HUMANE CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce

The Tidewater AIDS Community Taskforce (TACT) is a private, nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to support and maintain the best quality of life for persons infected and affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and to reduce the overall incidence of HIV infection by providing education, information, HIV prevention, and support services to the general public, especially those living with HIV/AIDS.

TACT, a comprehensive nonprofit, community-based AIDS Service Organization was established in 1983 to meet the needs of persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the eastern region of Virginia and provided basic information and support services to people of the area. TACT's current service area includes the cities comprising the Hampton Roads Community, Eastern Shore, Isle of Wight, and the Western Tidewater area.

The success of the agency in providing services to the region has been through the efforts of the staff, volunteers, and the Board of Trustees, as well as through the working relationships established with other community-based organizations in the region. A qualified staff provides the necessary elements of a service agency such as administration, education, client services, and volunteerism.

The Virginia Department of Health provides funds for our AIDS Education Program. The Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program funds TACT's housing assistance and related case management services to persons with HIV disease and their families in Region V. Funding provided through the HOPWA grant and through donations and benefits has provided for client assistance for direct financial assistance, housing, medication, medical supplies, and equipment.

TACT is also a recipient of Ryan White Care Grant Funds. Under the Ryan White program, TACT provides case management, housing, emergency financial assistance, medication assistance, transportation, and referrals to medical care, mental health, and substance abuse treatment. The Ryan White Care Grant also provides support services and assistance to eligible persons who are HIV positive in seeking a higher quality of life. Additional staffing needs have been met over the years through a variety of state and community grants, private foundation support, and community wide campaigns.

TACT's mission is to:

• Strive for the reduction of HIV infection through public education
• Provide service to persons with HIV either directly or by referrals to other community based resources
• Educate and encourage persons with HIV to maintain control of their own lives
• Assess on an ongoing basis the program and service needs of people with HIV and develop, evaluate, and coordinate new programs in response to identified needs
• Actively advocate for the availability and accessibility of comprehensive health and support service to people with HIV
• Provide counseling, emotional support, and/or advice about HIV directly through staff, the volunteer buddy program, or by referral

For more information, please visit www.TACT-Online.com.

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