December 1, 1998
In the United States and around the world, community-based AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) are primary sources of help for people with AIDS. ASOs exist not only in the metropolitan cities but also in more remote settings, providing thousands of hours of care and prevention.
The ASO is often the primary caregiver to persons living with AIDS. It may be the place that a person is first diagnosed with HIV, and it may provide every type of service a person with AIDS may need for the rest of his/her life, including funeral arrangements. From the first one-on-one caregiver situations to the current multi-million dollar budgeted agencies, ASOs have been helping persons living with AIDS maintain a sense of dignity in their lives by providing assistance in dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic on a personal, daily level.
For more information on AIDS Service Organizations in your area, please contact:
The following is a description of organizations that you might want to contact for more information on HIV/AIDS. For a comprehensive listing of national, state and local organizations involved with HIV/AIDS issues, please contact the CDC National Prevention Information Network at 1-800-458-5231.
AIDS Action Council is dedicated to shaping federal policy for people living with HIV/AIDS. Contact: AIDS Action, 1875 Connecticut Ave, NW, Ste 700, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 986-1300
AIDS National Interfaith Network assists AIDS ministries to share resources and provides a public policy presence in Washington representing the faith community. Coordinates the Council of National Religious AIDS Networks. Contact: ANIN, 1400 I St, NW, Ste 1220, Washington, DC 20005-2208; (202) 842-0010; www.anin.org
AIDS Nutrition Services Alliance assists HIV nutrition providers through technical assistance, advocacy, networking and resource sharing; coordinates the annual AIDS meal and nutrition providers conference; and provides referrals for individuals seeking local resources. Contact: ANSA, 1400 Eye Street, NW, Ste 1220, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-5650; ANSAoffice@aol.com; www.aidsnutrition.org
AIDS Policy Center for Children, Youth and Families serves the unique public policy concerns of parents, families and young people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Contact: APC, 918 16th St, NW, Ste 201, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 785-3564; e-mail: apccyf@aol.com
American Civil Liberties Union undertakes impact litigation, monitors legislation and engages in educational efforts affecting the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS through its AIDS Project. Contact: ACLU AIDS Project, 125 Broad St, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has developed HIV/AIDS education materials that are distributed to union members. It also offers technical assistance to union affiliates. Contact: AFL-CIO, George Meany Center for Labor Studies, 10000 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (301) 431-6400
American Public Health Association identifies challenges for public health through its HIV/AIDS Special Primary Interest Group (SPIG). Contact: APHA, 1015 15th St, NW, Ste 300, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 789-5600; www.apha.org
American Red Cross prepares and certifies instructors to deliver effective HIV/AIDS prevention education. Various materials are available, including manuals, videos and posters; some materials are available in Spanish. Contact your local American Red Cross unit. www.redcross.org
American Social Health Association operates the CDC National AIDS Hotline in English and Spanish, the CDC National STD Hotline, and the National Herpes Hotline. It also offers Classroom Calls, which is a teaching tool designed to enhance classroom discussion about HIV/AIDS. Provides free literature and referrals. (Hotline numbers are listed under Hotlines on page 40.) Contact: ASHA, P.O. Box 13827, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709; (919) 361-8400; www.ashastd.org
Ark of Refuge, Inc. provides technical assistance for replication of the Black Church (Harlem) National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS in partnership with the Balm in Gilead, Inc. and the Institute for Minority AIDS Prevention Studies, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, with specific responsibility for involving gospel music radio. Contact: 1025 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 861-1060
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials participates in the establishment of sound national public health policy and state health programs. Contact: ASTHO, 1275 K St, NW, Ste 800, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 371-9090;
Balm in Gilead, Inc. is the originator of the Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. Now in partnership with Ark of Refuge and Institute for Minority AIDS Prevention, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, offers technical assistance for replication of the Week of Prayer. Contact: 130 West 42nd St, Ste 450, New York, NY 10036; (212) 730-7381
Cable Positive organizes cable television's participation in the Day of Compassion and World AIDS Day, provides free "AIDS in the Workplace" seminars to cable companies, offers confidential financial assistance to industry employees living with HIV/AIDS, creates and distributes public service announcements, and awards grants to local AIDS organizations. Contact: 1500 Broadway, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10036-4015; (212) 852-5190; www.cablepositive.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims to prevent HIV infection and reduce associated morbidity and mortality, in collaboration with community, state, national and international partners. It sponsors the CDC National Prevention Information Network, a comprehensive reference, referral and publications distribution service for HIV/AIDS information for people working in the field of HIV prevention and education. The CDC National AIDS Hotline provides information, referrals and educational materials to the public in a confidential manner. The Business Responds to AIDS Program, a comprehensive workplace HIV education program, provides a central resource and referral service for business and labor. The Business and Labor Resource Service links the business sector with community resources and technical assistance. The AIDS Clinical Trials Information Service, a Public Health Service interagency project, provides up-to-date information about federally and privately funded clinical trials that evaluate experimental drugs and other therapies for adults and children with HIV infection. The HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service provides information about federally approved HIV/AIDS treatments and guidelines to health care providers and people with HIV infection and AIDS. CDC's HIV Prevention Marketing Initiative is a large-scale social marketing program to influence behaviors that contribute to the sexual transmission of HIV and other STDs.
