Volunteers and CAP!

Last fiscal year, CAP volunteers gave over 21,000 hours of their time. This time has been estimated to be worth $550,000! Volunteers serve in our office and programs, and at events. They are an invaluable resource; without volunteers, some of our wonderful programs—like the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline—wouldn’t even exist.

The state of Oregon has been ranked 11th in the nation for percentage of residents who volunteer for an organization. The city of Portland was ranked 2nd! We are so lucky to benefit from living in a place full of such engaged, active people.

How can YOU help (and win a massage!)?
Volunteer now and make a difference for years to come! CAP is gathering signatures for a petition to be listed on the Charitable Checkoff list that goes out with your Oregon tax return. We need 10,000 valid signatures and AIDS Walk is our best chance to get them. Training is offered for signature gathering volunteers.

There are two chances to help next week:

• Pink Party Bar Crawl, Wednesday, Sept 29 from 6 to 11pm. Meet at CAP at 6pm. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pink boa & drink ticket.
  
• AIDS Walk Portland, Sunday, Oct 3 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Meet at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Volunteers will get a t-shirt, pedometer, water bottle and Nike duffel bag.

Anyone who joins us as a Signature Gatherer at the Bar Crawl or AIDS Walk Portland will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate at Coldwater Creek Spa. We estimate 30 volunteers, so the odds are good!

Want to volunteer, but can’t for the AIDS Walk?
No problem—we’d still love to have you! The first step prospective volunteers should take is to attend a Volunteer Orientation. The next one is Tuesday October 5th—if that date doesn’t work for you, you can find one that will on CAP’s agency calendar.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Marc Kochanski to sign up at mkochanski@cascadeaids.org.

CAP Program Highlight: Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline

Oregon AIDS/STD hotline

(503) 223-AIDS | (800) 777-AIDS

(800) 449-6940 en espanol

Monday through Friday, 9am - 6pm and Saturday from 12pm - 6pm

Operating since 1987, the Oregon AIDS/STD Hotline is a volunteer-staffed program that provides HIV/STD and viral hepatitis information and referrals by phone and online to youth and adults across Oregon and the Northwest. Compassionate counselors answer questions and provide support to thousands of callers annually.

Though initially created to provide basic information on HIV/AIDS transmission and risk evaluation, the Hotline has been expanded over the years to include other services in response to changing needs in the community. The Hotline has become a statewide information and referral line for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many callers are unaware that they are at risk for other STIs, some of which do not show symptoms. Hotline counselors help callers identify any possible risks and provide information on testing resources.

Along with the free and confidential hotline, the program has expanded to include:

• Live online chat with trained Hotline counselors
• A statewide training calendar for providers
• Tips and advice for those living with HIV/AIDS
• Frequently Asked Questions
• A list of test sites and needle exchange programs in Oregon
• An easy database search for resources by county

The Hotline provides factual information about HIV, STDs, and viral hepatitis as well as referrals to services such as testing. If needed the Hotline can mail out brochures and fact sheets to callers. Hotline counselors can also provide over the phone support for people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Hotline volunteers maintain a presence in several popular internet chat rooms, providing support around prevention and harm reduction.

Check out the Hotline on Facebook or read the blog!

For more information or for hard copies of HIV/AIDS fact sheets, contact Claire Backenstow, Hotline Coordinator.

10 (+1) Things I Can Do About HIV/AIDS

1. Talk about HIV/AIDS.

2. Support loved ones living with HIV/AIDS.

3. Educate yourself and then others about HIV/AIDS.

4. Volunteer at local HIV/AIDS organizations.

5. Register to vote.

6. Inform yourself and others about HIV-related legislation and policies.

7. VOTE!

8. Disclose your HIV status to fight HIV-related stigma.

9. Remember the past, live in the present, plan for the future.

10. Keep talking about HIV/AIDS!

One more thing you can do: register for the Walk at AIDS Walk Portland! We'd love to have you there with us.