March 20th marks the annual observance of National Native HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, a day to address the impact of HIV on Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians and to encourage HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in these impacted communities. March 20th also represents the spring equinox and marks the first day of spring. The first day of Spring was the chosen as the date to celebrate National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by individuals in the community who had participated in a national survey to determine what day would be most appropriate. It was acknowledged that in many Native cultures across the United States, the four seasons are highly respected because they closely represent the cycle of life.

March 10th marks the annual observance of National Women & Girls HIV & AIDS Awareness day. We wanted to take today to share the powerful story of CAP Client Jessica Gunn. Watch below as Jessica tells us about her experience as a mother and wife living with HIV and how accessing compassionate, affirming care is so integral to ensuring we all can live happy, healthy, loving lives.

Since the late 1980s, Washington state has been a leader in efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Decades later, we’ve inched closer to actually realizing that goal. Much of that progress is attributed to patient access to treatments that reduce or even prevent HIV infection. But the work is far from over.

My name is Hollis Kinner (he/him) and I am CAP’s new Equity and Inclusion Advocate. I am beyond thrilled (and humbled!) to be in this important position and to be part of a nonprofit that’s been a decades-long staple in the region for people living with HIV and AIDS. HIV work has been dear to my heart for several years…

Monday, February 7th marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (#NBHAAD) 2022. This year’s theme, “Progress & Resilience,” recognizes the significant progress Black communities have made in reducing HIV transmission. Yet it also recognizes that racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system ultimately affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services.

On January 28, Jonathan Frochtzwajg, CAP’s Public Policy & Grants Manager, had the pleasure of joining OPB’s Think Out Loud for an important conversation regarding the current blood shortage affecting our region (and our nation). “The shortage has led to renewed calls for the federal government to lift one specific restriction on blood donations. Currently, if a man has had sex with another man in the last three months, he cannot donate blood. More than 20 U.S. lawmakers, including Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, say it’s time to scrap that policy.”

We are excited to share that we’ll be bringing back the Winter Survival Kits that we’ve done in years’ past at CAP and Prism Health, and will be accepting donations starting today, January 10, for any and all winter survival items (see list below). These items will be collected at Prism Health and the three CAP social service locations in Portland, Vancouver, and Longview through March 18, 2022.

Yesterday evening, we gathered for an incredibly moving evening of reflection with our community. HIV has drastically impacted so many of our friends, families, loved ones, and community members across the past 4 decades. As our panelists spoke, we were reminded of not only how far we have come, but also how far we have yet to go in the fight against HIV transmission and also in advancing equitable access to healthcare.

For over three decades, each October 11, the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies have celebrated National Coming Out Day — a celebration of of the vibrancy of our community that encourages folks to share their truth with the world and take a stand against all forms of LGBTQIA+ discrimination. But how did the day get its start, and why is it so important to observe?

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the fight against HIV, TB and malaria in 2020, according to a new report released by the Global Fund today. The Results Report shows that while some progress was made, key programmatic results have declined for the first time in the history of the Global Fund.

National Gay Men’s HIV + AIDS Awareness Day is observed annually on September 27 to direct attention to the ongoing and disproportionate impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States.

Each September 18th, CAP observes National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day. This day brings attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV and to their health and social needs. (#HIVandAging) With many scientific advances and therapeutic options, most people living with HIV who are on effective treatments can expect to live to more than 70 years of age.

CAP is excited to announce the start of a brand new program in SW Washington in partnership with the Rainbow Advocacy and Inclusion Network (RAINS). With support from the Gamma Mu Foundation, CAP and RAINS will work together to provide peer-based social support for LGBTQ+ folks in and around Longview, WA.

July 14 is recognized around the world as International Non-Binary People’s Day. This occasion shines a light on those who identify as non-binary and celebrates the rich diversity of the non-binary and gender non-conforming community!

As of Tuesday, June 29th, 2021, CAP SW WA’s STD Clinic is re-open to the public after a 15 month hiatus. Cascade AIDS Project had been providing low-barrier full panel HIV/STI testing and treatment to the LGBTQ+ community in Vancouver for nearly a decade when COVID-19 hit.

Sex, identity, family, relationships: All of these are topics you talk about with your therapist—and all are intimately related to sexual orientation and gender identity. How can you get help with family issues if your mental-health provider doesn’t understand what it’s like to have a different gender identity than your parents or siblings?

Testing.com, a trusted informational guide for medical lab testing and at-home screening, has recognized Cascade AIDS Project + PIVOT as two of the best community-based organizations in Portland for providing vital services, such as free or low-cost STD testing and treatment, to fight the growing STD epidemic.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (HVAD) is observed annually on May 18th to recognize and thank all the dedicated volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists working together to develop a vaccine to prevent HIV. It is also a day to educate about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. A safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine is key to ending the HIV pandemic.

The past year living with COVID has created some incredible logistical and service challenges for nearly everyone, and we at CAP are no exception. With many of our services being client-facing, we have worked to navigate the complexities of continuing to provide these critical services in a way that is safe for both us and our clients.