Do you think you have what it take to be the next Executive Director for a.l.p.h.a.

a.l.p.h.a.'s Founder has resigned from his position at a.l.p.h.a. and is off to a new exciting adventure and that leaves a wonderful opportunity for someone else to take the helm. Click this link for details. Best of Luck to Duane and to all of our applicants. classifieds.boiseweekly.com/details.cfm?searchOnli...set=1
http://thesocialtool.com/n/a27f74

LAST DAY TO VOTE!!!!! $2500 for a.l.p.h.a.

VOTE for the FINAL TIME * Thank everyone!!! The winner will be announced tomorrow as part of World AIDS Day!!!! Thanks again @fb:David Elliott Thompson and Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (a.l.p.h.a.) for being so BAD ASS!


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Just 3 MORE DAY to VOTE and EARN $2500 for a.l.p.h.a.

Click this link to VOTE www.redhotand.us/votingform_psa.html - REMEMBER to VOTE everyday and to encourage your friends to do the same. JUST 3 MORE DAYS left. Thank you @fb:David Elliott Thompson VOTE FOR PSA Category - scroll down to the bottom and pick David Elliot Thompson - a.l.p.h.a. Thanks everyone!!


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a.l.p.h.a. is a national FINALIST vote every to win $2500 for a.l.p.h.a.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 10:00pm until Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 11:30pm
Where
www.redhotand.us/votingform_...
Description
Everytime you vote you are helping a.l.p.h.a. (allies linked for the prevention of HIV/AIDS) win $2,500.

Please vote David Elliott Thompson - "a.l.p.h.a"!!!

Step 1: GO HERE: www.redhotand.us/votingform_psa.html
Step 2: In the select 1 PSA scroll down to the option David Elliott Thompson - "a.l.p.h.a
Step 3: Fill out the rest of your information.

Everyone is allowed 1 vote per day!

Online voting ends on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 11:59pm U.S. Eastern Tim

Please help by voting once a day. Every vote can make the difference in winning this amazing organization some serious funding.

To watch the PSA please go here:




http://thesocialtool.com/n/a02365

Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

On Thursday, stop in at Boise Cafe's Essencia Bohemia Wine Tasting and live music! a.l.p.h.a. will also be there tabling! The Boise Cafe is just next door to a.l.p.h.a, so please come support our neighbor! For more information, visit this link: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102235563224002
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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

FREE HEART (HIV Education and Respect Training) classes today in Boise and Twin Falls! Space is still available! Click one of the links for more information: Boise: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=301397619888374 , Twin Falls: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196335377108773
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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

World AIDS Day is on December 1st. Are you a owner or representative of an Idaho business or organization? a.l.p.h.a. is looking for businesses and organizations around Idaho that would be willing to display a lighted red ribbon in their windows or displays later this month. We will provide the ribbon. Visit our website for more information: www.alphaidaho.org/#/world-aids-day/4557057792
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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

World AIDS Day is on December 1st. Are you a owner or representative of an Idaho business or organization? a.l.p.h.a. is looking for businesses and organizations around Idaho that would be willing to display a lighted red ribbon in their windows or displays later this month. We will provide the ribbon. Visit our website for more information: www.alphaidaho.org/#/world-aids-day/4557057792
http://thesocialtool.com/n/9edf19

A Memorial for Richard Woolley

a.l.p.h.a. along with other friends of Richard will be celebrating his life at 1pm to 2pm at Grace Place at
3008 W. Grace. St, Boise, ID 83703 · Get Directions

Richard was a valued volunteer to a.l.p.h.a. and a splendid friend to many.

Richard enjoyed many things in life, one being art. a.l.p.h.a. will also be memorializing the Art Space in EXPOSURE a.l.p.h.a. Interchange a second hand boutique that Richard volunteered his time.

We love you Richard! Thank you for touching our lives.

