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In Focus #14: March 2002From the Executive Director …It’s hard to believe that nearly a year has passed since I joined Project Inform. The year has been busy and eventful, and we’re very proud of the significant accomplishments we’ve made on behalf of people living with HIV and AIDS, their caregivers and their loved ones. Last year, we provided treatment information to tens of thousands of people on our toll-free National HIV Treatment Information Hotline, the only one of its kind in the nation, and on our website, www.projectinform.org. We were vocal and effective advocates in the public policy arena, helping to ensure that both federal and state governments maintain their commitment to funding AIDS research and care. We provided educational fora and technical assistance programs in such places as Nashville, TN; El Paso, TX; and San Diego, CA. We were instrumental in the approval of Viread, a new and important anti-HIV treatment. We then helped to make sure that it was priced at a level to ensure inclusion in the formularies of access programs. We produced Wise Words and PI Perspective, and we updated our treatment publications that help thousands of people make informed treatment decisions. We co-hosted a seminal gathering of experts to discuss strategies for making effective diagnostic tests available in developing countries. In the midst of this activity, we completed a three-year strategic plan that will guide our work as we continue to support people with HIV and speed the process in the relentless search for a cure. Highlights of the plan are discussed in this issue of In Focus. We accomplished all of this and more in a year that brought us the horrible events of September 11 and a significant economic recession. I am honored and humbled by the depth and breath of the support Project Inform has continued to receive during these very trying times. On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and thousands of people we serve, I extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you for your commitment to and involvement in our work. Project Inform Convenes Major Diagnostics MeetingNearly 100 researchers discuss tools for resource-poor settings.
A report of this workshop has been presented to the Antiretroviral Treatment Working Group and the Diagnostics Working Group of the World Health Organization. Additionally, the Forum for Collaborative HIV Research is planning to organize a follow-up meeting to discuss the implementation of the development and testing of these diagnostic and monitoring tools suitable for resource-poor settings. Report from this workshop are available at www.virology-education.com. Project Inform Welcomes New Board MembersTwo new members lend a breadth of community and organizational experienceJoseph Martinez Joseph’s last year in Paraguay was spent as a private citizen working first in HIV prevention with marginalized groups (prisoners, sex workers, gays) and then in the private sector after funding failed for the prevention project. Currently, he works for Bank of America Securities in Equity Research as an Associate supporting a Senior Equity Analyst. Joseph hopes to bring another perspective to Project Inform’s very capable board, as well as making his friends and others more aware of the organization and all it has to offer. Just as important, he has many creative ideas for fundraising, with a goal of helping to better fund Project Inform’s work in the community. Joseph is member of the National Association of Peace Corps Volunteers (as well as the Bay Area GLB Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Group and the Northern Cal RPCV group) and a registered member of NYSE/NASDAQ. Jude Kaye Jude maintains great respect for the information and advocacy that Project Inform provides, and believes that it is a great asset to the community, as well as to the many of her friends that have been helped by its services. Jude brings with her years of nonprofit expertise, including a strong commitment to and understanding of sound governance and good management practices. Jude also serves on the advisory boards of Support for Families of Children With Disabilities, Frameline and the Community Alliance for Special Education. Cyclists in New England Raise $39,000 for Project InformThe biennial week-long RideFAR has raised over $500,000 since 1989.This past September, 23 riders and crew intrepidly participated in RideFAR 7 (Ride For AIDS Resources), a 500-mile bike ride from Provincetown to Concord, MA. More than $119,000 was raised for children and adults living with HIV—the highest amount ever! Because there are virtually no administrative costs, all of the money raised was split evenly among the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Project Inform and 23 other grassroots organizations selected by the riders themselves. RideFAR offers the perfect opportunity for a dedicated circle of friends to support their favorite charities and make a meaningful difference while having fun. This year’s event culminated with a special benefit concert for riders and