OACF: supporting those in need

(Oklahoma City) The Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund (OACF) recently awarded grants to projects and agencies providing HIV prevention, testing and support services for individuals at risk for or infected with HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma. 

“At OACF we support the grassroots organizations who work to make Oklahoma’s HIV support services robust and effective. Outreach and education remain the focus of our organization because HIV is still a problem. It’s not over.” said Sunshine Schillings, OACF Director of Programs. 

Using proceeds from Red Tie Night, the OACF’s annual fundraiser, grants for 2015-2016 were awarded to  Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma; MAMA Knows, Ardmore; AIDS Support Program Winds House; Be the Change, Inc.; Heartline 211; Latino Community Development Agency; Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma; Other Options; and Expressions Community Center. Additionally, the OACF continues to provide help to its HIV service partners with support from the OACF’s HIV Test Kit, Condom, Education/Awareness, and emergency assistance programs, housing programs and other support services.

The OACF has worked tirelessly to combat this disease, yet in the past five years Oklahoma has seen a rise in new infections, showing the fight is far from over. The next generation continues to be at risk and the OACF wants to target education about HIV as they work toward an AIDS Free Generation.

Since the 1980s, the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund has been in the fight against HIV/AIDS and will continue to be at the vanguard of HIV advocacy education and assistance into the future. The OACF relies on the generosity of Oklahomans and their patronage of Red Tie Night. The tens of millions of dollars donated to Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund over the last 23 years has stayed in Oklahoma and provided resources to the agencies combatting HIV. 

“We need continued support in the struggle,” Schillings said. “Together we can end this fight.”

The Gayly – August 10, 2015 @ 6:45am.