HIV Initiative
Are you an entertainment professional living with HIV/AIDS, newly diagnosed or caring for a loved one? We can help you create confidential, holistic plans and support systems to meet your immediate and long-term emotional, medical and financial needs.
While new medical treatments have given hope for an end to the epidemic, HIV continues to create significant emotional, medical and financial needs among those infected and affected. Our social workers are here to help through the continuum of living with HIV.
HIV Initiative social workers can provide counseling services and often work in a supportive role over many years of a person's life. We provide a safe, long-term network where people can receive both individual and group support.
We can connect with you by phone, virtually or in person to help you locate resources in your community and coordinate those services in the context of a longer-term supportive plan.
The Entertainment Community Fund is committed to maintaining your privacy and confidentiality.
Am I eligible?
Any performing arts or entertainment professional may call on the HIV Initiative for support, information or referrals to community agencies.
For financial assistance, we will ask for an application, documentation of your professional earnings and an interview. In general, eligibility requirements for financial assistance are:
- Five years of documented professional performing arts and entertainment earnings out of the last seven years.
- Three of the five documented years of earnings must be a minimum of $6,500 per year.
OR
- Twenty years of industry-paid employment with at least 10 years of industry earnings of $5,000 per year.
- Documented financial need.
If you have questions regarding financial assistance please contact us.
Get in touch:
No matter where you live in the U.S., we’re here to help. Get in touch with your nearest regional office at:
Eastern Region
917.281.5919
eastern@entertainmentcommunity.org
Central Region
312.372.0989
central@entertainmentcommunity.org
Western Region
323.330.2455
western@entertainmentcommunity.org
Upcoming Workshops
Related Programs
Mental Health
Are you or your loved one an entertainment professional dealing with work or personal stress, anxiety, depression or life transitions? Get in touch with our caring clinicians for help and support.
Addiction and Recovery Services
Are you or your family member an entertainment professional interested in looking at your relationship with alcohol and drug use? We provide caring support in helping you achieve and maintain a healthy relationship with alcohol and drugs.
Related Sites & Organizations
National Minority AIDS Council
Dedicated to developing leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS.
AIDS Project Los Angeles
Dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by HIV disease, reducing the incidence of HIV infection and advocating for fair and effective HIV-related public policy.'
GMHC
Offers a wide array of programs and supportive services for people in New York City regardless of HIV status, though many programs are designed for people living with HIV or an AIDS diagnosis.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
AFC funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects, collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Provides free and confidential STD clinics to the public, all of which offer HIV testing and counseling. This page lists the clinics' locations and hours in every borough.