Camp Courage Helps Children With HIV/AIDS

For its second consecutive year, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will host Camp Courage, a summer camp for southern Nevada kids (ages 5-15) who are infected by HIV/AIDS.

Last summer, the trip included a ride across the state line to San Diego. In four short days, the children attended a play at the Starlight Theater, interacted with the amazing exhibits at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, saw Shamu at Sea World, and swam in the Pacific Ocean. This, of course, was only the beginning of what the campers saw, did, and experienced.


The camp is shorter this year, but still packed with all the fun!

The campers will arrive at AFAN’s office at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17. There, they will be greeted by counselors and given all the items they need for their camp. That night, they will participate in a talent show, play games, win prizes, and enjoy all the pizza, pop corn, and candy they can eat (within reason, of course).

The very next day, everyone will wake up, pack up, and begin the trip to Disneyland! The goal for Camp Courage is to have the campers arrive in time for the park opening at 10 a.m.!

Then, all day long, campers will be free to roam with their counselors and ride the rides, like Space Mountain, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and many others. They will also be able to enjoy lunch in the park, at the restaurant of their choice. At 5 p.m., they will begin the short ride home to Las Vegas. One full night and day of fun!

Would you like to know more? AFAN could still use some help. To volunteer or for more information, please e-mail AFAN.

We're still accepting donations from people with big hearts too! If you would like to sponsor a camper, please visit AFAN's dedicated Camp Courage sponsor page.

SMOOSH Comes To AFAN

Walk into AFAN’s Education Department on Thursday afternoon and you'll be delighted. Twenty or so people will be talking about art — everything and anything you can imagine from paints and paint brushes to canvases, fabric, and beads. It's a perfect mess, but it's also the kind of mess you want in your life.

This is SMOOSH.



SMOOSH is a creative workshop that provides a safe and artsy atmosphere for those who are HIV positive to come and create art. For those who aren’t so artsy, we are all welcome too.

“I continue to see the need for group projects. You would be surprised how therapeutic the experience can be for the artists,” said Alex Flores, artist in residence. “It provides them with an unparalleled sense of community. If they want to talk about living with HIV they are able to find the support they need, but if they simply want to come and escape they are in a place where they are able to do so.”

The group’s next project will be collages. Flores is encouraging people to create a collage reflecting their experience with HIV/AIDS. The artwork can portray the struggles and losses they have faced, which has been proven to help people deal with the challenges they face.

As funding allows, the group also takes part in “Art Experiences.” Art experiences include activities such as pottery workshops: Giselle by Nevada Ballet, The Phantom of the Opera, and The Bodies Exhibit.

These outings reinforce the comradry of the group as they are able to experience a work of art created by someone else. It has and continues to facilitate discussions, and often provides the inspiration for new works.

“The healing of hearts, souls, and minds happen here at AFAN on Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. when I hear laughter and see smiles that rise from individuals that never felt they had a reason to smile, or compassion that blossoms from a friendship made while creating a piece of art, said Lane Olson, Prevention Education Supervisor. “SMOOSH is truly magical; people come alive when producing something they perceive as beauty.”

SMOOSH is always in need of additional supplies and local artists who are willing lead projects with the group. If you are interested in getting involved please email Lane Olson.

AIDS Walk Las Vegas Sets Record

More than 8,000 participants raised over $401,000 during this year's AIDS Walk Las Vegas. The event set a new record for individual donations that will help Aid for AIDS of Nevada provide direct service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach.

“We are thrilled that the community not only donated to the event, but also came out in over-whelming support of the cause,” said Jennifer Morss, executive director of AFAN. “It was breathtaking to stand on the stage and see the community support AFAN regardless of the current economic situation.”



During the last six months, AFAN has seen a continued rise in individual support of their agency. Although many corporate sponsors were unable to support the AIDS Walk this year, individual participants and 235 teams worked harder than ever.

The AIDS Walk’s top fundraiser, Judith Domingo-Vicerra, raised $16,415 in support of the cause. Her team raised $17,475, making it the second highest team fundraiser this year. Team Jubilee, Team Tech Results, and Team Winos also raised more than $7,000.

Individual donations was not the only record set at AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Penn & Teller, which hosted their popular Penn & Teller Challenge, set a personal team challenge record by raising $61,292.32.

Penn & Teller matched dollar for dollar of the amount raised, bringing their total to $122,584.64 WOW!

In addition to the astounding support of the AIDS Walk, AFAN used the opportunity to announce the date and venue of the 23rd Annual Black & White Party, August 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Baskow & Associates will also be a major sponsor of the event, promising new and exciting entertainment for a whole new feel. For more information about the Black & White Party, e-mail info(at)afanlv.org for more information.

AFAN Hopes To Set Record At AIDS Walk

Join The AIDS Walk:
This Sunday, April 19, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) will host its 19th Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas, in downtown Las Vegas at World Market Center. It is already shaping up to the most fun and entertaining event in the organization's history. Here are some highlights:

Grand Marshals:
Penn & Teller are hosting the Penn & Teller Challenge. They will lead the AIDS Walk and match every dollar that their team members raise. Last year, the Penn & Teller Challenge raised more than $100,000. You can learn more about them in this article.

Celebrity Co-Hosts:
In addition to Penn & Teller, Chris Saldaña from Channel 8 Eyewitness News and Duncan Payton from Smooth Jazz 105.7 THE OASIS, Mornings on AREA 107.9, and CEO of StudioOUT.com will lend their support.

Main Stage Entertainment:
We've lined up some of the best entertainers to keep everyone motivated. Performers include Singer/Songwriter Jake Walden, music provided by DJ Axis, and the Las Vegas J.A.C.L. Kaminari Tako (Japanese Drummers). You can catch a music video from Jake Walden here.

Block Party Treats:
There are dozens of vendors who are supporting AIDS Walk Las Vegas, including Vitamin Water, Tropical Smoothie, Trader Joe’s, Samurai Sam’s, and Jason’s Deli.

Other Fun Stuff:
The newest attraction this year was planned especially for our tiniest walkers. There will be a special play area with bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides, snow cones, cotton candy, and popcorn.

Pets Are Welcome:
For walkers looking for a four-legged friend, The Animal Foundation will join the walk and bring 25 loveable dogs that need good homes.

Even More Entertainment:
As always, the walk route is a montage of local bands, artists, and street performers for the enjoyment of the 7,000+ walkers. Some of the entertainers include: I am the Thief, Kid Meets Cougar, Shadow Wood Avenue, Danger Boner, Smith & Wesson Blues Project, DJ Aurojin, and the Luxor Fantasy Girls.

With this much planned, the AIDS Walk is the only place to be on Sun., April 19. Come join us. The event starts at 10:30 a.m.

Dondero Elementary Walks For AIDS

For the second consecutive year, Dondero Elementary School has been one of the top fundraising teams for AIDS Walk Las Vegas. Last year, the team raised more than $3,000. This year, they have already raised $2,361.17.

Their hard work and effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Penn & Teller asked to match whatever Dondero Elementary School raises. The team is excited to learn the news, giving them inspiration to raise even more.

At the same time, Keith Frank, team captain and a fourth grade teacher at Dondero Elementary School, puts a human face on their efforts. For him, it isn't just about the money raised. It's about awareness and protecting his students.

Every year, he spends several months educating his class about HIV/AIDS. This includes age appropriate books and in-class discussions. He wants all of them to learn how to protect themselves from the disease while dismantling the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. AFAN staff members are also invited to meet the students in order to build awareness during an ice cream party. More than 150 students participate.

According to Frank, this year was especially impactful. When Jared Hafen, client services supervisor at AFAN, arrived, he asked that all of the students write down the four most important things in their lives — whether it be family members, pets, friends, etc.

“It is so encouraging to have elementary school kids ask questions about HIV,” said Hafen. “It gives me hope that with teachers like Mr. Frank we will be able to decrease the infection rate of HIV/AIDS in young adults.”

Then, after the students had finished writing down their lists, Hafen told the class his is HIV positive. And slowly, he walked around the room and took away every list that revealed who and what where most important to the students.

That's how HIV/AIDS changes your life, he said. It takes away everything you know about life, and your relationships with family members and friends will never be the same.

If you would Like to help Dondero Elementary in support of the AIDS Walk, please visit the AFAN website.

AFAN Shoulders Increased Client Health Insurance Costs

With Nevada’s unemployment rate reaching 9.1 percent, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) has faced a 60 percent increase in Health Insurance Program (HIP) expenses between Nov. 2008 and Jan. 2009.

In November, the agency paid approximately $19,000 to support clients on this program. In January, these expenses reached $31,000.

“While this is a tremendous financial challenge, we recognize the growing need in the community,” said Jennifer Morss, executive director for AFAN. "We only hope to do everything we can to meet the needs of our clients."

As community needs increase, Morss still encourages clients to talk to their case managers about eligibility for programs such as HIP. Specifically, HIP will pay COBRA premiums and co-pays for clients’ Antiretrovirals (ARVs) and any medications needed to help cope with the side effects of the ARVs.

Clients who are eligible for Ryan White Part A (RWPA) are also eligible for the HIP program. AFAN expects to see continued cost increases for this program and other services until the state begins to realize an economic recovery. The nonprofit has also experienced significant increases in housing, transportation, and food voucher programs.

As long as AFAN can count on generous support from the community, Morss is confident the nonprofit can meet demands. We're all in this together, she said.

Everyone Will Walk On April 19

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) has led the AIDS Walk for over 18 years. It represents one of the largest fundraising and awareness opportunities in Nevada. We encourage you to find out more about the AIDS Walk Las Vegas and register.

Last year, more than 7,000 people walked, including 250 corporate and community teams such as MGM Mirage, Macy’s, Focus Property Group, M.A.C Cosmetics, UNLV, Wells Fargo, and Penn & Teller. Together, they raised more than $550,000.

With your support, we can do better. We will walk until that point in time when AFAN is no longer effective, our services are no longer needed, and our purpose is no longer essential to the solution. When you visit the registration page, please take a moment to look at what our top sponsors have done so far.

THINK Asks We Think of African Americans

With Black History Month observed in Canada and the United States every February, THINK asks that you remember another African-American. His name is Phil Wilson, CEO of The Black AIDS Institute.

Wilson is 52 years old, and he has been diagnosed with HIV. He is also responsible for overseeing one of the most compelling AIDS studies in America, the Black AIDS in Black America report, which lays out the promise and the peril of the unique moment at which we arrived in this epidemic. You can download the 2009 edition here. Some key findings:

• Of more than 56,300 people who were newly infected in 2006, 45 percent were black.
• Of more than 1.1 million people who are HIV positive in the U.S., 46.1 percent are black.
• Black Americans were infected at a rate of seven times that of whites in 2006.
• Black women were infected at a rate of almost 15 times more than white women.

We can do better. In Clark County, Nev., we are trying to do better.

• Currently, there are 3,510 people living with HIV in Clark County; 879 (25%) are African-American.
• The number of AIDS cases reported in Clark County is 5,124, of that number 2,471 are now deceased.
• Of the remaining 2,653 AIDS cases, 1,265 are African-American.

Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), specifically, is serving the African-American community through a number of support and education programs. One of the most popular programs is Project Upfront, which serves as an interactive HIV-positive speakers bureau. Among the many speakers in the group, these dedicated volunteers include African-Americans who focus on community outreach amongst teenagers and young adults. Both these groups are considered a high-risk population.

Another community partner, the Goshen Community Development Coalition, funds AFAN’s outreach efforts including the Healthy Relationship initiative targeting HIV-positive African-Americans and Positive Action, which is a drug prevention program.

AFAN programs assist and educate more than 3,000 men, women and children infected with HIV and AIDS in Southern Nevada.

An Introduction To THINK Las Vegas

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study that indicated half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among those under 24 years of age. This study prompted Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) to partner with Golden Rainbow to begin development of an online campaign that reached young adults and increased their awareness with news, information, and educational resources.

While still in development, the THINK Campaign aims to reach young adults in order to prevent infection, increase awareness, and encourage action. The THINK Las Vegas blog is one element of that campaign.

Over time, this blog will provide weekly updates, insights, and opinions written by directors, supervisors, and support staff who have a passion to enhance the physical health and psychosocial wellness of the affected individuals as well as to help prevent infection. You will also find information about various programs and events hosted by AFAN, providing you with real life insights into the lives of more than one million Americans living with HIV/AIDS today.

AFAN currently provides support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. We work to reduce HIV infection through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice, and the stigma associated with the disease.