2nd Annual Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
We will be promoting SHAAD on Day 1 & Southern Solutions on Day 2.
There is an HIV/AIDS crisis in the South, right here in our community. This reality requires all of us to be engaged in collective, bold, and innovative strategies to reduce these disparities.
Since 1989, BASIC NWFL, Inc. has helped thousands by #PursuingThePossible. We are a volunteer governed, community based organization dedicated to aiding, assisting, and comforting those living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their families and friends. At BASIC of Northwest Florida, we provide discrete and compassionate assistance without passing judgment. BASIC provides awareness, education, advocacy, linkage to care, prevention, testing and substance abuse/HIV education to the citizens of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. For more information about SHAAD, please visit their website at https://southernsolution.org/
Together, we can #EndTheHIVEpidemic by being the #SouthernSolution today. We are #DoingTheWork and making a much needed difference in the South and in our community.
“Inspiration to do this work most often comes from something or someone that has impacted my life. The need to help is ingrained in me and being fulfilled by making a difference. HIV in the South has been my mission since 1996 and is the driving force behind my dedication to people living with HIV (PLWH). Being a board member of the Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC) furthers that mission because of the connection all of us have in the South. Together, we do make a difference.”
Valerie Mincey | President/CEO
United Way Workplace Campaign Video August 2020
Thank you, United Way of Northwest Florida, for all you do for our community. Without your continued support, we would not be able to provide many quality services to our clients.
Positive Support Group
RISE Together HIV Stigma Reduction Campaign
Thanks to the Southern AIDS Coalition and the COMPASS Initiative SPARK! Grant Program, we have billboards up in Bay, Jackson, Holmes and Gulf Counties to promote the reduction of stigma surrounding people living with HIV. Be on the lookout for these billboards, and if you are able to get a picture of it or a selfie with it and tag our BASIC NWFL Facebook Page and use the hashtag #REDUCESTIGMA. (Please do so safely and legally, following all traffic laws!) Principle reasons for people not acknowledging their HIV status are fear of a real or perceived stigma that may be associated with that information becoming a known fact in their community. People living with HIV/AIDS can be reluctant to access services in their area given the stigma of having HIV and how it might result in rejection by the community, family, friends, and coworkers who are lacking knowledge and understanding about risk of HIV transmission, prevention and treatment. Let’s work together to get rid of stigma!
Locations of billboards:
- Bay County: On Hwy 98 @Lisenby and on 23rd street East of Beck Ave.
- Jackson County: Hwy 71
- Holmes County: Hwy 90 and Hwy 70
- Gulf County: on Hwy 98 @Redfish St.
Thank you Southern AIDS Coalition and COMPASS Initiative for making this possible!
Important Hurricane Michael Recovery Information – Current / Wish List Items
BASIC NWFL, Inc. is back and fully operational. Client Services & Prevention are back on regular hours.
We would like to thank everyone for being patient with us as we worked to fix our building and make it better than ever. We are also grateful to every organization that has sent help, love and prayers along the way.
If you are a client that is in need of transportation, please reach out to us at (850) 785-1088
Eternally grateful and committed,
Valerie Mincey
President/CEO
BASIC NWFL, Inc.
Wish List / Current Needs
- Blankets
- Electric Heaters
- Pillows
- Sleeping Bags
- Tents to shelter from outdoor elements/roof over their heads
- Wash Cloths
- Towels
- Bleach
- Laundry Detergent
- Ivory Soap – Some clients are sensitive to scented soaps
- Socks
- Winter hats – Men and Women
- Winter gloves – Men and Women