ARE YOU POSITIVE YOU'RE NEGATIVE?
  Two young Americans become infected with HIV EVERY HOUR!

CCHAS would like to thank
Hula's
for supporting us
on
Mahalo
Mondays!

We Can Help
CCHAS provides a comprehensive range of client-centered programs that meet the diverse needs of those living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS. Our services are concentrated within four (4) major categories: Confidential HIV Testing and Education, Housing Support, Emotional Support, and the Community Volunteer Program. Annually, the dedicated staff plus nearly 300 volunteers serve more than 250 primary clients, 125 loved ones and 10,000 community members.

For information about services or programs please call 831.442.3959.

Or email us at info@cchas.org

This year, Dining with Friends will be held throughout the entire weekend of August 27,28, & 29 you pick the most convenient day for you! 

The idea is simple!  Host a party and CCHAS will help, on any scale - some options include:
  - Backyard BBQ or picnic
  - Dinner party (from formal to simply spaghetti)
  - Mexican fiesta
  - Breakfast or brunch
  - Cocktail party

You decide the type of party and Invite your friends, family, neighbors & co-workers to support the cause. No party is too big, or too small! 

CCHAS provides: The support you will need for your party.  

You provide: The party, the food, and the hospitality (that is your contribution). 

Guests provide: Their appetites and a monetary donation for CCHAS.    

Each Dining with Friends host kit includes: 

- Enough invitations and envelopes for whatever party size.
- Tips on party planning,  recipes, themes, etc.
- A sign-in sheet for all of your guests.
- A set of flexible guidelines for the event.
- Red ribbons for all your guests.
- Complete party planning support

Reasons to host a party: It's fun! 

The event is flexible for any size budget or guest list You get together with old friends, and make new ones. And, CCHAS is there to support you 100% with all of the details! 

The event raises both money and awareness for HIV/AIDS  services in our local community Show your support of CCHAS and enjoy yourself at the same time! 

Dining with Friends: 

• Raises money for ongoing programs and services. 
  The funds raised are vitally important to continue our mission of service. 

• Encourages dialogue and response to HIV/AIDS issues. 
  Dialogue is the first step to education and understanding. 

• Reinforces visibility among our supporters and the community at large. 

• Increases support -  by delivering our message of hope, compassion and understanding from the homes of trusted friends, we can be more effective raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Interested? Contact Katie Murphy at (831) 394-4747or Katie@cchas.org 

Check out
our Facebook
page!

A big
THANK YOU
to the CCHAS donors who responded to Monterey
County Weekly's Community
Fund Drive! (more)

H1N1 Update (12/5/09)

From the (CDC)
What can people with HIV/AIDS do to protect themselves from the 2009 H1N1 flu?

HIV-infected patients should take precautions to protect themselves from the H1N1 flu.

• Wash your hands often (or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer* if soap and water aren’t available)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands – germs spread this way
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• Review CDC’s interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use

HIV-infected persons should maintain a healthy lifestyle; eat right, get enough sleep, and reduce stress as much as possible. Staying healthy reduces your risk of getting infected by influenza and other infections. Staying healthy also helps your immune system fight off a flu infection should it occur.

If you are currently taking antiretrovirals or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infections you should adhere to your prescribed treatment and follow the advice of your health care provider in order to maximize the health of your immune system.

What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza?

Symptoms of infection with 2009 H1N1 influenza are generally the same as for seasonal influenza: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches (muscle aches or joint pain), chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with 2009 H1N1 flu.  Not everyone who has flu will have a fever.

What should people with HIV/AIDS do if they think they may have the 2009 H1N1 flu?

HIV-infected people should do the same things as they would do for routine seasonal flu – contact your health care provider and follow his or her instructions. He or she will determine if laboratory testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, stay home and keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. If you have flu, you should stay at home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

If you need to go to a doctor’s office, to an emergency room, or to any other healthcare facility to be evaluated, cover your mouth and nose with a facemask if a facemask is available and tolerable, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Let the office staff know you are there because you think you might have the flu.

For more information on what to do if you are sick see:

• What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms
• Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
• Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respiratory Use to Reduce 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission