As the year of the 'space odyssey' continues to lead us into the 21st century, many new and exciting opportunities are presenting themselves in all facets of our lives. Due to the disbanding of PLActive, Delaware, Positive Light was born and gives us the opportunity to reexamine and reassess the purpose of AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) in the 21st century. People are no longer dying at the alarming rates of the late 80s and early 90s when most ASOs were formed, their clearly apparent purpose to make the lives of those dying from AIDS more comfortable, more dignified, more self respecting and accepted by all.
The crisis is by no means over, Delaware has moved to 4th in the ranking of AIDS cases per 100,000 people. The AIDS epidemic has evolved from issues of death and dying into quality of life issues, as more and more of us survive due to the advancements in drug therapy and the new knowledge of the resulting damage HIV causes to the body on the cellular level. This in no way means we still don't have to deal with death and dying issues, but they are no longer the main focus.
The 21st century brings a whole new range of long term survival issues. As we live longer, the drugs meant to save us are now killing us. The long-term damage to liver and heart are just now becoming evident.
Positive Light is in the unique position of creating programs dealing specifically with the new situations facing the long term AIDS survivor. The name Positive Light encompasses all of these. Positive Light is for the living. Its mission is "to initiate a healthy positive attitude in people living with HIV/AIDS, and to encourage individuals to become active in the pursuit of his/her own mental and physical well being."
This mission is achieved through a diverse program agenda. Positive Light is developing programs ranging from AIDS prevention and education to nutrition and health, as well as computer training for the visually impaired AIDS survivor, and helping HIV+ visitors. We are a resource to be utilized by all persons concerned with HIV and AIDS. We have teamed up with various organizations to achieve these goals.
Positive Light falls under the non-profit umbrella of AIDS Delaware. This fit was advantageous for both organizations as AIDS Delaware deals with all accounting and government reporting issues, leaving our 100% volunteer staff to focus on helping people. We follow all AIDS Delaware's accounting procedures, and gain their grant writing expertise, office management skills and individual expertise as well as recognition and legitimization by an organization whose positive feeling of family are clearly present. AIDS Delaware gains a grassroots organization whose mission is clear...to help those who help themselves, and 100% of monies raised goes to client services.
Several of our programs are joint efforts. One such project, Positive Hearing, a collaboration between Independent Resources of Georgetown, Positive Light and the Baltimore Deaf AIDS Project, will develop and run an AIDS prevention program for hearing impaired kids in Delaware. Another program is Positive Computer Skills, to teach computer skills to the HIV+ visually impaired. Other planned programs include: Positive Pet Care, Positive Activist, Positive Energy and Holistic Healing and Positive Crafting.
The up and running programs are Positive OTC Supplies, which encompasses our Positive Nutrients Program. This program teams up with BioAdvantex Pharma, whose line of vitamins and supplements was developed specifically for persons with HIV. This program is funded though Positive Light's fund raising efforts plus grants from AIDS Delaware and the Sussex County AIDS Committee.
Positive Light would like to guarantee access to other supplements, but current finances will not allow for this expense. We urge anyone who is able to donate to this vital program. All donations are fully tax deductible.
Positive Light also offers financial assistance and a special summer program to help HIV+ visitors with their needs while on vacation.
Many events are planned this year beginning with "In Your Easter Bonnet" March 31, (details on page 38). Admission pins may be purchased in advance for $5 at Cloud 9, The Lemon Tree or through Positive Light. If you can't come, buy a pin and wear it to show your support. All proceeds benefit the Positive Nutrients Program and Positive Beach Visitors Program.
Other events include Drag Bingo on May 26, July 7 & August 25; Dining Out for Life on June 10th; 8th Annual Full Moon Party on August 4th and a Toga Tea (date to be announced).
Positive Light has offices at 706 Rehoboth Avenue. If you are interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities, call Tommy Gibson, 302-226-1312, or positivelight@dol.net.
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 11, No. 2, Mar. 9, 2001