IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AIDS Services Foundation Orange County (ASF) was surprised last week with a $50,000 gift from the William and Sue Gross Family Foundation. The gift will be used to increase ASF's ability to reach at-risk populations in Orange County with HIV testing.
In June of this year, ASF launched an HIV testing campaign entitled "Take the Initiative. Take the Test." As the initial tactic in fulfilling the agency's vision of "the end of AIDS in Orange County," the campaign includes outreach to and testing in targeted communities at risk for contracting the virus. The goal of the campaign is $100,000.
"ASF is now placing an even greater emphasis on prevention efforts. We are at a turning point in the history of this disease. We can now envision a future without HIV in Orange County and are confident testing and education will get us there," said Philip Yaeger, ASF executive director and CEO. "The most important thing ASF can do to help an individual with HIV or AIDS is connect them with care. Once they are receiving treatment, they get healthier, become considerably less likely to transmit the virus, and the community on the whole becomes healthier. Until each individual knows his or her status, there's no reason for them to seek treatment. That's why this generous gift from Sue and Bill that will extend the reach of the testing campaign is so important for Orange County."
"Bill and I are very proud to support ASF as they work toward ending both the spread of HIV and the incidence of AIDS in our community," said Sue Gross, President of the family's foundation. "As we've seen in our efforts in other parts of the world, the sooner you become aware, the greater the likelihood of successful treatment and a better life. We believe this program will make an impact on Orange County."
According to the most recent statistics released by the Orange County Healthcare Agency, there are nearly 6,700 people confirmed living with HIV disease in Orange County. However, factoring in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that twenty percent of those living with HIV don't know they are infected, the estimated population living with HIV in Orange County could be more than 8,000. The groups that have seen the highest rate of infection percentage increase over last two years are people aged 20-29 and Hispanics.
The agency will reach at risk populations where they congregate. Testing hours are already regularly scheduled at the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana. Collegiate campuses often host health fairs at which ASF provides free HIV testing and counseling. Community fairs and events, such as the recent AIDS Walk Orange County and the upcoming National Latino AIDS Awareness Day health fair are also targeted to host testing. And teams of ASF's HIV Prevention Specialists are out in the public in force on the days surrounding National HIV Testing Day and World AIDS Day.
The "Take the Initiative. Take the Test" fund raising campaign is scheduled to conclude with the agency's "Annual Gala – A Night in South Beach" on September 29 at Stage 17 at Disney California Adventure®. With the inclusion of the Grosses gift, to date the agency has raised more than $76,000. The final $24,000 is expected to be raised at the event, through a formal appeal letter sent to agency donors, through a Facebook appeal and from concerned individuals reached through this article.
Donations are accepted online at www.ocasf.org, by mail at 17982 Sky Park Circle, Ste J, Irvine, CA 92614 or by calling the agency at (949) 809-5700. Tickets for ASF's Annual Gala can be purchased online at www.ocasf.org/annual-gala.html.
Free, confidential HIV testing is conducted at the above address Tuesday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary and test results are obtained in about 20 minutes. Pre- and post-test counseling are provided.
ASF is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 by a small group of dedicated volunteers. Annually, the agency assists more than 1,600 men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Among the services ASF provides are food, transportation, housing, emergency financial assistance, mental health counseling, HIV testing, and HIV prevention and education programs. To learn more about ASF go to www.ocasf.org. ;
The AIDS Services Foundation Orange County logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13488
CONTACT:Marc Montminy, ASF, 949-809-8766
mmontminy@ocasf.org