Our hope is that all who knew Richard would feel welcome to come. If you would like to speak, share photos and other items and or thoughts, please contact duane@alphaidaho.org or by calling him on his cell at 208 703 6926.

Richard's memorial will be followed by a.l.p.h.a.'s monthly - Positive Social for those infected and affected by HIV - this will also be taking place at Grace Place this month.

Big Thank you to Dosha, Todd & Grace Place for hosting us.

Event Link www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202702523133897


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a.l.p.h.a. goes purple

Boise Loves is asking Boise to wear purple to bring awareness to recent Hate Crimes in Solidarity with LGBTQIA Suicide Awareness and Remembrance. For more information go to www.Facebook.com/boiseloves. a.l.p.h.a. will be wearing purple on Thursday, so please join us in showin the love.


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Holiday Gift Wrapping at EXPOSURE

November through December Thursdays through Sundays EXPOSURE a.l.p.h.a. Interchange will wrap your gifts purchased from Downtown retailers with receipt for a nominal cash donation. Please feel free to bring in your own paper.

Sales on select clothing and home decor through the month of December.

Unique gifts and clothing for your holiday season.

213 N 10th St. Boise Id 83702
www.exposurealphaintechange.org
www.facebook.com/exposureboise
208-424-8158

Holliday Hours
11-7 m-f
10-4 sat
12-5 sun


http://thesocialtool.com/n/9d7c8e

EXPOSURE a.l.p.h.a. Interchange hosts another Social Justice Sunday

Here is what happended. www.idahostatesman.com/2011/10/17/1842337/boiseans....html


http://thesocialtool.com/n/9d7b32

a.l.p.h.a. was here.

Great work to everyone who worked on the project. <3 idahoagenda.com/2011/10/17/slut-walk-sends-message...ns-no thesocialtool.com/attachment/2829573
http://thesocialtool.com/n/9d74e2

A memorial, A walk, A social & a Standdown.

All in a weekend at a.l.p.h.a. see our fb events for details or go our calendar at www.alphaidaho.org. Our thoughts are with Annatasha's Family & Friends this weekend and for all the events to do well. Take care.


http://thesocialtool.com/n/9d566b

a.l.p.h.@. VA Homeless Standdown this Saturday * Oct 15

Each year a.l.p.h.a. offers FREE HIV TESTING, distributes condoms and information. We have plenty of volunteers, but are in need of an HIV TEST COUNSELOR click this link for details. www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216501525072408


http://thesocialtool.com/n/9d20c9

a.l.p.h.@. Boise Slut Walk this weekend * October 15

Boise is participating in its first ever Slut Walk and a.l.p.h.a. was invited. We are in need of volunteers to help represent a.l.p.h.a. distribute condoms and other schwag. If you can help let us know. Click here for more about the event that start at 1230p @ Julia Davis www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251529568216079


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

<3 Our hearts go out to your family! <3 You will always be loved and never forgotten. A beloved volunteer and friend Annatasha Marie Jamison


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Stoked for this, still hammering out the panel and need some assistance - let us know 208 424 8158 or contact us here - if you want to be involved. Thanks!!! www.facebook.com/editprofile.php?sk=picture#!/even...23263


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Congratulations to the NOMINEES!!! 55 Nominations this year for all 10 awards. Click this LINK to see them www.facebook.com/notes/allies-linked-for-the-preve...90676


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Kelly Green of Red Light Variety at EXPOSURE a.l.p.h.a. Interchange for First PINK Thursday happening NOW!!!!












