Triad Health Project News

There are currently an estimated 33,000 North Carolinians living with HIV/AIDS, many unaware of their status.
In Guilford County, over 2,400 cases have been diagnosed. Of those, over 500 individuals are currently seeking services from Triad Health Project. THP received 12 new client intakes during September of 2008.

IN MEMORIAM
Along with the entire Piedmont community, Triad Health Project mourns the passing of Mr. James McNair, our friend,
advocate, and former Board member. James was a leading presence in the HIV/AIDS movement as well as other justice and peace issues. While it is fair to say that James' sudden death on October 12th has left deep and permanent tears
in the fabric of THP, Higher Ground, GCAP, area churches, countless service organizations and in the hearts of his
friends, we are also grateful that James gave us an example and legacy of healing that we may hope to apply to these
same wounds. Teacher, mentor, activist, advocate, prophet, artist, poet, brother, and agent of peace - at the end of
the day, there is a smile we are not likely to forget and a new word in our language that points to a singular and
unique blend of gentleness, fire, wisdom, humor and compassion. That word will forever be "James."

Mark Cassity, Director, Triad Health Project's Higher Ground Day Center

17TH ANNUAL WINTER WALK FOR AIDS A "MUST" FOR YOUR HOLIDAY CALENDAR
Hundred of your friends and neighbors have already made plans, and we hope you will, too. Join THP on Sunday, December 7that historic War Memorial Stadium in Greensboro. Color, pageantry, and lots of compassion - rain, shine, or snow - will mark THP's 17th Annual Winter Walk for AIDS, presented by Triad Health Project, Greensboro Parks and Recreation, MillerCoors, Time Warner Cable, and YES! Weekly Magazine, and generously supported by numerous other community sponsors. Walk teams and individuals will again take to the beautiful streets of the historic Aycock Neighborhood, Fisher Park, and downtown for the 3-mile trek - individuals, as well as folks from companies, schools, faith-based organizations, civic groups, and families - all joining in-step to raise vital funds and awareness for the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Piedmont. As always, Winter Walk promises to be a powerful and moving experience as THP marks World AIDS Day, remembering those lost to AIDS and looking to a future when HIV/AIDS is defeated.

THP is delighted to have Guilford County State Representative Pricey Harrison as our 2008 Winter Walk Honorary Chairwoman, our modest way of honoring Representative Harrison's tremendous contributions to the HIV/AIDS crisis in North Carolina. Since arriving at the state capital, she's been front and center at the legislature introducing and advocating for a number of policies, including more funding for vital HIV/AIDS related services and statewide prevention programs. The roots of her family's philanthropic support also run very deeply throughout our local community. Prior to going to Raleigh, Pricey worked as a communications law attorney and volunteer environmental advocate.

For more information about Winter Walk, call 336-275-1654, or go to the Events page right here on our website.
Forming a team is a fun way to involve friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. However, you don't have to "team up" to participate. Individuals are welcome to join the biggest Winter Walk team of all - over 2,000 caring people walking together for a common cause.

"CHEERS"
Help THP toast our 17th Winter Walk with our good friends at Earth Fare. Join us on Friday, December 5th from 6pm to 8pm at the "healthy supermarket," located at 2965 Battleground Avenue in Greensboro. Enjoy their Winter Walk for AIDS Wine and Beer Tasting Benefit, sampling some of the store's hearty wines, beers, and light appetizers perfect for the chilly winter nights - and for a celebratory start to the annual Winter Walk weekend. The cost is only $5, with all proceeds benefiting THP. For more information, call Earth Fare at 336-369-0190.

SPREADING THE HARVEST
Just a mere weekend prior to Winter Walk, THP will be canvassing our community on Thanksgiving morning delivering holiday meals to hundreds of our clients and their families. If you would like to offer your sweat equity that morning, we would be most appreciative of your time volunteering to help make the holiday a little more special to those we serve.
Volunteers are needed to assist with delivering these meals, once again working with the wonderful folks at the Greensboro Restaurant Association and Greensboro Urban Ministries. Folks are needed from 9am until roughly around 11am, and have their own transportation with plans to work in pairs. If you are interested, please contact Shane Burton at 336-275-1654, ext. 26, or sburton@triadhealthproject.com.

WE GIVE THANKS TO…
Triad Health Project wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Greensboro, having recently awarded THP a $20,000 grant in support of the agency's Higher Ground Day Center, a retreat and resource center for persons infected or in any way affected by HIV/AIDS. Higher Ground is also a community network wherein THP clients may connect with peers, volunteers, community resources, counselors, and health professionals in a nurturing, communal setting.

THP NOVEMBER "WISH LIST"
THP has home-bound clients and those in nursing home care who are currently in need of the following items: a small
television, a small kitchen table and chairs, a folding chair, and a "dorm sized" refrigerator. If you wish to donate one
or more of these items - new or gently used - please contact Shane Burton at 336-209-0287, or sburton@triadhealthproject.com.

THP CELEBRATES NONPROFIT AWARENESS MONTH
Just in time to capitalize on the true spirit of the holiday season, Gov. Mike Easley has named November 2008 as "Nonprofit Awareness Month," in recognition of the sectors many facets to what it contributes to society across the state, and spearheaded by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits. Easley issued a statement, saying, "North Carolina's communities are enriched and enlivened by the contributions nonprofits make to the quality of life." "Every North Carolinian benefits from nonprofits' vital contributions of strengthening our social fabric, public policy, culture, sense of community, and future." THP thanks the Governor for his acknowledgment and seconds his thoughts. The nonprofit sector in North Carolina accounts for more than 270,000 jobs and contributes more than $20 billion a year to the state's economy.

WORLD AIDS DAY SOLEMNLY APPROACHING
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, observed every year on December 1st. The global event was established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, providing governments, national AIDS programs, faith-based organizations, community based organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic. You can learn more about World AIDS Day observances, access fact sheets, and download posters at www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays. Recently updated information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that in 2006, over 54,000 cases were diagnosed in America, and 14,000 died of AIDS-related causes. Every 13 minutes, a new person becomes infected with HIV and
more than a million individuals in the U. S. are now living with the virus.