New email-based newsletter!

We are proud to unveil the first edition of the AIDGwinnett "Big Picture" email newsletter, featuring updates for clients and volunteers, upcoming events, important news and programmatic updates including information on HIV testing, HIV prevention services as well as medical care and support for persons living with HIV. Please share the "Big Picture" with your friends and family! Please email us with your feedback!

Saving Lives at Pride Festival

Above: Rapid HIV test gives results in 20 minutes

On June 27 AIDGwinnett conducted rapid HIV testing at the Atlanta Pride Festival. Forty young adults received HIV testing, including a large number of bisexual, gay and transgender young adults (LBGT), and several of the attendees are in the process of being linked to support services and medical treatment for HIV. This marks the first time any group has ever used the 20-minute oral HIV test at this particular annual event, which usually serves more than 100,000 attendees.

The success of this event was made possible with the support of a team of more than 14 trained volunteers. In addition, BioScrip Pharmacy generously donated the use of their tent to AIDGwinnett and we greatly appreciate their support.

"It was extremely successful," explained AIDGwinnett Executive Director Larry Lehman. "We reached 40 people with HIV rapid testing in a very short period of time. But for the violent thunderstorm, we probably would have reached more than 100 people."

As a result of the HIV testing campaign at the Pride Festival, AIDGwinnett staff and volunteers are in the process of linking several young adults to comprehensive medical treatment for HIV. These young adults were previously undiagnosed. One participant said, "I probably would never have gotten tested for HIV at a clinic, but I was comfortable getting tested at gay pride just because of the atmosphere. I was not happy to find out my status, but now that I know I am living with HIV, at least I can start taking steps to maximize my health."

Don't Miss the AIDSWalk Campaign Rally & Picnic!

Volunteers on the AIDGwinnett AIDSWalk Committee are looking forward to the upcoming AIDGwinnett Picnic on Saturday, September 9, 2006, at Lenora Park in Snellville. "It should be a blast," said one volunteer. "And we plan to get everyone excited and ready for the big AIDSWalk coming up on October 15." The picnic will include great food, entertainment, karaoke, clowns, games and plenty of fun. For more information or to volunteer please call 678-990-6440.

Location:		Lenora Park in Snellville
Directions:		Located at 4515 Lenora Church Rd in Snellville. Take I-285 East to Hwy 78 East. Take Hwy 78 East towards Snellville. As you come into Snellville, turn right on Hwy 124. Go approximately 1/4 mile and turn left on Henry Clower Blvd. After approximately 1 block, turn right on Lenora Church Rd. The picnic pavilions will be on your right.
Cost:		FREE
When:		Saturday, September 9, 2006 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm
Other Details:		No need to bring anything; just come have fun! Fun games and clowns for the children, crazy karaoke DJ for the adults including more than 3,000 song options! Tons of delicious picnic foods and dessert treats. It's a blast!

To view photos from the 2005 Campaign Rally Picnic, please click on the collage shown below or visit www.aidgwinnett.org and select "Photo Gallery" from the menu.

Why I Plan to Attend "Thrive! Weekend" September 16-17

Above: Clients listen during a workshop

by "Jackie", an AIDGwinnett client
(name changed to protect privacy)

I am 23 years old and I was diagnosed with HIV exactly 12 months ago as of July 2006. It turned my life "upside down" and I faced tremendous turmoil but I am still here and I am determined that I will not allow HIV to tear down my spirit. I recently learned about the "Thrive! Weekend" from my AIDGwinnett case manager and I have registered myself to go there in September along with my partner, because we both want to meet other people like us, and because I want to learn how to take control of my life in fighting HIV."

Thrive! Weekend is an empowering 2-day event organized by AIDS Survival Project for persons living with (and affected by) HIV. To learn more about the event (September 16-17) please click here.