AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) is a non-profit AIDS service organization that addresses HIV and AIDS in Central Texas. Founded in 1987, ASA is the region's oldest and largest community-based organization addressing the local AIDS crisis. Annually, they provide direct care services to over 1,500 people and HIV prevention education to over 10,000 people.[1]
 | |
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| Focus | HIV/AIDS |
| Location | |
Area served | Central Texas |
Key people | Paul Scott, CEO |
| Website | www.asaustin.org |
In 2020, ASA merged with national HIV/AIDS non-profit Vivent Health.[2] All ASA services now operate under the Vivent Health name.
History
edit1980s
edit
The first HIV case in Austin was reported in the summer of 1983, known at the time as GRID, or Gay-Related Immune Deficiency. In the first months of the outbreak, there was no local organization dedicated to the quickly growing crisis. In August 1983, Paul Clover founded the Waterloo Counseling Center to serve the gay community through queer-positive, affordable mental health services.[3]
Volunteer beginnings
editA volunteer organization, the Octopus Club, was organized by Lew Aldridge in 1987.[4]
Early politics of AIDS
editIn the fall of 1986, the Texas Commissioner of Health proposed quarantining gay men suspected of having HIV and AIDS. Glen Maxey from the Austin AIDS Project organized medical experts to testify before the Texas Legislature against quarantine. On the day the quarantine proposal was withdrawn, Maxey stepped onto the steps of the Texas Department of Health to a throng of cameras. Interviewed by Dan Rather for the CBS Evening News, Maxey was outed as a gay activist.[5]
Annual Events
editAIDS Walk Austin
editAIDS Walk Austin began as From All Walks of Life in 1988 and is ASA's oldest continuous fundraiser. The AIDS Walk is a 5k walk through downtown Austin and includes speeches, music and remembrance. In recent years, it has also featured panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt.[6]
Viva
editViva, also known as Viva Las Vegas, is an ASA fundraiser that traditionally features faux gambling. In 2009, the event began featuring a fashion show, labeled by Austin American-Statesman social columnist Michael Barnes as the "Best Austin fashion show ever."[7]
References
edit- ^ "About ASA". AIDS Services of Austin. Archived from the original on 2015-05-10. Retrieved 2013-05-02.
- ^ Sullivan, Beth (February 28, 2020). "New Name, Same Vision for AIDS Services of Austin". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2021-11-09.
- ^ "Counseling Center Marks 25th Anniversary". HIVPlusmag.com. 2008-10-06. Archived from the original on 2012-03-11.
- ^ MacMillan Moser, Stephen (2009-04-24). "After a Fashion". Austin Chronicle.
- ^ MacMillan King, Michael (2001-12-07). "Capitol Chronicle: A Profile in Courage". Austin Chronicle.
- ^ "Mark Your Calendars for the 26th AIDS Walk". AIDS Walk Austin. Archived from the original on 2010-08-18. Retrieved 2010-07-08.
- ^ Barnes, Michael (2009-02-22). "Viva Las Vegas! at the Austin Music Hall". Out & About. Austin360 Blogs.