AUNT RITAS FOUNDATION
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Mission Statement
To be the catalyst of HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, education and support in Arizona.
About This Cause
In 1988, seven years into the AIDS epidemic, friends Randy Schrock, Gary Mangum and Skip O’Neill, set out on a quest to raise money for their friends and family dying from AIDS. At that time, resources were scarce, services were limited, and education was nonexistent. Combining their talents, they hosted a bake sale that allowed the community to come together and fund the help that was so desperately needed, including meals, housing, in-home care, and counseling. In 1996, when federal assistance had become more prevalent, the bake sales came to an end and Aunt Rita's was put on hold. Then, in 2005, community members revived the Foundation with AIDS Walk Arizona, to provide HIV testing and education that continued to be a crucial need. Since then, Aunt Rita's has provided millions of dollars in grant funding to support HIV prevention and treatment throughout Arizona. They've launched HIVAZ.org and VIHAZ.org and have led initiatives on HIV education, outreach, testing and advocacy, including the continued expansion of HIV/STI testing initiatives throughout Arizona and surrounding tribal areas, community outreach and education. HIV AZ Connect is Aunt Rita's information and referral program. It is the most comprehensive HIV/STI resource directory in the state of Arizona. Through HIVAZ.org and VIHAZ.org online, as well as one-on-one help and referrals, thousands of Arizonans are connected with HIV prevention and treatment, year-round. Aunt Rita's HIV and STI testing initiatives offer Arizonans the opportunity to get tested for free in the comfort of their own homes with a home test kit program. Test kits are distributed three ways: (1) Aunt Rita's sends 150+ HIV test kits directly and discreetly to homes of those who request them each month, (2) HIV/STI vouchers are sent that can be redeemed for testing at Sonora Quest locations statewide, and (3) HIV Test kits are distributed to more than 20 community-based organizations and healthcare clinics throughout Arizona. In total, nearly 400 tests are distributed to individuals each month. Experienced Escapades is Aunt Rita's HIV & Aging initiative program that provides supportive and social opportunities for aging adults living with HIV. The program focuses on ensuring these survivors have a sense of community and meet others with shared experiences to help reduce social isolation and loneliness. Activities include social outings, group connections, monthly health and wellness and yoga sessions. In addition, Aunt Rita's also hosts a Youth Empowerment Retreat for youth ages 14-24 who are living with HIV. Aunt Rita's Advocacy works with State and municipal leaders to establish policies that promote our mission to end the HIV epidemic. This initiative furthers legislative advocacy to create and protect laws that promote HIV prevention and treatment in Arizona.