friends, featuring musicians Lucy Kaplansky and Cliff Eberhardt. Other activities included an Update Town Meeting co-sponsored by Project Inform and the Fall River AIDS Consortium. RideFAR simply would not be possible without the resourceful tenacity of its founding coordinator, Suzy Becker. She has single-handedly organized it without a budget, corporate sponsors, paid staff or advertising. Thousands of individuals, businesses and communities have helped raise over half a million dollars since its inception and increase AIDS awareness in the towns along the ride’s route. According to one longtime participant, Linnea Hallberg, “Suzy is an amazing, selfless person and a good friend. She magically motivates us to go beyond our pre-conceived limits. As far as I’m concerned, Suzy is the Harry Potter of AIDS Rides!” We couldn’t agree more. We take our hats go off to Suzy and to these dynamic individuals and their supporters who continue to make RideFAR so successful. Three Shine in the Foundation and Corporate SpotlightSpecial thanks to our many donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. The following is a partial list of some of the recent foundation and corporation donations. Gill Foundation Their mission is accomplished by:
Visit their website at www.gillfoundation.org. Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund Bridgestone/Firestone is committed to being a good corporate citizen nationally, regionally and especially in the communities where they have manufacturing plants, sales facilities or offices. The Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund supports four major categories of community involvement programs: education, health and welfare, civic and community, and culture and the arts. This multi-million dollar effort has provided innumerable benefits including literacy education, scholarships, chemical dependency rehabilitation, healthcare, civil rights support, environmental conservation, housing and support for public radio, television, libraries and museums. Their corporate philosophy is to build not just better products, but better communities. Visit their website at www.bridgestone-firestone.com. elevations, inc. The elevations inc. team is made up of highly dedicated design, production, distribution and customer service professionals. They provide an extensive assortment of decoratives, containers, artwork, foliage, fixtures, furniture and Christmas decor. They also provide custom design and manufacturing for your special project needs. You can visit them at www.elevations.com. Support Academy of Friends and Support Project Inform, too!This year, Project Inform has been selected as one of 13 benefiting agencies for the 22nd annual Academy of Friends Gala in San Francisco. The event, held on Academy Awards night, March 24, has successfully raised funds for Bay Area AIDS organizations since 1980. Project Inform is delighted to be a beneficiary this year. Attendees will dine on food and beverages donated by over 40 Bay Area restaurants and over 40 Bay Area wineries while they watch the live broadcast of the Academy Awards event in Los Angeles. After the Awards ceremony, attendees can continue to dine and dance the night away until 12am. This year, the Academy of Friends hopes to raise $500,000. You can support Project Inform in a number of ways through the Gala this year: Purchase special BMW drawing tickets, Raffle tickets for the BMW drawing must be purchased by March 21, 2002. To purchase BMW tickets or general raffle tickets, please contact Julie Doherty at 415-558-8669 x223. To volunteer for the event, please contact Jason Alley, Volunteer Services Associate, at 415-558-8669 x219. Evening of Hope Raises Money and SpiritsProject Inform’s signature yearly event unites people from a variety of communities.Project Inform extends our heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of friends who joined us for two successful Evening of Hope events on October 2 in San Francisco and November 14 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. More than 700 joined us for two elegant evenings of camaraderie and conversation to support one of the nation’s most trusted and well-respected AIDS service organizations. Project Inform was pleased to recognize Macy*s West with this year’s Corporate Leadership Award. Since 1988, Macy*s Passport events alone have given over $15 million to community-based AIDS organizations. The Macy*s Passport events’ longtime support has made it possible for Project Inform to fulfill its mission. Macy*s Passport Producer Larry Hashbarger summed it up, “More than anything, the 20th anniversary of the first cases of AIDS reminds us of the urgency to solving the most critical health crisis in the history of the world.” Guests in San Francisco enjoyed a silent auction and a hosted Cosmo bar courtesy of Grand Marnier. Taste Catering provided an impressive array of food while the a cappella group, Hookslide, performed a high-energy mix of vocal harmony throughout the night. The evening’s high point included the inspiring remarks of Board member Alonzo Reese, who encouraged guests to “Let this