ACR+Proposal+drafts

__The Issue:__ The Aids Community Resource Center is a Multicultural AIDS Service Agency. Young people in the United States need to be educated about HIV/ AIDS because U.S. youth are at constant risk of getting HIV infection. The risk is particularly prominent for youth of minority races and ethnicities. Therefore, it is important that having such a diverse and multicultural community particularly of youth/ students, Syracuse University provide education and awareness for HIV/AIDS. “The US Department of Health ad Human Services estimates 250,000 people in the United States are HIV positive and don’t know it” (ACR). Education and awareness will work to limit new cases of HIV/AIDS as well as provide resources and help for those already infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. (Renee)

__Background:__ The Aids Community Resource Center was created in 1983. It is a not-for- profit, community-based organization that provides help and education through prevention and support services to people infection with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Aids Community Resource Centers are located in Central, Northern, and Mohawk Valley regions in New York State. This includes six offices that provide services in nine counties: Cayuga, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and St. Lawrence counties.

It is Important to have a Community Resource Center in Central New York because HIV continues to thrive in the center of New York State and it is particularly challenging for rural communities to obtain resources. ACR provides many opportunities for individuals to seek out and receive help/ recourses because they are committed to connecting with those in need. “From June 2006- June 2007, ACR provided support services to a combination of 1040 HIV positive clients and their families. 13,613 individuals were reached though prevention and education services” (ACR).

ACR works to prevent HIV infections by educating the community as well as to enhance the quality of life for those people already infection/ affected by HIV and AIDS. They work with the community to promote education and awareness, addressing AIDS and HIV related needs, and providing information and assistance to obtain resources that will work to meet these needs. These resources include facilities to get tested, prevention programs, a variety of support groups, outreach events, social activities, ect. ACR also works towards ending discrimination, an ongoing problem that people may be faced with being associated with HIV/ AIDS. Racial background, gender identification, and sexual orientation are generally associated with HIV/ AIDS and may lead to/ cause discrimination and harassment, particularly in social environments such as school. ACR works toward creating communities that are inclusive and supportive regardless of racial gender and sexual identities. There should be no groups of insiders and outsiders, no one should have to face discrimination or harassment. School should not be a dangerous place for anyone, but rather safe, healthy, supportive, and empowering environment. (Renee)