As many of you already know, I volunteer for the Ant-Aids Association for the Citizens of Catalonia (ACASC), an NGO serving people with HIV, many of whom drug users and who experience social isolation.

Although ACASC is located in Barcelona, the organization helps people from all parts of the world. I refer affectionately to these clients as “ACASC’s Refugees” because they are welcome and accepted here. Some come as tourists, while others may come as students or migrant workers, staying on in Spain. The majority of them have chosen to remain here (either legally or illegally) due to the stigma attached to their HIV status. Many would prefer to die in anonymity than face their families and friends at home. Many become homeless in the process, and wander the city searching for someone to give them a hand.

Providing respite, temporary shelter, a hot breakfast, a shower, or a place to do laundry, are just some of the services ACASC provides to these people. We also offer psychological support with the goal of encouraging people to rebuild or to start a new life. .

Many acquaintances have tried to discourage me from working with ACASC, insisting that such individuals are a lost cause, and do not deserve to be helped. I am of different opinion. I believe that these people need support to continue finding the courage and strength to carry on living after they have hit bottom. Although some victims might be resilient in the face of such tragedy, most simply cannot cope. And, their inability to help themselves is not a good enough reason for me to refuse my help. I have seen people succumb to illness and die, and I have seen people start over again - never looking back.

Lately at ACASC, we have noticed a new wave of HIV and other STD/STI transmission among a younger population. We detected a change of habits in sexual practices during the interviews we conduct in conjunction with the rapid test. It would seem that some youth believe that HIV is no longer a life-threatening illness, due to the fact that new treatments with few side effects now exist. With this false sense of security, many are engaging in unsafe sexual practices. This problem not only affects the local population, but also extends to foreigners, such as students and workers, who daily arrive in Barcelona.

At ACASC, we work on preventing further transmission of HIV. But, due to the economic difficulties that Spain and other European countries face, most NGO’s are now barely functioning with very limited resources. And, some are no longer able provide such indispensable services. Even at ACASC, we cannot offer services as effectively as we used to. This is the reason that I am sending this message to the world: to help me to help ACASC.

ACASC is looking for individuals or organizations that would like to support our efforts with financial assistance to help us to deliver our services effectively. This could take the form of a one-time donation or a limited-time sponsorship. At the present time, ACASC needs your support in order to continue our work in the community.

I am responsible for fundraising at ACASC and I can explain in more detail the areas where we most help need. You can contact me at: fundraising@acasc.info To find out more about us, go to: www.acasc.info and please join us: facebook.com/associacioacasc Thank you for your precious time. Néstor.

As it does it every year, ACASC participated to the 22nd International AIDS Memorial which was held on March 16th inside The Garden of Acclimatization at Montjuic (Barcelona).

This year, two volunteers who have been with the organization for a long time, Jesus and Miguel, made the offering of the wreath.

http://www.memorialsida.cat/memorial.html

We are proud to have participated at Pride and Diversity Day Barcelona 2015, promoting the quick test for HIV and Syphilis.

We had a fun afternoon among friends and volunteers of ACASC. We took thousands of pouches with us that contained an invitation for the rapid test, lubricant, and a condom.

The campaign was a success, and the enthusiasm of all friends and volunteers of ACASC will make our participation in future events possible.

We thank ACASC’s team and each one of you for participating. It is because of you that such outcome was possible.

Thank you.