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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

♥ ღ Wear the Red Ribbon meets the Pink Ribbon - the artful bra will be shown, Kelly Green will Fan Dance in the Window and Allison Holley will be on Pole, dancing!! ♥ ღ FIRST PINK THURSDAY ♥ ღ www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197141970319111


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Big Thank you to TYLER BUSH for his help with the aesthetics at the 8th Annual Forever RED "Remember Every Day" Crazy 8 Saloon - Check out his work at HOME on the STRANGE www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527415923&sk=w...45996


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Thank you to Project Filter for Table Sponsorship at the 8th Annual Forever RED "Remember Every Day" Crazy 8 Saloon. www.projectfilter.org


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

The Red Ribbon Meets the Pink Ribbon this First Thursday at EXPOSURE www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197141970319111


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

People will arrive at Waterfront at Lake Harbor located at 3050 N Lake Harbor Lane and walk down the center of the Building where it leads out to the beautiful view of the Lake. As they enter they will begin to be swallowed up in a somewhat strange yet stunning wild west environment.

Tables with linens beneath the open early night sky, the tables ornamented with brass and glass candelabras and lanterns. The aroma of grill filling the air, spots of light from lighted lamp posts and pillars surrounding the light formal dining space... Forever RED 2011 www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259860764045826&...ef=ts


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

PLEASE RSVP ASAP or Forever RED www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259860764045826&...ef=ts we are also in need of volunteers to help out with the set up and tear down of the event Saturday Oct 8 from 10am-5pm and Sunday October 9th from 12-4p. Thanks


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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

is in need of some help this week with managing RSVP's, making phone call, etc. for FOREVER RED if you can help please contact Duane at 208 703 6926 or stop by the Boise office. Thanks!!!
http://thesocialtool.com/n/9c983c

RSVP NOW for FOREVER RED just 5 days away!!!! :D click this link about:blank

about:blank
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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

HEART (HIV Education Awareness Respect Training) classes are taking place today in our Twin Falls and Boise offices! There's still some room if you'd like to participate! www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176276772452579 , www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=279340028750444
http://thesocialtool.com/n/9c6f82

Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Duane was Here magicvalley.com/lifestyles/relationships-and-speci....html
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Post from alphaidaho at THE SOCIAL TOOL

Thank you James Tidmarsh and The Idaho Agenda for this story: idahoagenda.com/2011/09/29/group-meets-with-city-o...rimes
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Post from alphaidaho at THESOCIALTOOL

HIV: ID | Watch the Documentary Film Free Online | SnagFilms: www.snagfilms.com/films/title/hiv_id
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Post from alphaidaho at THESOCIALTOOL

is in need of a volunteer tomorrow to work in the Office from 12-3p and or Exposure from 1030a-3p - we can train. Just let us know. Thanks 208 424 7799
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Post from alphaidaho at THESOCIALTOOL

PIH launches"how-to” guide for global health implementers | Partners In Health: www.pih.org/news/entry/pih-launches-how-to-guide-f...nters
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Post from alphaidaho at THESOCIALTOOL

a.l.p.h.a.'s Food Pantry for those infected and affected by HIV and or AIDS is open until 8pm tonight. Call for more information at 208 424 7799. You can come to the Pantry once a week. Big thank you to the Idaho Food Bank and volunteers for making this possible.
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Post from alphaidaho at THESOCIALTOOL

Reserve Table or Purchase a ticket - Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS: www.alphaidaho.org/#/reserve-table/4553969394
http://thesocialtool.com/n/9c3ea1

From Jesse's Heart

I have been living in Boise and working at Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (a.l.p.h.a.) and the Wellness Center for over a month now and I can say that I absolutely love it. I have been working with patients to let them know that there are things out in the community that they can get involved in socially such as classes, to better themselves both mentally and physically, retreats, potlucks and support groups, among other things. Also at the Wellness Center I have been doing HIV testing and counseling. That is truly one of the things I love to do. I would also like to thank everyone at a.l.p.h.a. and the Wellness Center for welcoming me into all their lives. This is an awesome experience for me!!!

Working with United Vision for Idaho

United Vision for Idaho is a coalition consisting of more than twenty nonprofit organizations. Together with our partners, affiliates and individual members it is our mission is to transform the political landscape of Idaho by promoting education and understanding of public policy which allows every person to live with dignity and security in a healthy environment; by building relationships and open communication at the community level; by promoting public dialogue on the common values of the coalition; and by working to empower participation in democracy. We believe that far more unites than divides us and through collaborative grassroots work, we can change public policy, dismantle oppression, and enhance the equality, dignity, and power of all people.

