We are honored to be one of 158 organizations around the valley to be selected as a beneficiary of this year's Season For Sharing campaign.
This is the second year Southwest Center has been awarded $7,500 to support affordable healthcare and wellness visits for nearly 2,200 queer, LGBTQIA2S+, or people of color age 50-plus and affected by HIV.
Today, thanks to the effectiveness of treatment with HIV medicine, people with HIV who are diagnosed early and who get and stay on their medication can keep the virus suppressed and live long and healthy lives.
People aging with HIV share many of the same concerns as the general population aged 50 and older. Approximately 9% of our clientele are age 50+, and in 2022 the funds available through our 2022 Season of Sharing award supported about 1,978 client visits in some way. This year, we expect a 10% increase in client visits supported through this award.
Southwest Center offers primary care, mental health care, testing, prevention, and treatment services. Case management and nutrition services are provided for those eligible through the Ryan White Program.
The 2022-23 Season for Sharing Campaign raised $1.6 million to be shared between 158 nonprofit organizations across Arizona. Because The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com cover all promotional and administrative costs, 100% of donations go to community organizations. The grants assist at-risk children and families, support students and teachers, and aid older adults. Season for Sharing is an annual fundraising and grant-making initiative founded in 1993. Since then, more than $72 million has been raised and given to Arizona charities.