Thank you so much for everything you did to make AIDS Walk Portland 2016 a huge success! We couldn't have done it without you commitment and enthusiasm. While we take a quick break before plunging into planning AIDS Walk 2017, here's just an example of two new programs that funds raised at the September event will help support:
The link between health and housing: While we’ve always been certain that stable housing and connection to services boost an HIV-positive person’s health, until recently we haven’t been able to put a number on it. Now, thanks to new data sharing software and a federally funded pilot data integration project, we can chart the correlation between the services we offer clients and these clients’ medical visits and viral loads.
We’ll know, for instance, if a newly housed client is more likely to take their medication, and if, as a result, their HIV viral load is lower, meaning that their HIV is under control. We’ll know if they’re now able to make their medical appointments regularly. We’ll also be able to track which programs are the most effective at boosting our clients’ health, and how that might differ depending on a person’s race or ethnicity or income level, for instance.
HIV and domestic violence: Victims of intimate violence are among our community’s most vulnerable members. Unfortunately, it means they are also more likely to contract HIV. Until now, Portland has had no systematic way to screen these individuals for HIV and offer them and their families housing and case management to foster their health and wellbeing while they get back on their feet.
Beginning October 1, 2016, CAP has partnered with Bradley Angle to identify and support HIV-positive people and their families. We expect this year about 14 households will receive rent subsidies and referrals to help stabilize their lives. A person’s health should not be ignored while they face the many other challenges that come with intimate violence, and CAP’s collaboration with Bradley Angle will ensure these families get the help they need.
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On September 10, at The Fields Park, we're set for another amazing AIDS Walk Portland. As always, the money we raise will go toward Cascade AIDS Project's mission of preventing HIV infections, supporting and empowering people living with or affected by HIV, and eliminating HIV-related stigma and health disparities.
This year's walk is especially important, as we're opening health clinic in the winter of 2017 focusing on the needs of the LGBTQ community. The clinic will be a safe an affirming place where, for example, a trans man can get a pap smear or a lesbian couple can go for family planning--and not feel judged.
But the walk's not all serious! Form a team and have some fun. Maybe your team will wear T shirts from your business, or maybe you'll form a themed team, like Andrew Shayde's The Mighty Monster team, where everyone will dress as a different mythical beast.
Where else but at AIDS Walk Portland can you help banish HIV while having a great time? Please join us!
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AIDS Walk Portland 2016 is September 10, 2016. While that might seem far away, it's not!
More than 40 teams have already signed up for the big day and begun fundraising. Businesses, churches, and groups of friends have chosen themes, starting enrolling members, and even holding events to raise money for their teams.
AIDS Walk Portland is not only Cascade AIDS Project's largest fundraiser, it's efficiently run so that costs are very low and more than 90% of the money raised goes straight to support our mission of preventing HIV infections, supporting and empowering people living with or affected by HIV, and eliminating HIV-related stigma and health disparities.
Meanwhile, at CAP we've been putting the pieces in place for a fabulous AIDS Walk, including doing everything from securing permits to hiring MCs and entertainers.
What team will you join? Or maybe you'll create one of your own. We're looking forward to see you on September 10th and finding out!
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Thank you, everyone, for an amazing AIDS Walk 2015!
We're in the planning stages for this year's AIDS Walk, which will be held in Fields Park in September 2016. Many people are surprised to learn that planning a one-day event takes all year. We'll give you a peek into our planning process:
Registration set up: www.aidswalkportland.org needs updated each year, and we work on improving its functionality to make it easier for you to register and to get and track donations. Plus, we add fabulous photos of last year's teams.
The venue: Then, there's securing the myriad permits needed to hold an event attracting more than 20,000 people. Not only do we need to get a permit for Fields Park, we need to get clearance for the walk's entire route and police to block traffic and Trimet buses and trains as necessary. Plus, there are sound systems, portapotties, and tents to rent.
Sponsors: All year round we solicit sponsors to host AIDS Walk Portland. We've been lucky to have some amazing sponsors that offer ongoing support, including Chevron, Nike, OHSU, The Standard, and more.
Lead-up events: We hold a handful of pre-walk events to get people charged up for AIDS Walk.
That's just a tiny bit of what happens to put on AIDS Walk Portland. We hope to see you this fall at the event!
Thank you so much to the 10,000+ of you who participated in AIDS Walk Portland this year! It was a whopping success, and we raised $493,000 toward Cascade AIDS Project's mission of preventing HIV infections, supporting and empowering people living with or affected by HIV, and eliminating HIV-related stigma and health disparities.
AIDS Walk Portland 2015 took place at The Fields Park on a gorgeous, sunny Saturday. Before the walk, we heard inspiring speeches from Oregon's governor and Portland's mayor. Bolivia was a tremendous emcee.
It was heart warming to see everyone: families, couples, friends, teams from work, teams in costume--you name it! We had babies, pets, and elders in wheelchairs. Homeless clients mixed with corporate barons--we're all one group when it comes to fighting HIV.
Again, thank you so much! We look forward to seeing you next year for AIDS Walk Portland 2016!
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