In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Children’s AIDS Fund (CAF) announced an initiative to assist HIV-impacted families displaced by the storm.

“People with HIV are among the most vulnerable of the population affected by Katrina,” CAF President Anita Smith said. “Their compromised immune systems make them extremely susceptible to the bacteria and other infectious agents they come into contact with under these extremely difficult conditions both during evacuation and in the close quarters of many shelters.” In addition, Smith said uninterrupted antiretroviral treatment is essential to HIV patients’ sustained health and long-term treatment benefit.

Funds donated to CAF will be used to purchase necessities such as medicine, food, clothing, and transportation for the families served by the clinics and community based organizations serving HIV-impacted families in both the region hit by Katrina and areas absorbing those who are displaced. Service agencies receiving the assistance for distribution are part of CAF’s nationwide Care Provider Network, a group of providers that serves as a conduit for onging CAF assistance in the form of one-time emergency financial assistance and holiday gifts for HIV-impacted children.

“The region of the nation impacted by the storm, unfortunately, is one in which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there is a growing rate of HIV infection, particularly among African American women,” Smith commented. “Even before Katrina hit, resources for HIV-impacted families in this area were inadequate.”

CAF’s hope is that those concerned about HIV will take this opportunity to target some of their relief contributions specifically to help HIV-impacted families in this time of what could be their greatest need.

To be sure contributions go directly to those in most need, donors can help through CAF in two ways. First, CAF will use donated funds designated “Katrina” to provide direct assistance to impacted families through local service providers. Second, donors who wish to contribute directly to local agencies can contact CAF for names and addresses of agencies in the CAF Care Provider Network. In addition, CAF will assist donors who want to direct their contributions to areas where CAF does not have provider partners with referrals.

Contributions can be made through the CAF website at http://www.childrensaidsfund.org/ or may be mailed to CAF at PO Box 16433, Washington, DC 20041. Anyone with questions or seeking referrals may contact CAF toll-free at 1-866-829-1560.

“Contributions to assist make an enormous difference and definitely help limit the suffering of both the displaced families and the providers who are working around the clock to provide for them as well as their existing HIV patients,” Smith said.

The Children’s AIDS Fund is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that for more than 17 years has been dedicated to helping limit the suffering of HIV-impacted children globally by providing tangible direct, practical, and immediate assistance, as well as education, resources, technical assistance, treatment and care.