AID Upstate

DYK? Women are less likely to be screened/tested for in part due to the perception that they are not at risk. On National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, share these resources to help educate women & girls about the dangers of HIV. https://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/resources

Today, we observe the third annual HIV Is Not a Crime Awareness Day, first observed in 2022 by The SERO Project in collaboration with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, to amplify THE Voices of those who have been criminalized based on their HIV diagnosis. This day is a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against the criminalization of HIV. Across the globe, people living with HIV are unfairly targeted by outdated laws. Let's use our voices to support the advocates working tirelessly to reform these laws.

Happy Valentine's Day! ❤️💌

Today, we honor love in all its beautiful forms, and we give a special shoutout to the brave souls diagnosed and living with HIV. You inspire us with your courage and resilience. Your strength in facing challenges reminds us that Love is a powerful force.

On a journey that requires endless courage and boundless Love, know this:
- You are not alone.
- You are cherished.
- You are stronger than you know.

To friends, families, and partners supporting loved ones with HIV, your compassion lights the way toward a future filled with hope, and acceptance.

Take a moment to spread awareness, support, and undying Love—not just today, but every day. We can foster an environment where Love and understanding triumph over stigma and fear.



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Valentine's Day Message To you, with Love   Donate   Schedule Your Appointment 864-250-0607 Patient Portal February 14, 2024 To you, With LOVE To everyone who wakes up to the reality of living with HIV. Living with HIV is a

Today is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. We celebrate the unwavering commitment of the Black community towards ending HIV. From raising awareness to supporting research, Black advocates are making a significant impact. Together, we can work to create a world free from HIV for future generations.
Schedule your FREE HIV screening today!

AID Upstate announces the closure of its thrift store, Red Ribbon Resale, on January 31, 2024.
AID Upstate opened Red Ribbon Resale in September 2006 to provide additional funding sources to support AID Upstate's service programs. Since its opening in 2006, Red Ribbon Resale has realized tremendous support from the community while raising additional funds and support for the programs offered. “We want to thank all of those who donated, shopped, volunteered, and worked to make the store such a success,” stated Andy Hall, CEO.

The growth of all of our programs, particularly after adding medical care, has made it necessary to seek larger space to house the programs and unify all departments under one roof. We have found that it is necessary to leave our current neighborhood to find the needed space. The decision for closure comes after thorough consideration, recognizing the necessity to adapt to the increasing needs of AID Upstate's expanding client base and the ever-growing demand for the organization's prevention services, client services, and specialized medical care.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to AID Upstate's leadership in 2002 and everyone who has supported Red Ribbon Resale over the past 17 years," said Jose Giocamea, Director of Community Relations for AID Upstate. "The store has been more than a source of revenue; it has been a place of community and support, cherished by all who walked through its doors."

Before its final day on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Red Ribbon Resale will celebrate its significant impact on the community by offering unprecedented sales. Customers can look forward to fantastic deals with significant reductions on all items, providing a final opportunity for supporters to find treasures and bid a memorable farewell to the store.

While this decision marks the end of an era, the spirit and purpose of Red Ribbon Resale remain steadfast. AID Upstate continues to be fiercely committed to its founding principles – fighting the HIV epidemic through comprehensive prevention, care, and supportive services.

"As we close this chapter with Red Ribbon Resale, our resolve to prevent HIV diagnosis and support those affected by HIV in the Upstate community only strengthens," added Jose. "We eagerly anticipate forging new paths to serve our community better."

AID Upstate invites the community to visit Red Ribbon Resale's final weeks of operation and join in the store's closing celebration, honoring 17 years of heartfelt support and shared memories. Red Ribbon Resale is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm through Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

OUR OFFICES ARE CLOSED TODAY in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will reopen on Tuesday, January 16, 2024

📣 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 🌟

Today, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a true champion of civil rights and equality. His unwavering dedication to justice and nonviolence continues to inspire and unite people worldwide. 🌍

Let's reflect on the progress we have made so far, and also, think about the work that is still ahead of us. Together, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society where the barriers that separate us are eliminated.

Let's remember the powerful words of Dr. King that inspired hope and change. Let us all spread love, compassion, and tolerance, which were the core values that Dr. King stood for. We must embrace diversity, lift up marginalized voices, and work towards a future where justice and equality are the norm.

Warm wishes to you and your family this holiday season! 🎄

As we deck the halls and light the tree, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continual support this year.

Please take a look at our holiday schedule. We will be closed on Monday, December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day), so our team can enjoy the magic of the holiday with their loved ones. We will reopen at our usual hours on Dec 26.

May your home be filled with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. Season's greetings and best wishes for the New Year! 🎅⛄️❄️

December 1 is World AIDS Day. Recently, we celebrated with Maurice Adair, our Prevention Services Director, when he received the "Lifetime of Service Award" during the 2023 SC DHEC HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Conference.