See "Hotlines" for the CDC National Prevention Information Network, CDC National AIDS Hotline and the AIDS Clinical Trial Information Service telephone numbers. Contact CDC Business and Labor Resource Service at 1-800-458-5231; 1-800-243-7012 (deaf access/TDD); 1-301-562-1098 (international); or write CDC National Prevention Information Network, CDC Business Responds to AIDS Resource, P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849-6003; e-mail info@cdcnpin.org; visit CDC on the Internet at www.cdc.gov
Commission on the Mental and Physical Disability Law serves people who have been discriminated against because of a disability, including people with AIDS, and offers several legal publications. Conducts research and provides training on legal issues regarding disability issues. Contact: 740 15th St, NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-1009; (202) 662-1570; www.abanet.org
Congress of National Black Churches, Inc. works to reduce the disproportionate burden of ill health and premature death in the African American community through its National Health Program. Contact: 1225 Eye St, NW, Ste 750, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 371-1091; www.cnbc.org
Council of Chief State School Officers Resource Center on Educational Equity HIV Education Project assists chief state school officers and state education agencies in: (1) providing effective education about HIV/AIDS within comprehensive school health programs and (2) building interagency and cross-sector collaborative efforts to improve health and educational outcomes for students, through its HIV/School Health Project. Contact: Public Information, One Massachusetts Ave, NW, Ste 700, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 408-5505; www.ccsso.org
Council of National Religious AIDS Networks is a coalition of faith groups dedicated to the promotion of various AIDS issues. Faiths represented include The Balm in Gilead, Buddhism, Catholicism, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist, Unitarian, United Church of Christ, Methodist, and The River Fund. Contact: 1400 I St, NW, Ste 1220, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 842-0010; www.thebody.com
Dignity/USA is an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics and their families and friends, which works to promote spiritual development, educational outreach, social reform and the advocacy of feminist issues. Contact: Dignity/USA, 1500 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Ste 11, Washington, DC 20005, (202) 861-0017; 1-800-877-8797; www.dignityusa.org
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is a national law and policy center dedicated to furthering the civil rights of people with disabilities such as HIV/AIDS. Managed and directed by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, it is a unique advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. Contact: 2212 6th St, Berkeley, CA 94710; (510) 644-2555
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association combats homophobia in the medical profession and in society and promotes the best possible health care for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. GLMA offers support services for HIV-positive healthcare workers. Contact: GLMA, 459 Fulton St, Ste 107, San Francisco, CA 94102; (415) 255-4547
Health Resources and Services Administration administers the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides primary health care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS and supports the education and training of HIV/AIDS health professionals. Support services include case management, assistance in purchasing medications, outreach, education, counseling and testing, hospice care, and other services for low-income and medically underserved populations affected by HIV/AIDS. Contact: HRSA, HIV/AIDS Bureau, Parklawn Bldg, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rm 7-46, Rockville, MD 20857; (301) 443-6652; www.hrsa.dhhs.gov
Human Rights Campaign lobbies the federal government on lesbian and gay health issues and works for sound HIV/AIDS federal policies. Contact: HRC, 1101 14th St, NW, Ste 200, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 628-4160; wwwhrcusa.org
Intercultural Family Services Inc. Provides culturally competent HIV/AIDS services for individuals, including pre/post-natal care for infected mothers, legal and financial services, after-school and day camp programs, HIV testing and treatment, education/prevention programs, referrals to other organizations, translation of information into 17 languages and more. Contact: 4225 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 386-1298
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission works to end violence against gays, lesbians and people with HIV/AIDS through monitoring, documenting and mobilizing worldwide attention and action. Contact: 1360 Mission St, Ste 200, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 255-8680; www.iglhrc.org
Join Together Online is a free resource on the Internet for communities working to reduce substance abuse and gun violence. The Web site offers information on current issues in the media, tools to make positive changes in your community, and support services for families and friends. Contact: 441 Stuart St, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02116; (617) 437-1500; www.jointogether.org
