Project Inform

Index of articles from Project Inform

• Mission
• Project Inform Publications
• HIV Health InfoLine
• Outreach and Education
• Advocacy Programs
• A Message of Hope
• Make a Difference
• How to Reach Project Inform

Mission

Project Inform represents HIV-positive people in the development of treatments and a cure, supports individuals to make informed choices about their HIV health, advocates for quality health care to respond to HIV and related conditions, and promotes medical strategies that prevent new infections.

Working at the local, state and national levels since 1985, Project Inform lends an independent voice to ensure a thoughtful, compassionate response to the epidemic by government, academia, industry and the community, and we empower all individuals living with HIV to make fully informed health decisions in order to build quality of life.

Project Inform Publications

Putting Hope Into Words

Project Inform produces a variety of printed information resources, each designed to meet a special need. All provide up-to-date information on topics ranging from advances in HIV/AIDS treatment to commentary on government policy.

The Introductory Treatment Packet

This provides vital information for people newly diagnosed with HIV, and for all of those who have made the decision to take charge of their health. The packet helps people realize that HIV infection is not a death sentence, and helps them create a comprehensive personal action plan. Materials from Project Inform provide supportive information on everything from choosing and working with a healthcare provider to understanding treatment options.

Fact Sheets

Project Inform Fact Sheets provide detailed information on specific treatments, common infections, and strategies for maintaining health. They are based on the most current information from the latest research in HIV and AIDS.

Your information is priceless! Project Inform is our only link for information other than our personal physician, and even he commented on how accurate and informative your papersare!

-- Patricia C.

Both the Introductory Treatment Packet and the Fact Sheets are available free of charge to Hotline callers (see contact info below) and by request at Town Meetings (see Outreach and Education below).

PI Perspective

Taking a consumer advocate's approach to reporting on medical, governmental and regulatory issues, Project Inform's well-respected, comprehensive treatment journal provides information from the most recent studies, plus perceptive analysis on current AIDS treatment and research.

PI Internet Web Site

This award-winning web site makes it possible for anyone to obtain free, confidential information. The Project Inform web site includes regularly updated information and alerts, plus the full range of Project Inform publications described in this brochures. Those without computers may gain access through public libraries, AIDS information centers, and schools. The web site provides convenient direct links to other HIV/AIDS web sites.

I'm an RN working with people with HIV/AIDS. I go to conferences; I read a lot. PI Perspective has information that I haven't seen before.

-- Anonymous

HIV Health InfoLine

A Reassuring Voice

1.888.HIV.INFO (1.888.448.4636)
Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm (Pacific Time)

Project Inform's operators live with or are impacted by HIV, and provide valuable insight and support to callers by answering questions about HIV care and making referrals to local services. We have been answering the phone since 1985 -- talking to tens of thousands of people living with HIV and those who care about them. We talk with people across the US about their health and how to live well with HIV/AIDS. Messages can be left and will be returned.

Your Hotline is exceptional. It is not only helped me, but provides immediate answers toquestions that my friends ask me.

-- Anonymous

Outreach and Education

Bringing the Message Home

Project Inform outreach and education activities enable us to bring essential information directly to the communities that are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Town Meetings

Informative, supportive -- and action-oriented -- Town Meetings are held throughout the U.S. and in San Francisco. Introductory Town Meetings provide basic information about HIV infection, while Update Town Meetings deliver advanced information on current issues and evolving treatment options.

These grassroots forums have enabled Project Inform to take a leading role in urging anonymous testing, health monitoring, early intervention, combination therapy, and the prevention of opportunistic infections.

Here's a schedule of upcoming Town Meetings.

Targeted Outreach Activities

Whenever possible, Project Inform provides AIDS service organizations with specialized training to enhance their knowledge of HIV/AIDS treatment. Project Inform shares resources, training, and technical assistance with "front line" workers in under-served communities. Special efforts are being made to reach out to women, people of color, and young people.

I watched a roomful of participants turn from nervous strangers who had only their fear in common to a group of hopeful, empowered, supported people with action plans.

-- Alfredo A.

Advocacy Programs

Public Policy

Project Inform's Public Policy program seeks to protect and expand access to quality health care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. Over the past 20 years, we have advocated on behalf people with HIV to receive more inclusive services through federal and California state programs, such as the Ryan White CARE Act, ADAP, Medicaid, Medicare and Medi-Cal, among many others. You can read more about our current activities.

HIV Treatment and Research Advocacy

Throughout our history, Project Inform has worked to accelerate the pace of discovery in the HIV field. We continue to provide a community voice to inform regulatory and legislative bodies and the national and international research processes. We continue to partner with researchers in government, academia, the community and industry to ensure community needs are met and research is conducted in a timely and ethical manner. You can read more about our current activities.

A Message of Hope

Take Heart -- and Take Action

A positive HIV test result can change everything about a person's life -- yet it is not a reason to despair. The Project Inform message is one of hope and self-empowerment. We believe that a well-informed person is better able to gain access to the full range of available treatment options and resources, and is better equipped to make decisions.

Our goal is to help all people living with HIV and AIDS develop the ability to make the best of their fight with HIV disease, and to provide them with the invaluable tools of knowledge, hope, and power.

For many years our motto has been "It's never too early to take charge of your health." We encourage everyone to:

• Learn as much as possible about HIV infection and how it affects the body
• Take frequent diagnostic tests -- learning what the results mean, and what to do about them
• Explore and understand treatment options, and learn to choose therapies wisely
• Make positive changes to adapt to and take control of the situation

Make a Difference

Your Support Keeps Us Going Strong

All services and information are provided to our constituents nationally and internationally free of charge. More than ever, your support makes a difference in our ability to maintain these programs and to meet the information and education needs of the communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

• Volunteers are the heart of the organization -- initiating projects and supporting vital programs.
• Donations are always deeply appreciated.
• Special giving programs such as Partners in Hope, Pledge Partners, and the Memorial and Honor Gift Program offer a range of ways to support Project Inform.

To volunteer, to make a donation or a pledge, or to receive more information on ways to support Project Inform (including making a gift through your will or estate), follow the above links or please call 415.558.8669.

I am very proud of Project Inform and the work we do here ... I cannot tell you how empowering it is to still be able to make a difference in this society.

-- Quentin S., volunteer

How to Reach Project Inform

Project Inform:
1375 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-2621

HIV Health InfoLine:
Monday through Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, Pacific Time
1.888.HIV.INFO (1.888.448.4636)

Office Telephone: 415.558.8669
Fax: 415.558.0684
E-mail: web@projectinform.org
Web: www.ProjectInform.org