Connecting People to Care and Connecting Children to the Earth

Opinion Editorial by CEO and Founder Phill Wilson

Earlier this summer the Obama administration announced our country's first National HIV/AIDS Strategy. In this issue we continue our look at the plan's impact upon Black Americans. Writer Rod McCullom examines the administration's goal to connect greater numbers of people to care and treatment—a critically important objective that has been in the news over the past year, as states have reacted to the economic downturn by cutting and even eliminating AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) budgets.

As we conclude Labor Day weekend, the traditional end of summer, and our children return to school, my thoughts turn to the young people around the world whose families are being impacted by HIV/AIDS. Linda Villarosa writes about Ethiopia, where over five million children have been orphaned or are considered vulnerable, yet a group of youth has begun urban gardening, teaching kids life skills, building self-esteem and helping them generate income.

Stay tuned for more information on the Los Angeles premiere of the critically-acclaimed documentary "The Other City," coming up on Friday, September 24 at the Laemmle Music Hall Theater. The Black AIDS Institute is proud to be the national community partner for this important film that shines a light on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Washington, DC.

Finally, we're changing our look! As we approach a new season, it's time for change. We're adding the finishing touches to our new website, so look out for a new online experience coming soon.

Yours in the struggle,

Phill