The Learning Partnership publishes Straight Talk, a magazine-style health education and risk-reduction program for adolescents. A free copy of the HIV/AIDS issue is available to agencies seeking resources for World AIDS Day. Contact: The Learning Partnership, P.O. Box 199, Pleasantville, NY 10570; 1-800-551-7672
Mothers' Voices is a national grass-roots organization, with chapters across the country, that encourages mothers to promote public policies that advance AIDS education, pre-vention, research, treatment and, ultimately, a cure. Contact: Mothers' Voices, 165 West 46th St, Ste 701, New York, NY 10036; (212) 730-2777; www.mvoices.org
NAMES Project Foundation memorializes those who have died of AIDS through its Memorial Quilt. The NAMES Project provides a World AIDS Day display package. Contact: NAMES Project Foundation, 310 Townsend St, Ste 310, San Francisco, CA 94107-1639; (415) 882-5500;
National AIDS Fund is dedicated to eliminating HIV disease as a major health and social problem. It works in partnership with the public and private sectors to provide care and prevent new infections -- through advocacy, grantmaking, research and education -- in communities and in the workplace. Contact: National AIDS Fund, 1400 I St, NW, Ste 1220, Washington, D.C. 20005-2208; (202) 408-4848
National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors administers HIV/AIDS health care, prevention and support programs funded by states and the federal government and provides counsel to policy makers and federal agencies to create a comprehensive AIDS agenda. Contact: NASTAD, 444 North Capitol St, NW, Ste 339, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 434-8090; www.nastad.org
National Association of County and City Health Officials is the national voice of local health officials and provides education, information, research and technical assistance to local health departments. NACCHO's HIV/AIDS project advocates for progressive HIV policy and adequate resources to sustain and enhance prevention, research and care services. Contact: NACCHO, 1100 17th St, NW, 2nd Flr, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 783-5550; www.naccho.org
National Association of People with AIDS has programs for health, treatment, public policy, information and referral. Its speakers bureau can arrange for HIV-positive and affected educators to speak at engagements nationwide. Contact: NAPWA, 1413 K St, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005-3442; (202) 898-0414; www.napwa.org
National Catholic AIDS Network publishes a newsletter, sponsors an annual HIV/AIDS Ministry Conference, serves as a clearinghouse of information, provides education and technical assistance, and acts as a source of referral. Contact: National Catholic AIDS Network, P.O. Box 422984, San Francisco, CA 94142-2984; (707) 874-3031
National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations provides training and technical assistance on HIV/AIDS prevention program planning, implementation and evaluation in Hispanic communities to a network of 80 community-based organizations and health departments across the country through its Community HIV & AIDS Training and Technical Assistance Network. Contact: COSSMHO, 1501 16th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1401; (202) 387-5000; www.cossmho.org
National Conference of State Legislatures produces a variety of HIV/AIDS-related publications and provides research assistance to legislators and staff on HIV/AIDS topics. Contact: NCSL, HIV/AIDS Project, 1560 Broadway, Ste 700, Denver, CO 80202-5140; (303) 830-2200; or 444 N. Capitol St, NW, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 624-5400
National Council of La Raza AIDS Center provides national capacity-building technical assistance and training to reduce the spread of HIV in the Hispanic community. Contact: NCLR, 1111 19th St, NW, Ste 1000, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-1670; www.nclr.org
National Education Association Health Information Network provides school employees with information on health issues of concern to students and school personnel. Contact: NEA Health Information Network, 1201 16th St, NW, Ste 521, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 822-7570; www.nea.org/hin/
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Policy Institute works with government officials and with non-governmental professional, religious and advocacy groups in lobbying for general gay and lesbian rights issues and AIDS rights issues. Contact: NGLTF, 2320 17th St, NW, Washington, DC 20009-2702; (202) 332-6483; www.ngltf.org
National Hemophilia Foundation provides information on hemophilia and HIV/AIDS through its Hemophilia and AIDS/HIV Network for the Dissemination of Information (HANDI). Contact: 111 W. 32nd St,11th Floor, New York, NY 10001; 1-800-42-HANDI; www.infonhs.org
National Latina Health Network addresses critical public health concerns affecting Latinas and their families nationwide. NLHN promotes leadership, advocacy, and community health partnerships and initiatives that impact social health policy. The Teatro AIDS Prevention Program for Latinas (TAPP) uses theater to educate, motivate and engage young "at-risk" Latinas 16-24 years of age in healthy decision making choices regarding sexual health. Contact: NLHN, 4818 Montgomery La, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 20814; 301-951-9633.
