WHY WE WALK

Today, more than 6,970 are living with HIV/AIDS in Wisconsin - an all time high. As the number of people affected by this complex disease continues to increase, so does the demand for quality health care services.

By registering for AIDS Walk Wisconsin today and raising pledges, you allow those living with HIV the chance to live long, healthy lives. You guarantee that HIV care and treatment is available to all people living with the disease, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.

In 2009, the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) -- the state’s largest and fastest growing provider of HIV medical, dental and mental health care -- experienced a significant spike in demand for all services, including a 20 percent increase in new patients to the ARCW Medical Center.

Yet as the AIDS epidemic persists, so does our unwavering determination to help people with HIV claim control over their health. We are proud to share that Wisconsin has one of the lowest AIDS mortality rate in the nation. This is due to access to good HIV health care. Your pledges for AIDS Walk Wisconsin will support the ARCW Medical Center and will be the tool that is needed now for people people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives.

Every dollar raised for AIDS Walk Wisconsin:

• Assures access to quality and comprehensive HIV health care and social services regardless of ability to pay or economic status.
• Feeds families. Many living with HIV cannot afford their medications and keep food on their tables. However, in 2009, the statewide network of ARCW food pantries distributed 400 tons of food to over 1,600 patients and their families. You can ensure these clients and their families receive nutritious food while still being able to afford life sustaining medications.
• Gives shelter. In 2009, ARCW provided shelter and rent assistance to 634 people living with or affected by HIV.
• Protects the legal rights of people with HIV against discrimination and provides them with legal counsel on entitlement issues, estate planning and health care directives. Last year, ARCW lawyers handled 829 legal matters for people living with HIV.
• Empowers women living with HIV to seek care at the ARCW Women’s Clinic, which tends to the specific and unique health issues that women living with HIV face. You can increase their ability to access care while balancing childcare responsibilities and other life challenges. 
• Makes a difference in the life of a person with HIV. The ARCW Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic provides mental health therapy to address issues such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. You can enable people living with HIV to achieve positive changes in their lives through mental health treatment.
• Stays in Wisconsin for the fight against AIDS.