Aids Response Effort: Providing Care, Education, and Support in Our Community
Jul 22, 2024
Our conversation today welcomes Sara Jenkins and Mandy Underwood from the AIDS Response Effort (ARE). Our discussion sheds light on the organization's mission, services, and the ongoing battle against HIV and STIs in the Lord Fairfax Community Health District.
AIDS Response Effort, Inc. (ARE for short) is a local grassroots nonprofit that has been serving the Northern Shenandoah Valley for more than 30 years. You may not have heard of ARE, but its staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to HIV care and prevention resources. While HIV may not be a top news story, it is still around and spreading, along with sexually transmitted infections (or STIs), in our region. ARE offers free testing services and prevention resources to everyone in the community, as well as free medical case management for those diagnosed with HIV.
Mandy explains her dynamic role as a Prevention and Testing Specialist, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of their outreach efforts. She shares insights into the reasons behind the reluctance to get tested, notably stigma and lack of education, while noting the rise in STI cases and the critical need for regular testing.
Sara, a Medical Case Manager, brings attention to the comprehensive support provided to those diagnosed with HIV, from immediate medical care to long-term case management. She shares touching success stories, narrating how the organization helps clients achieve undetectable viral loads, thereby transforming their lives.
Both guests underline the importance of community support, funding, and volunteers in continuing their work. They highlight the organization's various community engagement efforts, including the recently opened LGBTQ+ Center, and discuss future fundraising initiatives. Find more information about their Peer to Peer campaign by clicking here.
This episode is a heartfelt narrative of resilience, community support, and the tireless effort to combat the stigma and spread of HIV and STIs. It’s a vital listen for anyone looking to understand and support the crucial work being done by the AIDS Response Effort.
Learn more about HIV/STI testing and how you can support ARE on their website: https://aidsresponseeffort.org/