Addressing HIV/AIDS in the Capital Region
Too often, we think of HIV/AIDS as a problem of our nation's larger cities. In fact, however, right here in the Capital Region the number of persons with HIV/AIDS continues to increase at an alarming rate. As a result, our community has numerous HIV-related needs which have yet to be addressed.

A Collaborative Approach
In response to these unmet needs, the Community AIDS Partnership of the Capital Region (CAP-CR) was formed in early 1994 under the sponsorship of the not-for-profit CARES, Inc. The Partnership represents a collaboration of local funders, persons with HIV/AIDS, community and business leaders, clergy and AIDS service providers in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery and Fulton and counties. Local funds raised by the Partnership are matched by the National AIDS Fund whose purpose is to enhance local collaboration and expand private sector funding for AIDS services.

The Partnership has three goals:

• To expand the availability of private sector funding for AIDS services in the region and to distribute this funding to local agencies which provide AIDS prevention and care.
  
  
• To increase community awareness regarding the impact of AIDS in our community.
  
  
• To bring AIDS service providers together with funders and community leaders to promote cost-effective and efficient provision of services.

Funding Priorities
Among the Partnership's first challenges was to set funding priorities for HIV/AIDS-related services. We began by conducting a comprehensive assessment of community needs. As a result, we identified the following priority needs:

• Services such as respite care, permanency planning and counseling for children and families impacted by HIV/AIDS
  
  
• Financial assistance programs for essential needs such as housing, utilities and food.
  
  
• Supportive counseling and mental health services
  
  
• Outreach services including street outreach to under-served populations
  
  
• Social/Recreational programming such as drop-in centers
  
  
• AIDS education including secondary prevention and educational activities which are currently inadequately funded by governmental sources
  
  
• Other AIDS-related services for which the need can be demonstrated and innovative solutions proposed

Partnership Structure
CAP-CR is guided by a Steering Committee consisting of persons with HIV/AIDS, funders, AIDS service providers, and community leaders such as clergy and corporate/foundation representatives. Committee members draw on their collective experience to provide the Partnership with information on the quality and accessibility of existing services as well as the need for additional services. Committee members also play a leadership role in mobilizing the community and promoting the collaborative approach which can result in a more efficient AIDS service delivery system.

The Steering Committee has four subcommittees:

Needs Assessment
Resource Development
Allocation
Strategic Planning

You Have A Role, Too!
The Partnership welcomes support of any kind from throughout the community. To learn how you can help, call us at 518-489-4130.