Shanti and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) have implemented Learning Immune Function Enhancement (LIFE), an effective, health-enhancement program for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Enrollment is happening now for the upcoming LIFE workshop which begins September 28, 2011 at TPAN. Space is limited and registration is required. Participation is free, and open to all persons living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago.

LIFE incorporates the latest research in HIV, immunology, and health into a holistic model of care which empowers persons living with HIV to improve their health. During 13 weekly sessions, participants gain the knowledge, motivation, skills, and support necessary to manage biological, psychological, and social life issues that can impact immune functioning and overall health.

"TPAN has a long history of providing cutting-edge HIV/AIDS programs and services to meet the needs of our clients," said TPAN's Executive Director Bill Farrand. "Our collaboration with Shanti in creating a Chicago-based, LIFE program will benefit many of our clients while continuing to add to the variety and quality of TPAN's programming."

TPAN is the nation's eighteenth site to offer LIFE, and the only site located in the greater Chicago area. Since 1991, LIFE has been implemented in six states and has improved health outcomes and quality of life for more than 3,000 HIV-positive people.

"We've seen participants gain amazing results from LIFE: their highest CD4+ counts since diagnosis, returning to work for the first time in years, or regaining life purpose and long term goals," said Clayton Robbins, Director of Program Development at the Shanti LIFE Institute in San Francisco, California. "We are confident that Test Positive Aware Network is the ideal partner to implement LIFE in Chicago," stated Kaushik Roy, Executive Director of Shanti.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

To join a LIFE workshop, call Michael Valdez at (773) 989.9400 ext.248 or e-mail m.valdez@tpan.com .

About Shanti and the Shanti LIFE Institute

Founded in 1974, Shanti has been at the forefront of a growing national movement to enhance the quality of life for persons living with long-term or life-threatening illnesses by providing volunteer-based emotional and practical support, and national training on the Shanti Model of Peer Support. The Shanti LIFE Institute provides curriculum development, training, technical assistance, and outcomes evaluation to assist agencies and health departments across the country in offering effective health enhancement programming in their communities. The LIFE Program is a health enhancement and wellness counseling program that integrates illness prevention, treatment, and medication adherence interventions into an effective 13- or 16-week program. For more information about Shanti and the Shanti LIFE Institute, call Clayton Robbins at (415) 203-9141 or e-mail crobbins@shanti.org .

About TPAN

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. Founded in 1987, TPAN is Chicago's oldest peer-led AIDS service organization and specializes in treatment information, support services, and prevention. TPAN publishes Positively Aware, an internationally known and respected magazine devoted to HIV treatment and wellness.