Here, Maurice shares his thoughts about "what World AIDS Day means to him."

What World AIDS Day Means to Me

“World AIDS Day” has become a yearly ritual celebration for many but is a painful memory for me. WAD, the predecessor of all celebrated health conditions, awareness days, the week and/or months, has lost its significance in today’s society. In the past, WAD was a unifier, a break in the disagreements and fighting among most people in the world to mourn and honor those who died from AIDS or AIDS Related Complex (ARC) and those living with HIV/AIDS. In my eyes, WAD was a catalyst for churches, organizations, ASOs, businesses, and individuals working together to assist some PLWHA, such as volunteering with agencies, or becoming involved in politics to help change policies affecting HIV care and treatment. Being jaded, cynical, and suppressing memories of HIV/AIDS patients and their families of the past, I had lost my perspective of World AIDS Day until Greg Campbell asked “What World AIDS Day mean to me.” How ironic, last week while at Emory Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta, GA, the oncologist was discussing in detail options or not of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation, and proton therapy advantages and disadvantages to manage a rare tumor. The provider’s knowledge and expertise for eradicating this rare tumor reminded me that the advancement and expertise in cancer treatment today is a direct result of research/knowledge gained from HIV/AIDS research and the immune system.

Remembering and honoring all HIV/AIDS patients, in the 1980s & 1990s, especially the patients who dedicated their lives to pharmaceutical trials at Grady Infectious Disease Clinic, when case management/social work wasn’t available to HIV/AIDS patients, no clinical trial compensation, not even a Marta bus or train token to get to the many appointments mandated by the pharmaceutical trials. Knowing that death was imminent soon, many HIV/AIDS patients unselfishly participated in clinical trials to better society with the wonderful 3rd generation antibiotics, antifungals, red & white blood cells stimulating agents to avert transfusions, and other medications. Many patients were randomized to less effective medications than research drugs and succumbed to their opportunistic infection. Remembering transfusing patients with 2-4 pints of packed red blood cells in the IDC clinic (hospital policy: HIV/AIDS patients cannot receive services in Grady’s Transfusion Clinic) to give them enough energy and strength to enjoy their last vacation with their family and loved ones, as they were dying from Mycobacteria Avium Complex” (MAC), still gives me a mixed sense of satisfaction and defeat. Families and patients were very gracious for the vacation time spent with loved ones.
I was very angry at God for allowing HIV/AIDS to affect so many wonderful souls in the 1980s & 90s. I was angry about attending too many funerals and listening to patients talk about their encounter with the angel of death only to die within 2 weeks of their encounter, but God in his infinite wisdom has shown me that because of the suffering and deaths of HIV/AIDS patients in the past, many more patients today have life. God also has a sense of humor, on this WAD as I remember and honor Robert and his wife Debbie, Connell, Olivia, Denise, Kenny, Angela, Luther, and the hundreds of other patients who touched my life, I smile, especially when I think of Luther. Luther, an NFL prospect severely damaged his knee in college and became an IDU and HIV+, he also was the doorman/bouncer for the famous Magic City adult entertainment club in Atlanta, guess who got in free for a year? And the magic work of Connell, who worked at the Fox Theater, and was able to get tickets (3rd-row seats) for my wife and all her girlfriends to see Luther Vandross after all the tickets were sold out! I’m just thankful this WAD that patients have taught me not only how to live Gratefully but also how to DIE Gracefully, in my opinion, World AIDS Day is a misnomer and should be changed to “Territorial AIDS Day” as we only think about our little territory, when was the last time you have thought about the people infected with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa or other parts of the World?

Maurice Adair
November 27, 2023

Congratulations Maurice!
On October 25, 2023, Maurice Adair was honored with the Lifetime of Service Award by the SC HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis Conference planning committee. To read the full news release, visit https://www.aidupstate.org/news-updates/2023/11/9/maurice-adair

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Today's the Day! The RED Party - Halloween   Donate Now Event Calendar Make Your Appointment 864-250-0607 Patient Portal   Today's the Day The RED Party - Halloween, by Avita Pharmacy Dear Fellow Supporter, Today’s

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Only 4 more days until The RED Party - Halloween Don't miss out!   Donate Now Event Calendar Make Your Appointment 864-250-0607 Patient Portal   The RED Party - Halloween Just 4 more days until The RED Party - Halloween sponsored by Avita Pharmacy!

📣 Hey everyone! We have some exciting news to share! We want to extend a big shout-out and heartfelt thanks to our incredible event sponsor, Avita Pharmacy! 🎉✨

🤝 Their generous support has enabled us to create an amazing event for all of you.

