Press Releases

Below are the latest letters and notices sent to all supporters and volunteers of the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 11, 2003

Contact:  Dave Chandler                     Phone:  (520) 299-6647
Director of Education                      Fax:      (520) 784-0620

RE: Request for Speakers to address members of Tucson faith community on HIV/AIDS Issues

Speakers Needed For Sharing and Education about HIV/AIDS

The Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) is recruiting volunteer speakers to educate and inform the area communities of faith about prevention and social issues that surround people living with HIV/AIDS. Speakers would provide educational talks without prejudice or proselytism as well as their own personal stories to receptive congregations, Sunday school classes, classrooms in religious schools, and other faith-based organizations.

“The personal experiences our speakers present are a powerful way to bring understanding, compassion, and a call for action within our faith communities,” said Scott Blades, Executive Director. “TIHAN’s outreach depends on our ability to break down the stigma and shame associated with HIV/AIDS. We create a safe and open discussion of what people can do to stop the transmission of HIV as well as offer ideas and volunteer options where they can put their faith and hands to work and help people living with AIDS in our community.” 

TIHAN currently utilizes a small volunteer pool of speakers. The need to increase this speaker pool stems from the need to address the changing face of AIDS. More women, African Americans, Hispanics, clergy and laypersons, parents and family members of people living with the disease, as well as representatives in our medical and psychiatric fields are needed to reflect the reality of the devastating affects HIV/AIDS still has in our community. 

“Fear is not the answer to this disease,” said HIV-positive speaker, Georgeannie Figueroa. Figueroa often talks to members of Tucson’s faith community because she understands the importance of her message and wants people to be more aware and understanding. “HIV/AIDS is here. People need to wake up and educate themselves because this disease can affect anyone. Once you get HIV, you have it. There is no getting rid of it.” Figueroa experience a lot of alienation from many of her friends and family. “They treated me like I was not human. I am a person living with HIV. I am not HIV. There is a big difference.”

Prior public speaking experience is helpful but not necessary. TIHAN will provide training and support to those with a story to tell and a desire to make a difference. If you would like to learn more about how you can help or schedule a presentation for your congregation or religious school, please contact the TIHAN office at 299-6647 or e-mail info@tihan.org.

return to top

TIHAN News . What's New . Current Newsletter
Past Newsletters . Press Releases . Local HIV/AIDS News