Why We Do What We Do:

We believe that we must all work together

To advance the station of all people, To provide opportunities where few or none existed,To ensure that no one gets left behind and that all people have access to the tools and resources they need to enhance their own lives, that of their families,their communities, state and world. 

We do this work because we believe

That a world of equal opportunity, free from discrimination and barriers is a world where we can all flourish.  We do this work because even though the challenges sometimes seem insurmountable we'd rather spend the whole of our lives trying to help us all get there together than live a life resigned to the notion that better isn't possible.

But it will take all of us to achieve that promise.

So we come together as nonprofits, business owners, musicians, artists, citizens activists, and advocates. We come together as people committed to building a better future for our children's, our children, our parents, and grandparents, our family, friends and neighbors, for all people.

By our actions, by showing up, speaking up, and taking part, we create the slow and steady drip

that never leaves any rock unchanged!

THE LIQUID FORUM   

Is a program designed to foster community engagement.  Every first Wednesday of the month, we showcase a different Idaho nonprofit and local musical talent.  Join us as we learn and celebrate the important work non-profit organizations do for our community amidst the sounds that give pulse to our community.  Let's work together to turn policy into poetry and social justice into something we can all participate in!

April features Duane Quintana from a.l.p.h.a. committed to preventing the transmission of HIV and AIDS through education, public awareness, testing, and providing supportive services to infected and affected individuals. Duane will lead a discussion about the important work of the organization and reveal some exciting new developments. More about a.l.p.h.a. at http://www.alphaidaho.org Our Musical Guest will be the amazing,

Jani's Thoughts

Volunteering at a.l.p.h.a. has given me a chance to feel as though I am actually making a difference, even if it is only in one life, in one day. To be able to fill the gaps in knowledge for teens and adults for that matter, in what HIV/AIDS is, how it’s transmitted, that anyone can be affected and how it’s no longer a death sentence has given me more intrinsic rewards than anything I have done in my career. It has provided me an opportunity to model respect and the power of being informed to my children while also providing them the opportunity to be exposed to so many different populations. My children have been set on a path of health and personal responsibility and that is something I can never replace. a.l.p.h.a. is so important to our local communities; providing education, testing, and a sense of belonging that lacks in so many places in Idaho. I am forever indebted to the organization for that.

30 Years of Fighting the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in the United States

This year, CDC will commemorate 30 years of fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. To highlight our collective progress and examine existing challenges, CDC will launch on April 6, 2011, an online community that will serve as an information and communication portal. Here, we invite you to share your voice to remind us of the accomplishments, inspire one another with stories of perseverance and success, and position ourselves and our work for the road ahead.

This unique social networking community will allow members to share events, stories, photos, videos, and much more from the past 30 years. Many of us have been personally affected by HIV/AIDS over the past 3 decades, from receiving a diagnosis, to living with HIV or AIDS, to caring for a friend or family member with the disease. Our personal stories speak of challenges, but they also speak of hope. Please share your personal story with us and with others who have become a part of this epidemic's history.

Furthermore, some of us have worked in HIV since its beginning 30 years ago—in clinics, community organizations, the hardest-hit areas, health departments, and federal agencies. Some of us have more recently enlisted in this fight. But all of us have had moments that defined our work and our dedication to reducing the burden of HIV and AIDS. Please join the online community and share your defining moment in HIV prevention.

