Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc., announced a series of events to commemorate its 25th anniversary including: a presentation of the stage play, “Love In A Day”; the debut of a radio commercial targeting black gay men in Prince George’s County; the release of viral videos about HIV prevention research produced by members of DENIM, its young men’s program; and a gala fundraiser on October 14th.
“Did I also mention our Backyard Barbecue on Saturday, May 25th, and our Memorial Day picnic in Fort DuPont Park on Monday, May 27th,” laughs Ernest Walker, the Director of Programs. “The barbecue will be something new and we will be in the park again this year offering HIV testing, music and entertainment.”
Us Helping Us was incorporated in 1988 as a support group for HIV-positive black gay men. Today it is one of the largest black AIDS organizations in the Washington metropolitan area providing: HIV testing; STD screening; mental health services; case management; and treatment adherence to everyone, including heterosexual men and women, transgender individuals, and youth.
Us Helping Us, People Into Living (UHU), which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2013, will present the powerful stage play, “Love In A Day” to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s mission of providing HIV support services. UHU, along with Tenacious Productions and Award-Winning Author Darryl James, will present An Evening of Art, Music and Theater with “Love In A Day” on Sunday, May 19th at 4 pm at Capitol Hill Support Services Program, 2052 West Virginia Ave, NE, Washington, DC. Purchase Tickets Now!!!
UHU has received a grant from the District to develop and implement HIV counseling and testing services to couples, including heterosexual and same sex couples. A DC survey of heterosexuals found that in many stable committed relationships, condom usage was low. However, about half of those persons in those relationships did not know their partner‘s HIV status. Within a relationship perceived as “safe” due to its intimacy and commitment level, the combination of not using condoms and not knowing your partner‘s status may lead to HIV infection.
Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc. (UHU) purchased a cargo van and customized it into a mobile unit for HIV testing and STD screenings. The cargo van, a 2012 Sprinter 3500, was customized to have two separate compartments. UHU will use the mobile unit to provide HIV testing in remote areas of the Washington, DC, and suburban Maryland.
“It has taken Us Helping Us two years to raise the initial money necessary to purchase and customize the van,” says Ron Simmons, the President/CEO of Us Helping Us. “We are grateful to all of our supporters who gave donations to make this day possible.”