🌟 So mark your calendars and get ready to join us on Saturday, October 28th, for an unforgettable experience.🥳📣

Charity Sale is back ❤️ From November 3-5, give $5 to charity AID Upstate AID Upstate Prevention & get $5 off anything plus 25% off your favorite designer brands! Get your ticket now to reserve your styles early through November 2. Stop by the Belk store and visit our table from 2-6pm today, or Red Ribbon Resale.

Join us at The RED Party, a celebration fundraiser that honors AID Upstate's 36 years of hard work and dedication in Preventing And Treating HIV in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens Counties in SC.

The RED Party — AID Upstate You’re invited to the celebration of The RED Party!Dust off your hats, concoct your potions, and rev up your brooms for a haunting Halloween party!WHEN: Saturday, October 28thWHERE: Springhill Suites by Marriott, 200 e. Washington St. Greenville, SC 29601TIME: 7-10 PMTHEME: Halloween Get ready t...

We are experiencing issues with our Email server and will be down until 5:00 pm Monday, October 2, 2023. This issue affects both incoming and outgoing email communications.
Our IT staff is working hard to resolve this issue. We appreciate your patience in this matter. Please call our office at 864-250-0607 for assistance.

Today, Tuesday, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day 2023. "K[NO]W HIV," Knowing your HIV status is one step in your self-care journey, being the healthiest you and HIV prevention. Visit AID Upstate for more info about scheduling your appointment for an HIV screening.

💓

We are so excited to see everyone this evening at Swanson’s Warehouse for Summer Block Party -The Red Party benefiting AID Upstate

Prepare for a night of music, dancing, and friends, mixed with generosity and fun with the fabulous Patti O'Furniture.

Dress Code: wear RED

Guests will also enjoy:
- Heavy Hors d’oeuvres
- Beer & Wine available for purchase
- DJ will be playing all your favorite music

There is a suggested donation of $15 per guest but I’d SUGGEST you make as generous a contribution as you can!

The RED Party is a celebration to raise awareness and funds for AID Upstate, an organization serving the HIV/AIDS community through HIV prevention, support, and medical HIV Care throughout the Upstate of South Carolina.

Happy Black History Month – We see you, appreciate you, and celebrate you every day!

In honor of World AIDS Day, we wanted to inform the community of a great organization here in the Upstate that provides comprehensive care, prevention, and supportive services in the service area (Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee Counties). AID Upstate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has been servicing individuals in the Upstate for over 30 years. With a diverse staff, clients can ensure that they will receive fair and kind treatment by staff they can relate to. This month during Pride Link's drop in hours (every Tuesday from 4-7pm) AID Upstate will be on site to provide HIV and STI testing at no cost. To take advantage of this free testing and become familiar with staff at AID Upstate, visit us during our drop-in hours this month.

In addition to AID Upstate, and if you aren't able to make it to our drop in hours, Piedmont Care is also a great option! Piedmont Care is located on N. Pine St in Spartanburg and open Monday through Friday from 8:30-5. They are a nonprofit dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS care, advocacy, and prevention to those in Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties in South Carolina. For more information, visit piedmontcare.org.

[Image description: A light blue and white background. In the center is a globe with a red ribbon in the top center along with four individuals linking arms and standing in front of it. On top of the globe is curved black text that reads, "WORLD AIDS DAY". In the bottom center is the black Pride Link logo.]

Join AID Upstate & Trinity Lutheran Church to honor the many leaders, , , , and who took bold steps to confront an epidemic growing in our community.

Thirty-Five years ago, community members from various organizations founded AID Upstate to fight, be there, and care for people diagnosed and abandoned during the epidemic. We're still here and still fighting.

The fight is not over...
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AID Upstate at Market Theatre production of RENT!

HIV/AIDS is an integral part of “Rent”, story of a group of who struggle to stay , because of their lack of access to and on and HIV .

¡Estamos Contratando! | We are hiring!

Visit https://www.aidupstate.org/employment

SEEKING

We are looking for a person to provide client-centered, prevention services including HIV, STD and Hepatitis Testing, risk reduction counseling, referrals, phlebotomy and linkage to care.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Prevention Service Director, the Prevention Specialist will provide Counseling, Testing & Referral Services (CTRS), Effective Behavioral Interventions, and HIV Prevention and Educational training, in accordance with the Local Implementation Plan (LIP). AID Upstate prevention services covers, but is not limited to, Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens Counties. Employee must maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for all prevention services. Attend conferences and trainings recommended for prevention services. Maintain current knowledge of educational information on HIV/STD and Hepatitis prevention and risk reduction issues. The employee must abide by strict confidentiality requirements on and off duty. Note: This expectation extends beyond employee’s employment period with AID Upstate.

