(PALM SPRINGS, CA – July 29, 2008)
Desert AIDS Project would like to thank the local community for its overwhelming response to their request for donations of personal care products to help launch its new “Entre Mujeres” (Between Women) program.
“Day after day, the collection box in D.A.P.’s lobby was filled to the top,” said Dr. Joy White, a member of both D.A.P.’s Board of Directors and its 100 Women major donor program. “These donations, along with some very nice contributions of money and multiple items from organizations like JFK Memorial, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Walgreens, among others, will help us put together these very necessary health and hygiene bags. We’ll be distributing them at our day-long event at the Mecca Farmworker and Family Resource Center on August 5.” Members of D.A.P.’s volunteer group Stitch in Time will also be at the event in Mecca to help distribute the beautiful receiving blankets and teddy bears they have handmade specifically for the event.
Volunteers will be packing the health and hygiene bags in the Presidio Room, generously donated by the Viceroy at 415 South Belardo Road in Palm Springs this Wednesday, July 30 from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Anyone interested in helping assemble the bags or in wanting to know more about 100 Women may call Colleen Showalter at 323-2118, ext. 257 for more information.
Entre Mujeres is a collaboration between 100 Women, dedicated to the concerns of women and children infected with or affected by HIV or AIDS, and D.A.P.’s Education, Prevention, and Testing Services Department. The program’s initial outreach will be to low-income, Hispanic women who are already receiving some services through the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program at the Mecca Farmworker and Family Resource Center. Bilingual outreach workers will present information on and answer questions about HIV prevention and care. Says Dr. White, “We hope this event will be just the start of a complete offering of program services to women and children who might not completely understand about being at-risk for HIV or AIDS.”
Desert AIDS Project is the organization in our community where people living with HIV and AIDS can receive comprehensive support, including medical care, case management, and social services. D.A.P. also offers confidential HIV testing at a number of locations and widespread education and prevention services for schools, civic organizations, businesses, churches, and health organizations throughout the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.desertaidsproject.org or call 760-323-2118.
