FROM A PRESS RELEASE
Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) has been awarded $75,000 from the Elton John AIDS Foundation that will fund The L.I.F.E. Program® ( Learning Immune Function Enhancement ) , a health-enhancement and wellness-counseling program for people living with HIV. The L.I.F.E. Program® provides participants with the knowledge, motivation, skills, and support necessary to establish and maintain health-protective routines.
"We are overjoyed by the generosity of the Elton John AIDS Foundation," said Bill Farrand, TPAN's executive director. "TPAN is proud to continue offering such a pragmatic and dynamic program with this resounding support. The L.I.F.E. Program® has proven results in Chicago and throughout the country, which is parallel to our existing programs and services."
About The L.I.F.E. Program® at TPAN
TPAN is the 18th site to offer The L.I.F.E. Program®, and the goals are to optimize health outcomes for people living with HIV by assisting participants in improving their performance on biological, psychological, and social cofactors that can impact health and reduce the number of people who become infected with HIV. The L.I.F.E. Program® at TPAN will do this by assisting participants in reducing HIV transmission risk behaviors and developing healthy lifestyles.
Since 1991, The L.I.F.E. Program® has been implemented in six states and has improved health outcomes and quality of life for more than 3,000 HIVpositive people. TPAN's collaboration with Shanti L.I.F.E. has already received many successful reviews from participants, who have come to know TPAN for its history of quality, cutting-edge HIV/AIDS programming. TPAN's first round of trainings ended with impressive results; all 20 participants reported positive outcomes, including significant increases in CD4 counts, bolstered life purpose and long term goals.
For more information about TPAN or The L.I.F.E. Program®, please contact Bill Farrand at 773-989-9400, ext. 242, or e-mail b.farrand@tpan.com .
About Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Elton John AIDS Foundation ( EJAF ) was established in the United States in 1992 by Sir Elton John. EJAF's U.S. office is located in New York City. In 1993, John also established the Elton John AIDS Foundation ( EJAF-UK ) in the United Kingdom, headquartered in London. These two organizations function as separate entities with their own distinct grant-making portfolios, but both pursue similar missionsto support innovative HIV-prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Collectively, the two organizations have raised over $220 million since inception in support of projects in 55 countries around the world, including significant funding dedicated to programs in their respective home countries. This year the foundation made a significant increase in funding available for the specific purpose of increasing the quality of life for gay and bisexual men who are living with HIV.
About TPAN
Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) empowers people living with HIV through peer-led programming, support services, information dissemination, and advocacy. TPAN also provides services to the broader community to increase HIV knowledge and sensitivity, and to reduce the risk of infection. TPAN publishes the nationally-distributed HIV treatment publication Positively Aware magazine and the Chicago Area HIV Services Directory. Visit the TPAN Web site, www.tpan.com, for more information.