LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
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CAMPsafe Mission is to Promote Well-Being |
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by Michael Cover | |
As we begin the eighth year of publication for LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth by far the most visible of CAMP Rehoboths activities we are excited about a season of growth. We are excited because with the growth is an expansion of the role CAMP has traditionally played in our community. In January, CAMP Rehoboth was awarded a grant from the Delaware Division of Health and Social Services to design and implement CAMPsafe, an HIV/AIDS education and outreach program to gay and bisexual men in Kent and Sussex Counties. In implementing CAMPsafe, we will work in close collaboration with the Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC), the Kent Sussex AIDS Program (KSAP), and other AIDS education and service providers in southern Delaware. At first, one might ask, "Why is CAMP Rehoboth expanding into HIV/AIDS prevention and education since there are already organizations whose sole mission is to provide services to people with HIV/AIDS?" The answer is three-fold:
Were eager to begin working with the community to promote CAMPsafe. By working with local business owners, leaders in the gay and bisexual mens community, and the social network of gay and bisexual men who socialize here throughout the year, we hope to raise the level of awareness that unsafe sex is dangerous. Dont look for CAMPsafe to preach and lecture in monotonous cycles of HIV and AIDS education. Were planning some fun activities that will engage the entire community in raising the awareness of the importance of protecting ourselves through the consistent use of safe sex practices. We recognize that this is a place that should help us leave our cares behindwe just want to ensure that in leaving our cares behind, we dont act carelessly. Throughout the year, CAMPsafe will be asking business owners to join the CAMPsafe Business Network. We will work with the bars and restaurants to help their patrons play safely while theyre at the beach. We want to keep the critical messages of safe sex on all of the "radar screens", especially when alcohol may lower our inhibitions and sensibilities. We will ask the beach housesespecially those who list their members in CAMP Rehoboths summer directory, Beach Book 1998to designate one person as their CAMPsafe representative. This person will be our contact for distribution of information, safe sex packages and news about CAMPsafe activities and events. We hope to provide napkins, cups and other products imprinted with CAMPsafe safe-sex tips, reminders and resources for the many house parties throughout the summer. We will work with the media to ensure the community at large knows that, while promising treatments for AIDS and HIV are being discovered every day, we are still in an epidemic. And while the epidemic continues to kill too many of us, were doing something about it. We have already started to collaborate with other key organizations that serve the gay community in Kent and Sussex Counties. Weve met with KSAP and SCAC, and we will be meeting with others in the coming weeks to seek their support as partners in this effort. Were always looking for partners who share the mission of outreach and education to stop the spread of AIDS in our community. CAMPsafe is an opportunity for CAMP Rehoboth to expand its service to the gay community, by being a resource for life-saving information. By distributing information on how to protect against the threat of infection with HIV, CAMPsafe directly supports the mission of CAMP Rehobothto promote community well-being on all levels. For CAMPsafe to be effective, well be looking to you for your support throughout the year, and we welcome your ideas and comments. Give us a call or stop by CAMP Rehoboth to share your thoughts. Through this column and our activities, youll be hearing more about our plans to help you make safe sex a way of life. Michael Cover is the CAMPsafe Project Manager at CAMP Rehoboth. If you would like more information, or to volunteer, call Michael at (302) 227-5620. |
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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 1, February 6, 1998. |
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