Positive Wellness Alliance is expressing gratitude to our partners, friends and participants that have taken this long journey with us over the last 30 years!  Over the years we have expanded the number of people we served.  We have expanded the geographic area to include eight counties.  We have served people with HIV and we have expanded to serve all people who have a long-term or chronic illness. 

During these 30 years, the world has changed right along with PWA.  In the beginning, the impetus for founding this non-profit organization was focused on the stigma surrounding people who tested positive for HIV.  There was significant fear around the virus and that fear drove policies that harmed and judged people with HIV.  But, over time with the help of advocates, funding was made available to support people with HIV and to support policies that did not discriminate against HIV+ people. 

Research advanced in the last 30 years.  HIV is no longer a death sentence.  Medication has evolved from “cocktails” that included a huge amount of pills multiple times a day, to the recent protocol that includes one pill a day or even one shot every two months.  Contrary to what some people think, the HIV virus has not disappeared, but modern technology has made HIV a manageable health condition. 

While manageable is better than a death sentence, HIV like any other long-term health condition takes an investment in healthcare.  People with chronic conditions know they must get to medical appointments, they know they must take their medications and they know the importance of having health insurance and qualified healthcare providers.  Don’t let the policies and systems add more challenges to their lives – they deserve support to stay healthy.

We ask that our partners and friends continue to find ways to support people with health conditions despite PWA closing its doors.  Most churches have a health committee to help people in their community.  There are community efforts in most counties looking for support, specifically for mental health.  There are numerous healthcare organizations that can always use volunteers. 

It is with sadness that we say goodbye……

Make 2026 a healthy year!