The Web community will also feature a calendar of events and host guest bloggers ranging from CDC leaders to community activists and partners in our collective struggle to end the epidemic. We encourage you to spend some time in this section of the portal and invite you to respond to blog posts with memories, lessons learned, or words of encouragement. To further commemorate the first reported case of AIDS, CDC will convene the lecture series, "HIV/AIDS: 30 Years of Leadership and Lessons" moderated conversations with leaders describing defining moments that changed the course of the epidemic. The series will begin early June 2011 and run through the final day of the CDC's National HIV Prevention Conference, which will be held August 14-17 in Atlanta. The conference will provide another opportunity to look back at the successes and challenges of the first 30 years of the epidemic, the lessons learned, and how we can apply these lessons today to have an even greater effect on the HIV epidemic.

Once you are a member of the online community, you can connect with colleagues past and present, meet new friends, honor loved ones affected by HIV or AIDS, and remember those who died from the disease. We have made significant progress, but much more remains to be done.

Information from CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS prevention

A Few Words From Robbie

Before I started a.l.p.h.a., I had never been tested; I figured that it was a waste of my time. In June of 2010 me and my husband Sean LaCelle went to Boise Pride, at this Pride alpha was doing Free HIV Testing. I looked at Sean and said let’s get tested. Sean was all for it so we walked over and got in line. The staff person handed us the following paper and I started to panic I started to shake really bad. Despite this I continued to go through with the test. Once I got my results I still was shaking really bad, at this time a lady named Crisa Charlton came up to me and we talked about a.l.p.h.a., I explained that I lived in twin and that I think what there doing here is a big thing, after leaving Boise that day I called Crisa and told her that when I get back from Cali I wanted to start volunteering. Couple week’s passes and when I got back I called Crisa up and we meet at a coffee shop on Blue Lakes, at this time I pitched an idea to her, and Idaho HIV and AIDS walk something that never happened in Idaho, we started planning it and went forward. In weeks to come I got to meet Duane for the first time and we talked a little bit and than just two days later we were opening an actual office here in Twin Falls. At first when I started a.l.p.h.a. I was the Fundraising Coordinator after couple months I became the Office Manager and now I’m currently the Office Manager and the Testing Coordinator for the Twin Falls Office.

I look back at the past year and I can say that a.l.p.h.a. has changed my life, I look at people in a different way and I feel that I care more about people’s safety and well being. I can say that it’s an honor working for an organization that offers so many services for the public. With Twin Falls being a very conservative community it has been a struggle to get people to understand that HIV and AIDS is a global epidemic and that we need to work together to help protect kids, friends, family and just about every living person.

Little Bit of Jonny Walker

Jonny Walker has been involved in the fight against HIV and AIDS since 2003. From speaking out against stigma to educating medical professionals on how to better serve their injection drug using patients and clients, Jonny has a drive to speak out for those who may be under served and under represented. Jonny has traveled to Washington DC to advocate for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and served Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS in many capacities including Board Chair and Director of Testing. Jonny in currently working on increasing the volume of the voice with which he speaks out.

Jessica Adams

My name is Jessica Adams and I began volunteering for a.l.p.h.a. earlier this year as the First Thursday Event Coordinator.  I organize a different event for the first Thursday of every month.  I am passionate about HIV & AIDS awareness and support.  I first encountered the need for HIV & AIDS awareness and education as a kid growing up in California.  In the early 1980's, I was in the same first grade class as a little boy who had AIDS.  As other parents removed their children from this classroom in fear, my dad and a few other parents chose to educate themselves, their children, and their communities. My dad is gay and I have known several of his friends and partners who died of AIDS in the late 80's and early 90's. These experiences gave me a great deal of compassion as well as awareness of the challenges of people living with HIV and AIDS and the need for widespread education. I am a yoga teacher with Yoga for Wellness and a mental health counseling graduate student.

Duane Was Here

a.l.p.h.a. "Duane was Here" - will launch in June of 2010 and will be an effort to build a compassionate message about HIV and AIDS all across the state, a 44 county 1600 person collaborative network to give Idaho the opportunity to get educated, get tested and to prevent and support those impacted by HIV and AIDS. 

