AIDS Walk Run
About AIDS Athens
AIDS Athens 2007 Accomplishments
AIDS Athens was founded in 1987 by a group of Athens residents and received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 1989. AIDS Athens exists to enhance and enrich the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their friends and loved ones. The organization also seeks to effect a fundamental change in society's attitude toward persons infected with HIV/AIDS. Its mission is to address the needs of individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through supportive services and to prevent the spread of the disease through education and community outreach. AIDS Athens serves the 10 county Northeast Georgia Health District which includes Jackson, Barrow, Madison, Elbert, Clarke, Oglethorpe, Oconee, Walton, Morgan and Greene Counties. Notably, AIDS Athens is the only AIDS Service Organization (ASO) serving this area.
AIDS Athens uses case management to assess the needs of HIV positive individuals to assist them in obtaining medical care, community resources, housing assistance, financial assistance, food, clothing and other services. They operate a food pantry, clothing closet and housing program for homeless and near homeless individuals and families. Over 90% of its clients fall below the poverty level and are in desperate need of these services.
In addition to addressing these basic necessities, AIDS Athens also offers support groups, peer counseling, a buddy program, days of support and client socials to ensure our clients' emotional needs are also being met. As one can imagine, an HIV diagnoses brings with it fear, anxiety, discrimination, and severe depression. Given the many advances in modern medicine, an HIV diagnosis is now a chronic manageable disease and not a death sentence. Yet, it takes much support to help clients understand how to live healthy and positively with the disease. AIDS Athens also offers free HIV testing to the community as well as conducting educational and prevention programs throughout the community in conjunction with local businesses, civic groups, educational groups, and faith-based organizations.
AIDS Athens currently serves over 300 clients infected with HIV/AIDS in Northeast Georgia. It also tests over 300 people a year for HIV/AIDS and educates over 2,500 people each year on how to prevent contracting HIV/AIDS.