Berkshire American Red Cross enters cycling team “Crosscycles” in Mass AIDS Ride – Join us today!
On August 13 – 14, 2005 the local chapter of the American Red Cross will be represented in an unprecedented state-wide fund raiser benefiting 13 AIDS service organizations from the Berkshires to Boston. The newly formed cycling team “Crosscycles” will venture the 175 mile bike trip from Berkshire Community College to Weston MA.
The American Red Cross is the only service provider in Berkshires addressing the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS throughout the County. Additionally, the Chapter is the only agency that provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Education to local schools, businesses, youth programs and community groups.
Who we serve: Client services has historically served over 200 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the county. Currently, 9% of our clients are under age 30, 63% are 30-50 years of age and 29% are over 50. Women comprise 30% of who we serve of which 43% have children living in the home. Two clients are expecting new additions to their families this year. 61% of our consumers are white and 29% African American.
What we do: We provide Case Management to individuals and families dealing with HIV/AIDS. Case Management includes advocating for appropriate health care, safe and affordable housing, identifying needed services in the community and through statewide programs, accessing medications and/or health insurance. Home Health Nursing provides wellness checks, medical tracking and advocacy in the medical community. Life Skills Advocacy trains individuals in how to live safely with HIV/AIDS. Services include household management and HIV prevention skills. Peer Support links newly diagnosed individuals to the HIV community and utilizes the experience of those who live successfully with HIV/AIDS. Support Group provides additional support discussing specific topics of health and wellness on a monthly basis. Quarterly, partners of participants are invited to discuss the challenges of living in a sero-discordant relationship and to resolve issues as a group. Program Supports: Transportation assistance, Nutritional Supplements, Food programs, Over-the-Counter Medications, Complementary Therapy and Emergency Assistance helps to eliminate the stress and barriers to receiving medical care and address health concerns. The Buddy Program links trained community members who wish to make a difference in the lives of those living with HIV to assist in longer term linkages providing practical support such as housekeeping, babysitting, meal preparation, food shopping and social visits to prevent isolation.
What you can do: If you are a cyclist and would like to ride, contact Kelly Pizzi Smith at pizzike@usa.redcross.org to learn how to register as a team member. Riders can participate on one or both days. If you are not a rider and would still like to participate consider becoming a virtual rider or volunteer. You can also sponsor the team by making a donation by clicking on the ride link and download a sponsor form. Donations can also be made online. Finally, mark your calendars and plan on joining us along the route to cheer on riders and show your support!
|