If you are interested in learning more about a.l.p.h.a., volunteering, inviting a.l.p.h.a. to come to you, please contact us at 208 424 7799 or e-mail us at office@alphaidaho.org. 

You can also find us on Facebook (search Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS) or check out or website, that will be getting updated soon at alphaidaho.org. 

a.l.p.h.a. is a 501(c)3 non profit organization - so all donations are tax deductible you can DONATE online at ‪http://alphaidaho.org/33/make_donation.



Thank you to Consumer Financial Solutions and all a.l.p.h.a. supporters.

Special Kudos to Jaki Covington, Jory Clay Sutton, and Brian Millett for volunteering and creating the video. You rocked out a rad video!! (Duane Was Here)

HIV: ID

HIV: ID is the third chapter of the HIV: USA creative writing and documentary film project that incorporates HIV positive participant writings into a film that encourages HIV testing and promotes HIV prevention and education.  Jason Wilder Evans captured something beautiful, powerful and vital to bringing humanity to HIV and AIDS.  (HIV:ID video)

Unveil Silence

All Ages Silenced

This is a campaign that was launched in 2009 during National Women & Girls HIV and AIDS Awareness Day. Thanks to the generous donation of genius and talent of Lance Phillip Foster of Justis Photography; this campaign has a very poignant message and a very direct look at what silence in relationships look like. The tape symbolizes the block between significant others, parents & children, friends, and others we may share a relationship.  For some, this tape may be embarrassment, lack of education, fear, denial, religion, policy or law...you name it. The campaign asks you to UNVEIL SILENCE - remove the block and speak caringly to one another about HIV and AIDS.  I am touched by the message in the pictures.

Mixed Silence

Silent Mother and Daughters

Mothers and Daughters Silenced

Unsilenced Mother with Silenced Daughters

Jani Belcoe, Twin Falls

My name is Jani Belcoe and I am a tester and the Assistant Office Manager at a.l.ph.a. Magic Valley. I am currently finishing my MSW and was unsure what direction I wanted to go and what population I wanted to work with; since I began volunteering at a.l.p.h.a. last December, I have found my niche. Being able to address the need for knowledge and support in the human population, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS is what makes my heart glow. I am so thankful for a.l.p.h.a. to provide me that.

Kavin Dehner, Boise

I am currently the Office Manager at a.l.p.h.a. and have been with the organization for almost 8 years.

In that time I have held many different positions.  My time with a.l.p.h.a. has been the best in my life.  When I am not involved I always feel like there is a piece of me is missing.

My time with a.l.p.h.a. has prepared me for more than I ever expected.  It has made it possible to be with and love the most amazing person in the world. We have been together for 5 years and without the knowledge and experiences I have had with a.l.p.h.a. I would not have been ready for this relationship because my spouse is HIV positive.  We found out that Jerry was HIV Positive about 2 months into our relationship and it has brought us closer and made our life together much richer because my passion and work affects us both and is a joint passion.  I never thought before a.l.p.h.a. that I would be able to have the strength as a person to date someone, let alone be married to someone with something like HIV. 

Now that I am the Office Manager and get to do this work full time. I wake up everyday thankful for the work I get to do.  I know that the work I do makes a difference.  I also get to work with some of the most amazing people from all walks of life that without a.l.p.h.a.; I never would have come in contact with them.  I am thankful everyday for my amazing co-workers and the partners we work with, and all of the amazing clients who enrich my life more and more every day.

Duane Quintana, Boise

Diagnosed with HIV May of 1999 at the age of 20 about 9 months after my infection at the age of 19. Share my story with HIV for the first time at Kuna High School at the age of 21. "I'm just me, just like you" Award Winning Documentary - A story about my and my family's response to HIV diagnosis in small town Idaho - Summer 2002 Founded a.l.p.h.a. in 2003 at age 24. Road to Hope Tour I & II from D.C. to San Francisco. "Duane was here" conceived November 2009 and begins August 2010.

