By: Javier ArauzCare Resource is South Florida's oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organization serving both Miami-Dade County and Fort Lauderdale. It celebrates 25 years of service this year.
Care Resource has raised money through various events, the largest being Aids Walk Miami. Aids Walk Miami has raised about $250,000 to $350,000, a year for the past twenty years. The goal this year is to raise $400,000 as participants walk, run or rollerblade the 3 mile course.
All of the money raised from Aids Walk Miami is distributed between their Miami and Fort Lauderdale offices. The money helps provide services to the over 7,000 clients. Aids Walk Miami is the only walk that keep the entire amount of money raised local, helping the community first. It is important to keep that money local because the Miami metropolitan area has the highest AIDS rates in the nation, followed by Ft. Lauderdale metropolitan area in second.
There are four full time doctors at Care Resource and services provided include full outpatient medical care, psychosocial services, substance abuse counseling, case management, dental services, an in house food bank and home delivered meals to those who cannot leave their home, as well as funding research for medications. Medications that help with the HIV virus have come a long way but there is still no cure.
“The problem is the after being on a certain drug for a period of time, the disease becomes resistant to it and a change in medication is needed,” Terry DeCarlo, Care Resources Public Relations and Marketing Manager said.
Care Resource at the current time is involved with twelve different drug studies testing the next generation of HIV/AIDS medications. However, funds are hard to find. It’s events like Aids Walk Miami that keep the funds coming in, and the people getting care. DeCarlo says that the issue of HIV/AIDS is one that is being ignored.
“If everyone said the word AIDS once a day and the press printed the word once a day in an article it would stay in the forefront of everyone’s mind. However, with this not happening it gets lost and people feel there is no crisis because they are not hearing about it regularly,” he said.
The walk is sponsored by WSVN 7, Macy’s, Starbucks, UHAUL and others this year. A PSA produced by FOX runs on their station as well as Comcast cable stations during the two months leading to the event. Over 30,000 brochures and flyers are also distributed through outlets such as Macy’s and Starbucks. The goal is not only to raise money but also to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS.
In past years there has been local entertainment such as stilt walkers dressed in outrageous costumes joining the walk, adding a lighter tone to such a serious topic. All of the participants are rewarded for their efforts after the 3 mile walk with an after party presented by MTV. A website specifically for the event has been created. On it visitors can donate money, sponsor runners, view event details and even take an AIDS awareness quiz.
The 20th annual Aids Walk Miami will be on April 20 in Miami Beach.(To donate, participate or for more info on Aids Walk Miami visit: http://www.kintera.org/FAF/home/default.asp?ievent=257870) Visit Javier's Blog
