Compassion and Generosity Make All The Difference!
In times of uncertainty, witnessing and practicing acts of compassion give us hope. Whether celebrating doctors and nurses at shift changes, reaching out to a neighbor to drop off groceries, howling in unity at 8 p.m., or making donations to nonprofits, generosity makes all the difference in getting by from moment to moment, day to day.
BCAP remains fully committed to providing our community the essential HIV Care Services and Prevention Services that people have relied on for the past 34 years. These days, our Boulder and Longmont offices are staffed Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Staff are providing remote and "contact-free" services to Care and Prevention clients. Though staff are not receiving people, including volunteers, into either building, they are available by phone and email to provide support, answer questions, and suggest options. Staff are checking office voicemail frequently and returning calls as soon as possible.
Since mid-March, BCAP has seen an increase in the number of people living with HIV needing food and other basic needs assistance, and the frequency of requests. BCAP’s Food Pantry provides immediate food access through curbside pickup and home deliveries. BCAP has been doubling the quantities of food and hygiene items distributed per shop. By providing more groceries per shop, BCAP is supporting people living with HIV staying home and away from grocery stores where they are at higher risk of exposure to SARS-CoV2.
Staff recently received an email that shared: “The pick-up boxes from the food pantry have been wonderful! They have been generous and helpful in supplementing my groceries. What I'm getting is useful and keeps essential food in my refrigerator and pantry. It makes a big difference for me living on Social Security benefits and the cost of groceries going up.”
BCAP's Prevention Services reduce HIV and HCV transmission through testing and early detection, rapid linkage to care, harm reduction supplies distribution, and educational outreach.
Following the direction of Public Health, BCAP’s HIV and HCV testing is on hold, though staff make referrals to medical facilities able to provide testing. Staff have made educational presentations available on YouTube to teachers and students. Staff are utilizing social media, including Facebook and Grindr, to educate the public.
Syringe access services remain open Monday - Friday, 2 to 5 p.m. Prevention staff provide contact-free HIV, HCV, and COVID-19 information and harm reduction supplies to people who are experiencing homelessness and/or are injecting drugs.
As BCAP continues to serve our clients, we so appreciate your compassion toward others during this difficult time. We wish you and yours all the best as we weather this challenge together.
Sarah Annecone, BCAP's Development Director, worked with staff and volunteers to put together this video highlighting our services provided through the Jack Hodges Food Pantry.
