AcadianaCARES: A Source Of Hope For Local HIV Patients [VIDEO]

Local charity AcadianaCARES has long been a source of hope for local HIV and AIDS patients in our area. In light of the recent interview in which actor Charlie Sheen revealed he is HIV positive, AcadianaCARES Director Claude Martin joined Acadiana's Morning News with Bernadette Lee and Brandon Comeaux. Martin talked about the focus of the group in Acadiana and how early detection and prevention can save lives.

From AcadianaCARES website:

In 1985 a group of concerned citizens founded Lafayette CARES in response to the effect that HIV was having in the area and to meet the needs of those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Lafayette. Since that time the agency has expanded services throughout Acadiana—Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St Landry, St Martin and Vermillion Parishes. The agency changed its name in 1995 to Acadiana CARES to reflect its regional work. Acadiana CARES provides education and services to halt the spread of HIV in the region and end the prejudice and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS. CARES is the acronym for Concern for AIDS Relief, Education and Support.

Mission

The mission of Acadiana CARES is to address the issues associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and provide education and services for HIV prevention and care for those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Objectives

• Increase use of regional services for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Develop and expand relationships with other agencies that provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS
• Promote behavioral change in high-risk populations
• Address the myriad issues that contribute to the HIV/AIDS epidemic such as poverty, unstable housing, substance abuse and mental illness