CLEAR is an evidence-based, health promotion intervention for males and females living with HIV/AIDS.

CLEAR is composed of 5-7 individual counseling sessions which focus on managing stress, discomfort, & relaxation techniques, strengthening the skills necessary to make healthy choices for life, goal-setting & risk-reduction Incentives are provided upon completion.

If you are interested in being involved in CLEAR or have any questions, contact Alana at 515.284.0245

Telecare is up and running… and your Case Manager is just a video call away! Telecare is a web based program that allows clients who receive medical care at Primary Health Care to chat with their Case Managers while at PHC. If you are shorton time, or find it difficult to get to PHC and the Project, Telecare is for you!

Rather than trying to phone in the info, wait on faxes, and then end up running back and forth anyway, with Telecare you’ll be able to see which forms you need or which area to sign! Fewer surprises and better care!  The twenty-first century comes alive with Telecare!

If you are interested call your Case Manager at 284-0245, or talk with the staff at Primary Health Care.

The date for this year's Red Party has been announced!  Last year's Red Party was a great success, we're looking forward to an even better event this year!

Red Reigns!
7th Annual Red Party

Benefitting the
AIDS Project of Central Iowa
Friday, August 6th
5:30-8:00pm
e300 Building, 300 East Grand$15 Suggested Admission
(Includes 1 drink ticket)
Food/beverages by local restaurants and wineries
Door prizes & free gift bags to the first 50 guests

RED PARTY SPONSORS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AIDS Project of Central Iowa receives 5-year CDC grant worth an estimated $1.68 million

The AIDS Project of Central Iowa announced today the award of a CDC HIV prevention grant worth an estimated $1.68 million over five years.  The purpose of this funding is to reduce HIV infections throughout the state among its most heavily impacted population, men who have sex with men (MSM).

HIV infections in Iowa reached the second highest level ever in 2009, with HIV infections among young MSM doubling every two years.  Additionally, full-blown AIDS diagnoses at the time of initial HIV diagnosis reached their highest level since 1996.

“As HIV infections continue to rise in Iowa, this grant, the largest we’ve ever received, will help us deliver critical HIV prevention services to individuals who need them most” said Jordan Selha, executive director.  “This grant will allow us to modernize HIV prevention service-delivery by leveraging technology and expanding our reach in rural and urban areas alike.”

The grant, part of the CDC’s renewed commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, will enable The AIDS Project to implement an Internet-based prevention intervention that will reach MSM throughout Iowa.  The intervention will be an adaptation of Community Promise, an effective, evidence-based program that utilizes peer educators and influential role models to change cultural norms.  A second, more intensive, one-on-one prevention counseling intervention called CLEAR, will also be conducted by The AIDS Project and by their grant partner, Siouxland Community Health Center, in Sioux City.  Both interventions will include voluntary HIV testing and counseling as part of their programming.

“We’re well positioned to lead this charge that will benefit the entire state and bring Iowa’s prevention efforts to the next level” said Selha.  “And yet, we can’t do this work alone.  The AIDS Project works closely with a network of other organizations and evaluation experts who add a level of capacity and expertise needed to reverse the trend of record numbers of HIV infections.”

The AIDS Project of Central Iowa provides care services for Iowans living with HIV/AIDS and prevention services for communities most at-risk for infection.

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Media Contact:
Rhea Van Brocklin
Community Relations Director
AIDS Project of Central Iowa
515-284-0245 / f 515-282-7787
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Project is teaming up with Polk County Health Department to offer a monthly support group for individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C.  This support group provides a safe place to process challenges, successes, and share experiences of living with Hepatitis C.

Join facilitators Mark Hilenbrand and Kelli Wulfenkuhle on the third Tuesday of each month at the Polk County Community, Family and Youth Services office.  West entrance, conference room B, 1914 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, IA.The group meets from 6:00 to 7:00pm.

For more information, contact Mark at 515-284-0245 or Kelli at 515-286-3741.

be entertained.

be wowed with great auctions.

be photographed with celebs.

be generous.

be there!

Sunday, November 7, 2010 - 6-9pm

Embassy Suites on the River

On behalf of the AIDS Project of Central Iowa, we invite you to become part of a month of stars* by hosting a stars2010 party. Now 17 years old, this annual fundraiser is a celebration of generosity, compassion, and social awareness. In July, parties will be hosted by people like you, to support HIV awareness and services.

Funds from stars2010 support The Project, Iowa’s largest non-profit AIDS service organization. Due to the current economic climate we find ourselves facing new challenges while trying to maintain quality services. Did you know:

• - There are over 90 Iowans living with HIV on a waiting list to receive life-saving medications due to government budget shortfalls. An estimated 50% of all HIV+ people are not receiving adequate healthcare.

• - Since most new HIV infections are transmitted by people who aren’t getting care, it is no surprise, that in 2009 the number of new HIV infections rose to a near record high. Infections among youth ages 15-24 increased by 50%.

• - Case managers diligently help clients access treatment. 97% of clients surveyed stated that services from The Project helped them to focus on their healthcare.

• - Prevention counselors provide rapid testing to identify the estimated 25% of people who unknowingly have HIV. Awareness of one’s HIV+ status prevents its spread.

Our staff and board of directors are committed to reversing the trend of growing infections and waiting lists. But we can’t do it without your help! Host a stars2010 party! No party or event is too small, every dollar raised helps us reach our $50,000 goal and strengthens our community’s resistance to HIV/AIDS. We'll provide the invitations; you provide the guest list and ask invitees to make a donation in the local fight against HIV/AIDS.

If you’ve participated before, thank you; we hope to count you among our dedicated hosts again! If this is your first time hosting, welcome; we’re thrilled you’re part of the excitement! Either way, as a stars2010 host you will have a great time while contributing to an even greater cause.

Plan, host and party for a month of stars*! If you’re ready to say “COUNT ME IN”, simply complete this form. You’ll hear more from us soon. We’ve included a stars2010 Frequently Asked Questions guide that provides information about The Project and your role as a stars2010 host. If you have more questions, let us know.

stars2010…serious partying for a serious cause!

Jordan Selha
Executive Director

Keith Meendering
stars2010 Event Coordinator

stars2010 Planning Committee: Perry Klein, Keith Meendering, David Perkins, Betty Ridout, Jordan Selha, Rhea Van Brocklin, David Vitiritto, Heidi Wessels

*month of stars – July is our suggested month for parties, however, you are welcome to select a date to fit your schedule.  We ask that all stars2010 parties be completed by November 1, 2010.

Thank you to all who participated in this year's walk/run!  This event is a powerful way for the community to show support and solidaridy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those we've loved and lost.

Runner standings are available here (PDF).  This year's runners did superbly on our challenging course - The winner, Jeff Weber, was almost a full minute faster than last year's winner!  Congratulations, Jeff!

Photos from the event are available on the Walk/Run website.