Kevin Burns, Executive Director of Action Wellness and Robb Reichard, Executive Director of AIDS Fund Philly discussed Kevin’s long career as he approaches his retirement. He spoke of his start, as a volunteer with a grassroots Action AIDS, supporting and caring for people dying of AIDS, through today, with the renamed Action Wellness, supporting people who are living with HIV. He discussed the growth of the agency, to encompass everything from HIV testing, to maternity care and support for those living with chronic illness not associated with their HIV. He and Robb spoke of the support they receive from AIDSFund Philly, funding that helps with direct patient care for expenses such as rent, bus tickets, co-pays or appliance repairs. We talked about the changing in care from a death sentence to prevention and therapies that can make the virus undetectable. We also discussed uptick in diagnosis, especially within communities of color, and the need for more education and awareness about PREP for prevention and new treatments.
Finally, we discussed the annual AIDS Walk Philly and the upcoming black-tie Gay BINGO Gala March 25th where Kevin will honored with the Fierce and Fabulous Award for his work over the past 34 years.
For more information visit actionwellness.org or AIDSFundPhilly.org.
Kevin Burns of Action Wellness and Robb Reichard of AIDSFund Philly Guest,