be your Evening of Hope.” Guests in Los Angeles joined us for a star-studded evening to acknowledge selected activists, volunteers and philanthropists who have contributed to the work of Project Inform since its founding in 1985. Actresses Joely Fisher, JoBeth Williams and Jennifer Lewis along with Tony Award winner Michael Maguire assisted with the evening’s activities. Board member Brenda Freiberg spoke movingly about her longtime dedication to organizations like Project Inform. The Advocate Award was presented to Barry Krost for investing his expertise and resources in Project Inform since its very early days; and comedian Bruce Vilanch spoke about his personal commitment to fighting AIDS and homophobia. Their inspiring remarks, along with those of Founding Director Martin Delaney, eloquently reminded us of the impact that Project Inform makes every day. The Evenings of Hope provided the perfect opportunity for so many from the Project Inform family to come together, reflect on our victories and losses and strengthen our resolve to keep fighting until there are effective and accessible treatments for all people living with HIV. Project Inform’s New Strategic Plan Sets Vision for Next Three YearsWorking closely with the Board of Directors and staff, Project Inform recently completed a strategic plan that will serve as a vision for Project Inform over the coming three years. The strategic planning process provided an ideal opportunity to revisit existing programs, and to evaluate their continued relevance and strategic importance. This was done given relevant epidemiologic data, feedback from constituents and extermal stakeholders, the current economic and funding environment, and internal evaluation. We are excited about the renewed focus on these priorities and look forward to implementing these key strategies in the months and years ahead. Highlights of this plan include:
Project Inform Spearheads State HIV Advocacy Activists in LouisianaToday, AIDS advocacy is perhaps more important than ever. The events and aftermath of September 11 and the faltering economy have pushed Congress’ attention away from critical health issues. Recently, Congress passed and the President signed a FY 2002 budget that provided limited increases in Ryan White funding, prevention and housing. National Institutes of Health research faired better. One of the most glaring problems, though, is that we face a second year of inadequate AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) funding. The FY 2002 budget provided less than half the estimated need. The effect of this underestimating will be felt at the state, local and most notably, individual level. Some states will provide substantial funding to minimize the damage, while others will be unable or unwilling to make adequate contributions, causing further problems. Some ADAPs are already experiencing shortfalls and limits in service. State level advocacy can make the difference in how many people are able to access HIV care and treatment. Below is one recent example of how Project Inform helps activists and organizations to strategize, develop, and implement their own advocacy. State HIV Advocacy in Action The training started by outlining the strengths and challenges of doing advocacy work in Louisiana. The group identified strengths, including some strong relationships with legislators and administrators, and challenges such as limited general awareness of AIDS issues. That led to discussing the types of issues typically dealt with at the federal, state and local levels. Participants then brainstormed on the issues that need to be addressed in Louisiana. People in Louisiana face many of the same issues as other state advocates, including crafting effective prevention messages, quality health and sex information in schools, and developing more peer advocacy. Some issues may be more unique to Louisiana, including understanding their “uncompensated care” budget, so they can ensure there’s enough money to properly care for HIV-positive people. The second day started with a brief presentation on models for state advocacy structures followed by a discussion about what might work best in Louisiana. Participants then discussed the next steps in creating a presence in Baton Rouge. The group broke into subcommittees to continue their discussion, follow up on funding sources and begin their mission statement. One took on researching information to use in preparing a proposal for structure. Time was scheduled on future agendas to continue their work. Statewide advocacy groups, while challenging to develop and at times difficult to maintain and fund, are essential—especially in areas where access to care and treatment are limited. We congratulate the individuals and organizations in Louisiana who are working to strengthen their voice in Baton Rouge. Special thanks to Tim Young (HAART) and Amanda Diers (FLAA) for their contributions. 2001 Evening of Hope SupportersPlatinum Underwriters Underwriters Presenter Benefactor Sponsors Patron Sponsors Supporters |
PAST ISSUES#14 March 2002 |
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