Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Why do you walk? AIDS WALK SPOKANE 2014
It's that time of year again.....time to gear up for the 2014 AIDS Walk Spokane! Mark your calendars for September 27, 2014. Go to www.SANWalk.org to register.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
So why do I walk? by Sarah Hamilton, SAN Board Member
So why do I walk?
SAN is a lifeline in our community.
The organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of people living with, impacted by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. They provide education to help prevent new HIV infections, and testing to ensure those that are infected are diagnosed and linked to care. It’s often the most vulnerable in our communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and other diseases. As such, the medical case management services SAN provides – helping their clients navigate a changing healthcare and insurance system, and ensuring clients have access to adequate housing, food, and transportation – functions as a true lifeline to those in need.
The organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of people living with, impacted by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS. They provide education to help prevent new HIV infections, and testing to ensure those that are infected are diagnosed and linked to care. It’s often the most vulnerable in our communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and other diseases. As such, the medical case management services SAN provides – helping their clients navigate a changing healthcare and insurance system, and ensuring clients have access to adequate housing, food, and transportation – functions as a true lifeline to those in need.
There’s work to be done.
Each month roughly 1-2 people become infected with HIV in the Spokane area, and only 20% people know their HIV status. Recent data has confirmed that when people receive early and regular access to the medicine and care they need, they’re more likely to reach viral suppression - meaning the virus in their blood is at such a low level it’s “undetectable.” When suppressed, a person’s chance of transmitting HIV to another person is reduced by 96%. This means the wrap-around medical and prevention services SAN provides not only improves the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, they help to prevent new infections here in Spokane.
Each month roughly 1-2 people become infected with HIV in the Spokane area, and only 20% people know their HIV status. Recent data has confirmed that when people receive early and regular access to the medicine and care they need, they’re more likely to reach viral suppression - meaning the virus in their blood is at such a low level it’s “undetectable.” When suppressed, a person’s chance of transmitting HIV to another person is reduced by 96%. This means the wrap-around medical and prevention services SAN provides not only improves the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, they help to prevent new infections here in Spokane.
How has SAN impacted me? I work for an organization (Funders Concerned About AIDS) that helps to mobilize and advocate for increased philanthropic leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In less than a year as a SAN volunteer and Board Member I’ve learned so much about the realities agencies like SAN face in their daily work: How they go above and beyond every day for their clients, and how they constantly think about how to reduce costs and improve services. I hear them talking with clients about family members, bus routes, jobs, substance abuse, or how to fill out their taxes, all the little things – positive and negative – that could present a barrier to a client’s care and treatment. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t hear a SAN employee called an angel or a lifesaver. I am beyond grateful for the insight I’ve gained from SAN, and remain entirely humbled by their dedication and energy.
The chance to raise $$ and awareness.
We’re all aware that we’re “doing more with less.” This walk is just one way for colleagues, supporters, family members, and the Spokane Community to come out and help raise the critical funds SAN needs to continue to meet its mission to “minimize the impact of, and maximize awareness about, AIDS and other consequences of HIV infection in the Inland Northwest.”
And while every dollar is important, your presence and time is also an essential part of the fight. Give us your time, share info on the walk with others, and help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in Spokane.
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