Boise Weekly Condom Inserts

Boise Weekly Condom Inserts made the news stands this week and we couldn't be happier about it.  Check out the link and see what the reaction was by some of the citizens of Boise.  Not only are we getting the message about HIV and AIDS prevention and education, but we are letting the community know that a.l.p.h.a. is a valuable resource and we are here to stay!

Jonny Walker’s Blah, Blah, Blog!

As I sat down to begin this first installment of my Blah, Blah, Blog there were a number of things weighing on me that I felt I was obligated to touch on. According to NASTAD (National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors) there were at least 7,900 Americans on waiting lists to receive assistance from ADAPs across the nation. A year ago (April 22 2010 to be exact) the number of people on ADAP waiting lists in the United States had reached 929 and we in the world of HIV care and Prevention were up in arms. We were calling our congress people, we were calling the white house, and we were updating our social media accounts. We got busy taking action. The answer we were told was making our elected officials aware of the issue and convince them of the necessity to get our ADAPs more money. Gradually things got worse. We began making trips to Washington DC to meet with the elected officials we had been calling. We made trips to Capitol Hill and Pennsylvania Avenue. We were told that 126 million dollars was all that we needed to stop this thing in its tracks. We had members of the senate and house write amazing bills that went know where. The leadership we had hoped to see from the Obama administration was lacking at best. The Democratic leadership in both the house and senate ignored bills that would have ended the ADAP crisis where it was at simply because they were written by Republicans. All the while person after person was being told they would be placed on a waiting list to get life saving medication. States continued to cap enrollment and dis-enroll people from ADAP. At the same time Gilead, maker of the HIV drug Truvada showed total revenues of $7.95 Billion in 2010 (up 13% from 2009).  Bristol-Meyers Squibb Co., makers of the HIV drug Reyatez showed revenues for 2010 of $21.6 Billion. As the list of people, of mothers and fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters, of Americans who wait for their medications rapidly approaches 8 thousand we are told not to worry, that everyone who needs their medication is going to get it. Even as anecdotal stories emerge out of the Deep South, of people dying of Pneumonia who also happen to be HIV positive and on ADAP waiting lists, we are told that no one is going without their medications. We are told that the drug manufacturers are doing “everything they can” to help people living with HIV and AIDS. The CEO of Gilead took home a $50 million dollar bonus last year. That is not his salary for the work he does, but extra money he received for the company being so profitable. I wonder if he could have lived with half that? Is that really doing “everything they can?” It seems the more money Government pumps into ADAP the bigger the bonuses and profits for Big Pharma seem to get. I am not trying to convince you of anything, just hopping you will look at the dollars we are talking about, and hoping that you realize that those 7,900 people are our friends, and neighbors, and family.  I don’t know about you but this makes me angry. In the wealthiest country in the world, couldn’t we spread some of the wealth, at least to keep people alive? Maybe I am missing something. I’d love to hear what you think.        Jonny Walker 

Tasha Wiegand, Boise

My name is Tasha Wiegand.  I am pursuing a degree in psychology at Boise State University with the hope of going into counseling.  I started working with a.l.p.h.a. in January 2011 for my Service Learning project for an abnormal psychology class.  HIV and AIDS has been a cause that I have been involved with for the last 16 years, and I now have an opportunity to work closely with an organization that advocates education, testing and support.  I am currently the Assistant Office Manager and love the staff and wonderful volunteers I get to work with on a daily basis.  I know that a.l.p.h.a. will forever be a part of my life and my heart.

Jesse Coburn, Boise

My name is Jesse Coburn. I have recently just moved to the Boise area. I have been working with a.l.p.h.a. for about 3 years now. I have a lot of passion for working in the HIV and AIDS community. I am currently a student at the College of Southern Idaho studying Human Service. By time I graduate next year my goal is to be a HIV and AIDS Case Manager in the Treasure Valley.