Note: The employee must abide by strict confidentiality requirements on and off duty.

This expectation extends beyond employee’s employment period with AID Upstate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Baccalaureate degree in human services, health sciences or equivalent work experience preferred.

• Experience in working with and/or knowledge of African American Men who have s*x with men from diverse social and economic backgrounds.

• Knowledge of drug use by clients, specifically Injection Drug Use (IDU).

• History of phlebotomy skills helpful but not required.

• Must possess good speaking, writing and listening skills with the ability to “speak the language” of the target population.

• Must be sensitive and respectful to diverse cultures, s*xual orientations/identifications and ethnic groups. The ability to work well and communicate effectively with persons of varying educational and cultural backgrounds helpful.

• Familiarity with applicable laws regarding confidentiality, release of health information and/or HIPPA standards preferred. Confidentiality and discretion must be adhered to with all clients.

• Knowledge of HIV disease and issues is preferred.

• Assertive social skills are needed to produce effective interventions in public.

To apply send your resume and cover letter to: [email protected] with the SUBJECT LINE: HIV Counseling, Testing & Referral Specialist.

OUR COMPANY

AID Upstate is a non-profit organization serving people affected by HIV in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties of South Carolina. We have two locations: Greenville and Anderson. We provide supportive services such as medical case management, insurance premium payments, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance, food pantry services, transportation to and from HIV or health-related appointments, HIV and primary medical care, behavioral health services and pharmacy services. You can learn more about our organization and what we do at www.aidupstate.org.

AID Upstate offers health/dental/life/short-term disability coverage and 401K or Roth IRA participation is available to all full-time employees.

Applicants receiving contingency offers must agree to:

(1) a pre-employment Background Check;

(2) clear drug screening;

(3) provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine(s); and

(4) a work authorization clearance from the US Department of Homeland Security.*

(5) other contingencies may apply based upon professional licensure requirements.

AID Upstate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, s*x, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

*AID Upstate uses E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

SEEKING

We are looking for a person to provide routine, standardized, safe nursing care for community-based ambulatory patients under the supervision of a medical provider(s) while promoting efficient patient flow.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for assisting physicians with providing professional and compassionate routine medical care in a clinical setting. The LPN must assist in all aspects of patient care, as appropriate, from greeting to check-out and follow-up. The LPN must assist front desk staff in scheduling by providing clinical information regarding prioritizing/triaging of patients. This position will be responsible for escorting patients throughout the clinic setting during their medical visit. The LPN will assist the physician with pre-encounter preparations, procedures, administration of medications, as well as post-encounter follow-ups. This position will be responsible for maintaining adequate supplies and keeping a clean and orderly clinic. The LPN must use the electronic health record (EHR) system in all aspects of the provision of medical/nursing care, including recording test/lab results, preparing insurance claim forms, and documenting patient encounters of all types. The employee is also responsible for ensuring all required/requested records are in the patient chart/EHR prior to each patient encounter. The employee is responsible for complying with all professional standards as well as organizational policies and procedures. Such policies include, but are not limited to, patient safety, time, attendance, and dress code. The employee is also responsible for adhering to both the AID Upstate Exposure Control Plan and Waste Management Protocols when working with patients, patient specimens, bodily fluids and/or surfaces or instruments soiled with patient bodily fluids. The employee must abide by strict confidentiality requirements and comply with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act on (HIPAA) and off duty.

Note: The employee must abide by strict confidentiality requirements on and off duty. This expectation extends beyond employee’s employment period with AID Upstate.

QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing. This position requires South Carolina Nursing Licensure (LPN), AED Training and Bloodborne Pathogen Training. The candidate must be willing to work at both Greenville and Anderson locations and maintain a valid SC’s Driver’s License.

To apply send your resume and cover letter to: [Email hidden] with the SUBJECT LINE: NURSE LPN.

OUR COMPANY

AID Upstate is a non-profit organization serving people affected by HIV in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties of South Carolina. We have two locations: Greenville and Anderson. We provide supportive services such as medical case management, insurance premium payments, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance, food pantry services, transportation to and from HIV or health-related appointments, HIV and primary medical care, behavioral health services and pharmacy services. You can learn more about our organization and what we do at www.aidupstate.org.

AID Upstate offers health/dental/life/short-term disability coverage and 401K or Roth IRA participation is available to all full-time employees.

Applicants receiving contingency offers must agree to:

(1) a pre-employment Background Check;

(2) clear drug screening;

(3) provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine(s); and

(4) a work authorization clearance from the US Department of Homeland Security.*

(5) other contingencies may apply based upon professional licensure requirements.

AID Upstate is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, s*x, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

*AID Upstate uses E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

We are hiring!

Visit https://www.aidupstate.org/employment