Fighting Stigma and Fueling a Community: How The Alliance of AIDS Services Supports People Living with HIV/AIDS

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm

As of 2023, more than 27,000 North Carolinians were living with HIV/AIDS, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is not only a medical challenge, but a mental one. Individuals with an HIV diagnosis are frequently met with harmful misconceptions about their condition, which can make accessing care overwhelming and isolating. Finding a supportive and inclusive community while living with HIV/AIDS can make all the difference.

In North Carolina, one organization is leading that effort. For more than two decades, the Alliance of AIDS Services – Carolina (AASC) has supported individuals living with HIV/AIDS through health advocacy, support groups, and community events, all while battling the stigma surrounding the condition.

“HIV is not like it was in the 1980s” says Tiffany Hickman, Executive Director of the Alliance. “It is now a manageable chronic condition. There have been so many advancements to treatment and prevention; however, the persistent stigma, lack of knowledge, and lack of access to care are factors contributing to this health challenge.”

For over 25 years, the Alliance has worked to combat the lack of access to care by providing free, confidential HIV testing, as well as screenings for other sexually transmitted infections. The organization is dedicated to educating the local community, offering health-education workshops meant to provide North Carolinians with crucial knowledge about HIV/AIDS and condition management.

Outside of preventative programs, the Alliance advocates for and supports vulnerable populations impacted by HIV/AIDS. Individuals living with the condition are statistically more susceptible to challenges like food insecurity, and the Alliance has risen to meet that need. The Taylor-Burroughs Market P.L.A.C.E. (Pantry of Love, Acceptance, Care, and Equity) is a cornerstone of the Alliance’s community services – a local food pantry that annually serves over 6,000 individuals battling food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse. “The food pantry is the service that we receive the most heartfelt gratitude for from our clients,” says Hickman, “People come in and ‘shop’ our shelves while filling their cart with groceries. It’s the smiles on their faces that let me know that we have helped make their life a little easier.” In 2023, the pantry delivered over 108,000 pounds of food to families and individuals in need.

The Alliance is proud to provide programs like its pantry, workshops, and HIV/STI testing at no cost, and runs its programs entirely on government funding and charitable donations. Recently, the organization has been faced with mounting financial uncertainty. “Non-profits such as the Alliance have been silently suffering from federal funding cuts to delayed contracts,” says Hickman. “It is important for community members to know that all of our services are still free of charge. Every donation goes directly to support our programs so we can continue to offer vital services at no cost.”

For those looking to support the Alliance, there are always opportunities to get involved. Whether by volunteering, donating, or simply telling a friend, your contribution matters. “By sharing our agency’s story, you’re not only helping get the word out about our agency, but you’re also reaching those that may need our services and letting them know where they can come for support.”

Ben Whitley of Whitley Law Firm added, "The AASC ensures people living with HIV/AIDS are supported through access to healthcare and we are honored to support their mission to fight stigma, promote equality, and provide hope through educational and essential services.”

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm