AIDS - Philadelphia FIGHT
Philadelphia FIGHT, http://www.fight.org, is a comprehensive AIDS service organization providing HIV specialty primary care, consumer education, one-on-one advocacy and research on potential treatments and vaccines. FIGHT was formed as a partnership of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and clinicians, who joined together to improve the lives of people living with the disease. Our mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the lifetimes of people living with HIV right now.
Our programs include:
Project TEACH
Project TEACH is a class for people living with HIV and AIDS. It was formed in 1996 to meet the demands of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), who needed state-of-the-art HIV treatment information, leadership development, and self-empowerment. Our mission is to empower people living with HIV/AIDS to get educated about HIV, to use that knowledge to make the best decisions for their lives and to share that knowledge and empowerment with their communities. Since 1996, almost 2000 people have graduated from our various programs, which have included TEACH, TEACH Outside, Teen TEACH, Frontline TEACH (for friends, family members and community activists), and classes and seminars in Chester County, Montgomery County, and Baltimore.
We deeply believe that anyone can learn sophisticated HIV information if they are motivated to do so. The HIV epidemic has taught us that it is crucial for people with HIV/AIDS to share their experiences and help other people learn what they have learned. And we know that people learn best when they are supported by peers, friends and family. We provide not just good information, but resources for finding help, reducing stress, and not just living with HIV - living WELL with HIV.
We believe that people have a right to know what’s going on in their bodies, and to understand what doctors are recommending and why. In making medical decisions, people will always serve their health priorities, beliefs and goals. We want to help people identify their priorities more clearly, and support people in making decisions that are new for them.
For example, someone who has never taken antiviral medication might get a lot of pressure from friends and family to take them, or not to take them. They might know about the benefits of medications, but be scared of the potential for side effects. Project TEACH is there to give them more information about the benefits AND risks of medications, as well as what their medical provider might be thinking, so that their decisions are made with the best possible information. We’re not here to tell people to take medication, or not to take it. We’re here to help people get the best information, so that they can make decisions that reflect their goals.
For more information on Project TEACH, Philadelphia FIGHT, or any of these programs, please call 215-985-4448, or visit our website at http://www.fight.org/
To find more HIV/AIDS resources, including Delaware Valley organizations and non-English materials, visit Philly Health Info’s AIDS page.
