All you need is love: it’s a philosophy that the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network (TIHAN) has been standing behind since opening its doors three decades ago.
And it will be the mantra as TIHAN marks its 30th Anniversary with a special Treasures for TIHAN at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment, 7350 S. Nogales Highway.
“We want to commemorate the past and the devastating losses of so many loved ones to HIV and AIDS; celebrate the present for those of us who are alive and thriving; and create a future filled with meaning, purpose and love,” said Scott Blades, Executive Director of the nonprofit comprised of dozens of faith communities, businesses and community groups dedicated to providing support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
TIHAN started as a hospice-like program to support people dying from end-stage AIDS — many of whom were alone or didn’t have strong support systems — prior to the development of effective antiretroviral therapy. It has evolved over the years and now focuses on providing social, emotional and practical support in a variety of forms, according to Blades.
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It builds essential social connections between people while providing services and support for CarePartners (the term for people living with HIV/AIDS who receive TIHAN services). The majority of these are seniors; many are long-term survivors who have seen their generation decimated by AIDS prior to medications that reduced the impact of HIV on the immune system.
The numbers segue with national statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50% of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States are age 50 or older; the numbers are expected to rise to 70% by 2030.
“We are working with people who are aging with HIV,” said Blades. “The antiretroviral medications, as successful as they are in keeping people alive, have side effects. We are finding that people who have been on the meds for long periods of time — especially some of the first meds, which were really harsh — are dealing with complications of accelerated aging such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and other chronic conditions. There are stigmas related to aging as well as HIV for many of our CarePartners.”
Additionally, the majority of CarePartners are on fixed incomes, with many living in poverty.
TIHAN provides practical support through CarePackages consisting of toiletries, cleaning and household supplies, paper items and other basic necessities. Much of the support is provided by Link Specialists (trained volunteers who interface with CarePartners). TIHAN also offers the popular Poz Cafe, a monthly lunch and social program.
At the core of TIHAN services is a group of 270 active volunteers who facilitate every aspect of programming.
Among these is George Vissichelli, who became involved with the nonprofit through his late partner, John Klinger, an avid volunteer and member of the board of directors.
“TIHAN was so helpful to John, and when he passed, TIHAN stepped right in and helped me with the memorial service. Scott and everyone else were such a huge help,” said Vissichelli.
As part of the grieving process, Blades suggested that Vissichelli consider volunteering at TIHAN, and he has been there ever since.
Over the past decades, Vissichelli’s volunteerism has run the gamut from Link Specialist and board member to work on committees for Treasures for TIHAN and the Poz Cafe.
He appreciates that TIHAN’s funding from the community allows it to effectively support to CarePartners in need and emphasized that TIHAN is not bound by government restrictions that limit many programs.
“They don’t say that they will only help certain CarePartners: If you are a CarePartner at TIHAN, you are entitled to everything they offer. TIHAN adapts programs to meet the needs of our CarePartners,” said Vissichelli.
As someone who has been living with HIV for 33 years, Vissichelli finds this particularly gratifying.
He also believes that his personal experience gives him insight that can be helpful to other CarePartners.
“As soon as I let them know I am HIV positive, they open up more,” Vissichelli said. “If they are newly diagnosed, I let them know they are OK and they aren’t going to die if they take their meds. People get so scared, but I tell them they can still do things and live a pretty normal life.”
Peer support can help counter the isolation and depression experienced by many people living with HIV, according to Blades.
“I understand how they feel and know everything they go through when they have been on the medications ... maybe they have times they just don’t feel well or certain days they have to stay close to home. We have a commonality, and it helps a lot,” said Vissichelli.
Vissichelli also said that TIHAN provides a safe, welcoming, nonjudgemental space for people living with HIV and those who want to support them.
“Some people are very open about their HIV status while others are still concerned about who knows, so we are respectful about everyone’s comfort level and sense of privacy,” Blades said.
Ultimately, Vissichelli appreciates the family-like environment that TIHAN offers and he credits his family for contributing through volunteerism of their own. His sisters, Marianne Romeo and Renie English, along with Renie’s husband, Dave Obenauf, have offered their support with Care Packages and holiday programs at TIHAN.
“I have such a supportive family and friends and because of them, I want to give back to others so they feel the same sense of support. It would be horrible to feel you don’t have anyone there for you. Everyone should have someone to talk to who can lift their spirits,” said Vissichelli, who tries to be a listening ear and positive force for others.
With continued support, TIHAN’s multi-faceted components will help to provide a long-term solution for those living with HIV, according to Blades.
“For 30 years, we have been encouraging individuals, businesses, faith communities and nonprofits to be part of the solution and they have been responding with love, compassion and connection,” Blades said. “It is amazing that an organization without government funding could keep serving the community for so long through volunteerism, donations, fundraisers and small grants. TIHAN is an amazing movement and we still need more people to become engaged in being part of the solution.”
