HIV/AIDS is organization’s focus

Name of program: Spokane AIDS Network, 905 S. Monroe St.

What it does: The program provides case management for those with HIV/AIDS. According to Susan Fabrikant, executive director of Spokane AIDS Network, caseworkers help patients find housing, tell their loved ones they have been diagnosed with the disease, find doctors and dietitians and refer the patients to counselors, if needed.

The program also distributes food to patients to help ensure proper nutrition and keep them healthy.

SAN also has a women’s program that currently is serving 35 women.

Who runs it: SAN is an independent service organization with 10 paid staff members. The organization receives funds from various outreach organizations and holds its own fundraisers

The annual Oscar Night Gala is the organization’s biggest event, and this year 400 people attended. Another event is the Stem and Stein wine and beer tasting held at Northern Quest Casino. That event was organized entirely by volunteers.

How to get help: Anyone who has recently been diagnosed can call 455-8993. A caseworker will assess the patient’s needs and will explain what the diagnosis means.

“Once you get this disease,” says Fabrikant, “your whole life changes.”

Typical client: Many of the HIV/AIDS patients that come through the Spokane AIDS Network are low-income patients.

In fact, Fabrikant estimates that 80 percent of its clients are below the poverty level.

She also stressed that HIV and AIDS are not exclusively diseases of gay people or drug users.

“There is still a lot of discrimination about it,” she said. “It affects everyone.”

How to help: Volunteers are always needed to answer phones, coordinate the food program and help with fundraisers.

The program also accepts donations either online at www.spokaneaidsnetwork.org or by calling the SAN office.

Of one thing Fabrikant is certain, there always will be a need for donations and volunteers.

“It’s (the disease) not going away in our community.”