National Minority AIDS Council lends visibility, leadership, comprehensive technical assistance and a powerful voice to frontline AIDS workers in communities of color. Its member community-based organizations offer outreach, care, education, housing and support services. Contact: NMAC, 1931 13th St, NW, Washington, DC 20009; (202) 483-6622; www.nmac.org
National Pediatric and Family HIV Resource Center UMDNJ provides consultation, technical assistance and training for health care providers. It also explores public policy issues related to the care of HIV-positive children. Contact: NPHRC, Children's Hospital of New Jersey, 30 Bergen St, ADMC # 4, Newark, NJ 07107
National Task Force on AIDS Prevention provides HIV/AIDS prevention, education, research, client care, and technical assistance and training services by and for communities of color. Contact: 973 Market St, Ste 600, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 356-8100
National Women's Health Network provides individuals with information and perspectives not offered by their health care providers as well as does advocacy work with federal government agencies. It also acts as a clearinghouse for information on women's health. Contact: NWHN, 514 10th St, NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC 20004; (202) 347-1140, or Clearinghouse (202) 628-7814
New Conservatory Theatre Center provides age-appropriate HIV prevention education for children ages 5-19 through touring theatre presentations. Contact: 25 Van Ness Ave, Lower lobby, San Francisco, CA 94102; (415) 861-4914.
Office of National AIDS Policy, Executive Office of the President supports communications with and between the general public, community activists, national organizations, legislative bodies and various federal agencies. Contact: ONAP, 736 Jackson Pl, NW, Washington, DC 20503; (202) 456-2437
Planned Parenthood® Federation of America provides nationwide maternal health services as well as testing and treatment for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, and sexuality education. For the center nearest you, call 1-800-230-PLAN. Contact: 810 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10019; (212) 541-7800
Project Inform is a treatment information and advocacy organization for HIV-infected individuals. It offers free hotline services, publications, on-line services and drug access advocacy programs. Contact: Project Inform, 205 13th St, Ste 2001, San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 558-8669; Treatment Hotline 1-800-822-7422
Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States promotes education about sexuality. Publishes a report on work from a variety of disciplines and perspectives about sexuality. Contact: SIECUS, 130 West 42nd St, Ste 350, New York, NY 10036-7901; (212) 819-9770; www.siecus.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration improves the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, early intervention, treatment and rehabilitation services for substance abuse and mental health, providing national leadership in AIDS policy and services. It offers alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and treatment services nationally. Contact: SAMHSA Office on AIDS, Rm 12C-15, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857; (301) 443-5305
UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) is the leading advocate for global action on HIV/AIDS. By bringing together six UN agencies in a common effort to fight the epidemic, UNAIDS is committed to expanding the international response to HIV on all fronts -- medical, public health, social, economic, cultural, political and human rights. Contact: UNAIDS, 20 ave Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland; 011-41-22-791-3666; e-mail: unaids@unaids.org; www.unaids.org
United States Agency for International Development is the U.S. government agency that administers the U.S. foreign development assistance program and has committed more than $800 million to HIV/AIDS prevention activities since 1986. Contact: HIV/AIDS Division, USAID, G/PHN/HN/HIV-AIDS, Federal Triangle Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20523; (202) 712-1279; www.info.usaid.gov
United States Conference of Mayors provides grants for HIV prevention activities and technical assistance to mayors, community-based organizations and local health departments and conducts research on the impact of HIV at the local level, with funding from CDC. Publications are free for community-based organizations and local health departments. Contact: USCM HIV/AIDS Program, 1620 Eye St, NW, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 293-7330; www.usmayors.org/uscm
Until There's A Cure Foundation raises funds for HIV/AIDS care services, fosters compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS, promotes youth education and advocates the development of a vaccine. Funds are raised through the sale of the Until There's A Cure Bracelet -- a simple band with a small raised AIDS awareness ribbon. Contact: UTAC, 520 South El Camino Real, Ste 718, San Mateo, CA 94402; (650) 696-6360; www.until.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights works to end discrimination against qualified individuals with handicaps, including AIDS. Contact: Office for Civil Rights, 200 Independence Ave, SW, Rm 509F, Washington, DC 20201; (202) 619-0403
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal antidiscrimination laws such as Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act through investigation, conciliation, litigation, education and technical assistance. Contact: EEOC, 1801 L St, NW, Washington, DC 20507; (202) 663-4900
Visual AIDS is a volunteer group of artists and art profession-als who create and coordinate AIDS awareness programs such as the Ribbon Project, Day Without Art, Night Without Light, Electric Blanket and the Archive Project for artists with HIV/AIDS. It provides direct service to artists living with HIV/AIDS. Contact: Visual AIDS, 526 W 26th St, Rm 510, New York, NY 10001; (212) 627-9855
Youth-Friendly OrganizationsAdvocates for Youth Covenant House New York Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Youth Center Metro TeenAIDS National Center for Youth Law National Network for Youth Youth Care |