A Letter from WNCAP Executive Director Antonio Del Toro:
To our valued clients, community partners, and supporters,
We at Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors experiencing uncertainty and hardship during this difficult time.
In order to ensure the safety of our clients, participants, staff and volunteers, WNCAP has made the following changes to the way we provide services:
- Case Management and Pharmacy Navigation services are provided by phone.
- Client transportation to essential medical care is provided by staff who are equipped with adequate sanitation supplies and protective equipment; transportation for routine care/non-essential medical care is temporarily suspended, and clients are assisted in rescheduling their appointments.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Hep C counseling and treatment referrals are available by phone.
- Syringe Services Programs in Asheville and Franklin provide parking lot pick up of harm reduction education, materials and overdose reversal kits, as well as referrals to medical care and other resources.
- Individual HIV/Hep C testing services are available by appointment only; all HIV/Hep C testing events have been cancelled or rescheduled.
- Food distribution has been adapted to observe social distancing guidelines.
- Most staff work remotely, and those whose duties require their physical presence observe social distancing guidelines and increased sanitation recommendations
With the continued support of our grants, donors, and volunteers, WNCAP will not cut services in the foreseeable future. On the contrary, we are actively pursuing new funding to ensure we have the resources to respond to this disaster and continue protecting the health of our community.
Times like these remind us all of how much we depend on each other. I am in awe of our kind and talented team – their commitment to the work, especially in the face of these scary, uncertain times, is exemplary and fills me with pride. I have also been inspired by our core volunteers who continue to show up, and by all the new volunteers who have stepped up at WNCAP and across the community.
We all face a future that is in flux now more than ever. The only way we will emerge on the other side of this crisis as a stronger and more resilient community is if we rise to the occasion and confront this together. I am confident that with our collective efforts, we can make a difference and help save lives.
On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and clients, I want to thank each and every one of you for everything you do to help move WNCAP’s mission forward.
In solidarity,
Antonio Del Toro
Executive Director, WNCAP
