment options. The initial goals of Project Access is to help individuals identify access issues and to provide referral assistance to broaden their treatment and healthcare opportunities. If you are experiencing any problems regarding access to treatment, you can discuss those issues with the Hotline operator. They will refer your treatment access problems to specially-trained individuals who will help you connect with local services and resources or give you information on government programs, or expanded access and patient assistance programs. Ultimately, the role of Project Access will be to help individuals develop a continuum of services and information, as well as to pass on key recurring access issues to the Project Inform’s Public Policy department to aid in establishing policy priorities.

AIDSWatch ‘98

Project Inform will participate in AIDSWatch ‘98, the annual federal HIV/AIDS education and lobbying event in Washington, DC, on May 3-5, 1998. AIDSWatch ‘98 is an opportunity for people living with HIV, their friends, families, caregivers and advocates to meet federal representatives and educate them on the need for increased funding and federal HIV/AIDS programs for prevention, care and treatment, research and housing. It is a way to put a human face on the AIDS epidemic and also to let legislators know that their constituents care about AIDS funding. If you are interested in attending AIDSWatch ‘98, contact Jean-Michel Brevell, at the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) at 202-898-0414, extension 103. There is no registration fee. A limited number of scholarships are available to cover travel and accommodation expenses to assist individuals from key congressional districts.

In Memory of Friends and Supporters

Donations have been recently made to Project Inform in memory of:

James Adams Alan, Jeff and Bob Albert Annunziata Craig Babas Don Bailey Brad Baker Darnell Barnett Stuart Barnett Tom Bassett Steven Beiner David Belford John Bennett Michael Berdick Cindy Bigsby Kevin Bowman-Greene J. Keith Burgard Charles G. Butler Christine Caione Joseph M. Califf, Jr. Jose Campos David Casiello Steven Cearley Alvin J. Chelednik James A. Clark Brad Cochran Franco P. Coli Donald Eugene Couch Paul DeLeo Daniel Delay Mark Delila Will Demmers John Dias Robert Dias Diana Princess of Wales Milton Dooley Stephen Early

Mike Elias Tim Elliott Steve Endean| Al Gagne Gary and Al Armando Gomez Bill Grams Joseph Graziano Jon Greenberg Richard Finley Hefley Heather Hertzan James A. Hueholt James E. Hunt Edde Jandersit Jennifer Jensen Jerry Kjell Johansen Nanette Kennedy Doug Kohler David P. Krug Barry Laxton Dorsey T. Leard Ezra Litwak Larry Livengood David Loebl Terry G. Lorah Richard S. Lurie Tom Mac Namara John Manzo, Sr. Daniel Martinez Nick Mathwick Andrew McClelland Frank M. McGee, Jr. Seth Miller Marty Moleski Jeffrey Ray Moore Terry D. Moore Charles F. Nason

Michael Nate Donald Nooe Steve Nunley Terry Papile Ray F. Patient James Petty Bruce Priebe John T. Putnam John A. Ragazzo Patricia Ralston Gerald Roemer, Esq. Peter J. Rosenfeld Craig Steven Rowe Tom S. Quentin Scobel Brian Scott Charles H. Smith Richard A. Smith Vincent Solomon Steve Stalcup David Stebler Bill Stoops Michael Bruce Streelman Eric L. Sutton Chuck Terrill Women of Iris House Scott Tortorello Miguel A. Valle Carlos Leopoldo Vargas Mark Von Wald Richard Wilder Jr. Ron Wilmot Asbjøru Wimmer Randy Winters Barney Wiswell Albert J. Withrow

 

Donations in honor of the following
have recently been made to Project Inform:

Dawn Averitt
Scott T. Calender
Diane Cenko
Ben Collins
Thomas E. Downing
Mrs. Andrew Ewing
Garry Fearncombe
Joanne Fleisher
Mark Frey
Eric Gallo
Dot Garland
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Goodale
Linda Grinberg
Thomas M. Kelley
James Lawer & Rod Wood
Linda and Jim Maginness
Rachelle Mark
Charles F. Marshall
Jeff Moomaugh Jeffrey Morford
Jeffrey Oshen
Avi Rose
Philip Rubin
A.J. Sekel
Erik Sterling
Michael Stevens
Frank Tatko
Peter Waterloo
Cliff White

Planned Gifts and Bequests

We would like to give special thanks for recent estate gifts:

Philip P. Berelson
Kurt A. Bruens
Gerald G. Hansen
Ronald B. Holmes
Ravinell Keller III
The Dorsey T. Leard Trust
The Bernard J. Smith Trust
Richard A. Smith
The Henry W. Hubbard Jr. Trust

We deeply appreciate these meaningful gifts to the fight against AIDS.

Thanks to those who helped us move

On December 31, Project Inform moved to 205 13th Street #2001. These new and much more functional offices are just three blocks away from the old Market Street office. It is an accomplishment that would have been hard to imagine without the time and generosity of many people. Moving, whatever the distance, is stressful and time consuming. We would like to thank everyone whose gift of time, expertise, equipment, services or dollars made our move so much easier. In particular, we want to thank those listed below who were responsible, among other things, for finding the space, designing the space, furnishing more than 22 cubicles and work areas, supplying a new state-of-the-art phone system, millwork and cabinetry, file and bookcases, 5000 square feet of carpet, lighting and doors—in all, more than $100,000 worth of donations:

Louis Schump, Susie Purvis and their associates at Gensler & Edward E. Grammens, Julian J. Studley, Inc.

Design Workshops
Bank of America
BKM
Samsung
William Turley, Communication Eng., Inc.
Service West
Interface Flooring System
Hogue and Associates
Aspect Development Lighting Systems
Finelight
BCCI Construction Company
Minton Door Company
Frontiers Magazine Angel Program
Susan Brautovich
Dayna Kully
Walter Wong, Rita Mak and their associates at The Construction Center

and to all the Project Inform Volunteers and Staff who worked hard to make it happen.