HIV/AIDS Program

Globally there are 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS (Avert.org). Whether directly suffering the effects of illness or through losing a parent to the disease, the daily toll that HIV/AIDS has on children and families cannot be ignored.

In response, CHSFS has made a commitment to engage in community education, provide support for children and families living with HIV/AIDS and to find families who are prepared to parent orphaned children with HIV.

The HIV/AIDS Program at CHSFS is focused on adoption, education and International Child Welfare.

Adoption: In 2010 there will be an estimated 25 million AIDS orphans (UNICEF). Adoption is not the answer for every victim of HIV/AIDS but it can be for some. The US considers HIV to be a chronic condition. Currently CHSFS is seeing children with HIV from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Visit our HIV/AIDS Adoption page to learn more.

Education: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every 9.5 minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV. A population seeing a high prevalence rate are youth and young adults age 13-24. Utilizing the assistance of public health students, through our Volunteer Services Program, CHSFS is actively educating local youth on HIV/AIDS knowledge and prevention. If you are interested in setting up a presentation please contact us. In addition to community outreach, the HIV/AIDS Program provides educational webinars on topics like adopting a child with HIV, HIV+ birthmothers and HIV adoption basics for adoption professionals. Visit our upcoming webinar schedule.

International Child Welfare: CHSFS partners with AHOPE-Ethiopia's Child Development Center/Community Outreach Program to identify sponsors for orphaned children with HIV living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Children enrolled in AHOPE's program are orphaned, living with extended family members or guardians and are HIV positive.  From the program they receive lifesaving anti-retroviral medication, education, nutrition and psycho-social support. The children's caregivers receive training in nutrition, hygiene and care of HIV infected persons. Visit our sponsorship page for additional information.