WCAP began in 1985 as a grassroots response to people dying from AIDS on the Western Slope. The primary goal was to help those with AIDS live the rest of their lives with dignity and quality. 

In 2014 WCAP served over 250 clients; 50 of which were new cases. Over 4,000 individuals on the Western Slope are reached annually with outreach, education and free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing.

TAB funds are critically needed as they aren’t restricted like federal/state funds and meet the organization’s ever changing needs in ways that best enable clients to be as healthy and independent as possible.

• WCAP served a total of 249 HIV+ clients

• WCAP case managers provided resources for more than 300 HIV+ people with more than 3,000 contacts.

• There are now 3 HIV Specialty Care clinics available in Western Colorado (Grand Junction, Durango, Glenwood Springs).

• WCAP provided utility payments, transportation, dental assistance, and food to clients.

• Over 800 area youth were provided with education on HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and protecting their sexual health.

• Over 100 individuals with a history of substance use/addiction were enrolled in the legal syringe exchange program and given information on HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) and were referred to on-site HIV and HCV screenings conducted by WCAP staff.

• Over 300 HIV and 200 HCV free rapid tests were provided by WCAP staff in both outreach settings and the WCAP office.

• Over 200 gay/bisexual men were served through WCAP’s MPower program, which emphasizes peer-based community building as a method of HIV prevention, and also offers HIV education, testing and social outreach events.

• 100% of case management clients who received medications from the Colorado AIDS Drugs Assistance Program (ADAP) were enrolled into Medicaid.

• Other services included bus passes, health education/risk reduction, motel and hotel stays, co-pays for medical, medications, nutrition, optical, phone and mental health services.

• WCAP continued funding in a joint effort with the University of Colorado AIDS Education Training Center and the St. Mary’s HIV Specialty Care Clinic to bring rapid HIV testing to over 20 clinics, emergency rooms, health departments and providers on the Western Slope; providing over 2,000 additional rapid HIV tests in medical settings.

Denver, CO

Based in the 5 Points neighborhood of Denver, Brother Jeff's Community Health Initiative, provides HIV prevention and education, as well as direct services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Last year, the initiative educated several thousand individuals across the state; supplied thousands of free condoms and education materials; and helped people living with HIV and AIDS access housing, treatment and employment. 

Brother Jeff's Community Health Initiative's mission is to reduce the disproportionate HIV and AIDS rate among African Americans and to enhance the quality of life for African Americans living with HIV and AIDS regardless of age, faith, background or sexual orientation.

Their community commitment is extensive and is demonstrated daily through the services they provide. It is not enough to identify problems...It is imperative to implement solutions.
Here are a few of the services they provide:

• HIV Education and Training

• Client Advocacy and Referrals

• Free Condoms and Prevention Materials

• Leadership Development

• Program Development

• Community Mobilization

• Support Groups

• Prison Re-entry

Avon, CO

The Red Ribbon Project (RRP) started in 1996 with the goal of building HIV/AIDS awareness in the Eagle County community. As the organization evolved, the outreach expanded to include HIV/AIDS prevention strategies targeting youth. RRP impacts youth with powerful, strengths-based programs that inspire self-confidence and healthy decision making. For twenty-one years RRP has provided Youth Skills Building classes, free HIV testing, and educational resources to the Eagle County community. RRP's mission statement is to “promote healthier lives by empowering the community to reduce teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and other STIs”.

The meaningful, collaborative relationships RRP has built with the school district, health and medical agencies, and youth serving organizations assures RRP’s comprehensive programming yet avoids duplication. TAB funds support the Free HIV Testing program. RRP is the only organization that provides FREE rapid HIV testing in Eagle County. Certified bilingual testers provide an FDA approved rapid HIV test that gives results in just 10 minutes. Annually RRP financially supports testing for approximately 130 to 150 people in Eagle County. Increasing numbers of those tested are Latino.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rapid HIV antibody testing has increased the number of those tested who actually learn their results, as well as provides testing opportunities in non-medical facilities. An objective of RRP's Free HIV Testing program is to build awareness in the community about behaviors that put people at risk for HIV and other STIs. There is a counseling component of the program, and testers frequently link people who have symptoms for other STIs to appropriate care.

Moab, UT

STDs don’t discriminate. Anyone of any age, gender, or background can get one. In an effort to keep the Moab community healthy and informed, the Moab Free Health Clinic offers confidential HIV/STD (HIV, Hepatitis C, Chlamydia, Gonnorhea) testing. The Moab Free Health Clinic (MFHC) is a non-profit, community-supported safety net clinic established in direct response to our community’s need for access to affordable healthcare.The clinic hosts FREE and confidential HIV/STD testing clinics weekly and no appointment is necessary. All are welcome regardless of health insurance status and no parental consent is required for individuals 14 years and up. 

TAB has funded the clinic’s HIV/STD outreach and testing program since 2013, allowing MFHC to offer weekly donation-based testing and counseling services in Moab. With support from TAB, we are able to purchase testing supplies and cover lab fees as well as volunteer HIV/STD counselor trainings, offsetting cost for patients and providing a much needed healthcare resource for the underserved population in Moab and surrounding communities.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

OUR SISTERS IN ETHIOPIA - An HIV/AIDS Women’s Project

HIV/AIDS is powerful and widespread in Ethiopia. Fear and misinformation surround it.  Many people who test positive for HIV/AIDS are ostracized from their families and communities. This is especially difficult for women and children, who don’t have many places they can turn to for their survival. For this reason, EFF is helping these families.

Our Sisters in Ethiopia program works with HIV positive women and their children,  providing a 4 month rehabilitation/training program where they offer shelter, medical care and food to the family. They educate the women about their HIV status, nutritional needs, hygiene, sanitation and correct medicine management. They also ensure their children are enrolled in school.
 
EFF makes every effort to keep the mother-child bond strong, while supporting a sustainable path toward independence for the young mothers. A skills training program is implemented in order to teach the women how to manage money and how to begin a business hence becoming more independent and bringing hope to the family. To help facilitate this, EFF provides capital to help the women get started.

After graduation, each woman is followed and helped to succeed. Their businesses start out small but many have grown exponentially. The women come to understand that they are not “bad” or “cursed” and they are not alone. Beautiful friendships are made and a new life begins.

EFF committed to improving the lives of Ethiopians through educational opportunities and access to healthcare, while respecting their cultural integrity.