Chattanooga Cares has come a long way since its founding in 1986, and so has the perception of an HIV diagnosis.
The local Council on AIDS, Resources, Education and Support group that initially operated out of a car handing out condoms and discussing HIV outside Chattanooga restaurants and bars is now a recognized and respected nonprofit serving approximately 1,500 people in the Chattanooga area.
Approximately 500 people participated in last year’s Strides of March 5k walk and fun run. This year’s event coordinators hope to increase participation.“Back in the day HIV was a really scary thing,” said Chattanooga Cares Community Relations Manager David Martinez. “There were a lot of myths and people had a lot of fear. But now the myths aren’t as scary. HIV patients can take one pill once a day, and because of that people aren’t paying as much attention to HIV as they once were.”
But according to Martinez, the community can’t afford to forget about its members who have been infected with HIV.
“People with HIV can live very normal lives, but the infection doesn’t go away,” he said. “People are living much longer with their infection and we need assistance to assist them.”