Client Gift and Toy Drive
 | | Toys, Food and Gifts collected by the students and staff of the Salon Professional Academy in North Fort Myers |
This holiday season the Case Management Department of ICAN modified its annual toy drive and accepted gifts for our adult clients. For several years ICAN has collected new unwrapped toys and gift cards for the children of our clients but this year they also took in bedding, towels, dishware and other household items for families. Gifts were donated by various organizations, businesses and individuals. Donors included the ILIDS Bowling League who donated gift cards for merchandise and groceries; the students of The Salon Professional Academy conducted a food and toy drive and gifts were also donated by the Unity Church and the Metropolitan Community Churches of Fort Myers and Naples. In addition the staff of the ICAN Junction set up a giving tree with the names and ages of client's children and were pleasantly surprised with the outpouring of support that came from many of their loyal customers. The drive was a wonderful success, collecting not only hundreds of toys and gifts for clients and their families but also stocking the ICAN food pantry with over 600 pounds of non-perishable food items. Thank you to all of our wonderful donors and supporters who helped make this holiday season a particularly special one for ICAN families!
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Education and Prevention Department Busy in 2011
ICAN's HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Department expanded services, added staff and obtained HIV/AIDS education contracts with with SW Florida Addiction Services (SWFAS), Lee Mental Health and the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. In addition our education department experienced a sharp increase in the number of classes offered to the public and distributed a record number of brochures and condoms.
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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Tuesday, February 7th
Tuesday, February 7th has been designated Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. A wide variety of testing events will take place across the country. This year ICAN and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) will team up to present free HIV Rapid Tests during a "3 on 3" Basketball Competition in Clemente Park in Fort Myers. The public is invited to attend, compete or watch and take advantage of AHF's on-site mobile testing unit. The event will start at 3 PM in the park off Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and will feature a "3 on 3 Tournament" and a "3 Point Shoot Out." There will be music, food and drinks and prizes and restaurant gift certificates for the winning teams. Admission is free and the event is expected to wrap by 6 PM. For additional information or to inquire about sponsorships call (239) 337-2391 extension 212 or email jmartinez@icanswfl.org.
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ICAN Develops Graying of AIDS Presentation
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HIV/AIDS is a growing concern in adults 50 and older |
As the baby boomer population ages, HIV infections are presenting new challenges for this generation of adults who first had to deal with the disease. Thanks to advances in medical science and medications, the disease is no longer a death sentence. With proper medical treatment and lifestyle choices people who were infected by HIV years ago are now able to live long and fruitful lives. The downside is that the medications are very expensive, usually not covered under insurance and cause side effects that can lead to reflux disorder, high cholesterol and other conditions. Secondly, many older adults continue to stay sexually active but see little reason to practice safe sex any longer since pregnancy is not an issue. Menopause and Erectile Dysfunction medications are often pointed to as the major cause of an increase in HIV infections in adults 50+. In response to this issue Dan Mitton, ICAN's Director of Education and Mike Dias, ICAN's Naples Office Supervisor are developing a program targeted to adults in their 50's and up to help educate them about how to prevent contracting the disease. This presentation is still "under construction" but when completed will be offered to area seniors, organizations, groups, clubs, churches and elder facilities. To inquire about the program contact the Naples ICAN office at (239) 261-0096 or email mdias@icanswfl.org.
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Michael Graves Runs for Honorary Mayor of North Fort Myers
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Michael Graves |
Michael Graves, ICAN Junction Store Manager is campaigning to be the next Honorary Mayor of North Fort Myers. Supporters can cast a vote for him (each vote is $1) by donating on line at the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Website www.nfmchamber.com or call Michael at (239)997-4226. The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 28th at the Honorary Mayor's Banquet so cast your votes now! |
