About
Project Positive

Celebrating LGBTQ+ community and Project Positive’s commitment to breaking stigma around HIV/AIDS.

Words Matter

Because words matter, and science is advancing, Capital City AIDS Fund (CCAF) is now CCAF’s Positive Project. It better reflects the times. People living with HIV can feel AIDS is stigmatizing. The positive outcome of that is – CCAF’s Positive Project!

New treatments and awareness are resulting in fewer and fewer cases of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in our region. Significant progress has been made throughout the course of decades. Still, not contracting the virus is the goal. And that’s why CCAF’s Project Positive remains committed to education, and prevention.

LGBTQ+ youth, highlighting Project Positive’s mission of empowerment and education for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Love, resilience, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Project Positive promotes lifelong support and community.

Our Mission

Project Positive’s mission is to support individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and to prevent new infections. Project Positive operates two key programs: the Helen Veress-Mitchell Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for individuals living with HIV, and the Prevention and Education Program, dedicated to preventing new HIV infections through education and outreach.

Project Positive is dedicated to creating a world free of HIV/AIDS stigma through education and support.

Unity, LGBTQ+ pride, and Project Positive’s commitment to HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Values

Compassion

Empowerment

Dignity

Equity

Collaboration

Our Rich History

For years, CCAF united with all HIV/AIDS non-profits in the region to stage large events and then distribute funds raised to the agencies. In all, we raised and donated about $4-million. Successful events putting California’s state capitol on the map, showing that Sacramento cared and were doing things that made a difference.

The Sacramento Valley AIDS Walk & Run for years annually attracted nearly one-thousand people to the grounds of the State Capitol. Over the years, people pledged tens of thousands of dollars to the cause. Well attended and highly visible, it raised much-needed awareness.

Another high-profile event was Smash Hits with Elton John and Billie Jean King. Carlos Santana also participated. It was standing room only and raised more than $500-thousand for the community.

Other stellar fundraisers included An Evening with Greg Louganis, and two Barry Manilow Concerts and one with Bette Midler.

Our board regularly writes articles for POZ Magazine, and local newspapers/magazines. We promote art shows and events that raise awareness about the cause.

CCAF supports the LGBTQ community, students, professionals, everyone. Our organization is committed to a community and world eventually free of HIV/AIDS.

A RED State Capitol for World AIDS Day –

With great persistence over time, CCAF worked with a team of legislators and staff members, to get the State Capitol turned RED for the awareness of World AIDS Day, December 1. The year was 2023 – where people could see a State Capitol representing HIV/AIDS solidarity.

World AIDS Day is a time to remember where we have been with this pandemic and all of the people who’ve lost their lives to complications related to AIDS. It’s also a moment to acknowledge people living with HIV, and an opportunity to educate people that no one ever has to get HIV/AIDS. Resources are available.

Embracing “the Now” -

CCAF’s Positive Project fully advocates and supports the mission that includes an emphasis on HIV Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), or TasP (treatment as prevention). The concept is scientifically sound. People with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, the amount of HIV in the blood by taking antiretrovial therapy (ART) daily as prescribed, cannot sexually transmit the virus.

Documenting “the Future”

Working together is how change is made. CCAF’s Project Positive Board members include a team of Emmy-Award-winning documentary producers/directors who in 2023 produced a half-hour program entitled Never Too Late? about one of the known oldest people in the country to undergo gender affirmation surgery. The story of Stephanie Haskins is compelling and shows how very difficult it can be to undergo gender affirmation. Again, CCAF’s Project Positive is committed to all. Documenting and highlighting Stephanie’s story here demonstrates a commitment to the future, encouraging everyone to find their own, individual path. Mental well-being is a pathway to physical health. And that includes a life free of HIV/AIDS – or – living a healthy one HIV-positive.