RAIN empowers persons living
with HIV and those at risk to
be healthy and stigma free.

Can We Really End HIV in the Charlotte Area?

RAIN is committed to end HIV in the Charlotte area and feels as though 2023 is the year to make large strides in this effort. Recently, RAIN launched a safe space for young men of color providing HIV testing, referral to medical care, workforce development, mental health counseling, food and hygiene pantry, laundry services, and showers. This space is exciting for RAIN and the community.

The arrival of RAIN’s new mobile unit is rapidly approaching. The vehicle will have two rooms for HIV/STI testing and consultation. This offers staff members the ability to physically meet people where they are and bring services to them. The mobile unit is only the beginning of services RAIN will provide in the community. We are continuing to create opportunities for groups most impacted by HIV and the co-occurring factors such as poverty, houselessness, and healthcare inequality to connect with RAIN.

Medicaid expansion is moving through the NC legislature with a great deal of optimism for success. This could give insurance to more than a quarter million people who are uninsured in NC. RAIN has valued comprehensive insurance for many years. Once the Affordable Care Act was passed, RAIN’s Health Insurance program began enrolling people and assisting with premiums. This program is still one of RAIN’s largest programs, reaching more than 300 people each year.

Ending HIV is going to take the entire community. Collaboration with other organizations in Charlotte are a cornerstone of RAIN’s strategies to meet the vision. These collaborative efforts include you! You can help by talking about HIV with friends and family to decrease the stigma, attending and raising money for AIDS Walk Charlotte, becoming a monthly donor, volunteering, and encouraging people to get tested for HIV and/or get in medical treatment. There was an old saying “it takes a village” and you are part of RAIN’s village.