HIV Arkansas’ Tenth Year Anniversary

HIV Arkansas is celebrating its tenth year!

HIV Arkansas is celebrating its tenth year of providing support, advocacy and education for the HIV community in Arkansas.  We trace our beginnings to the Positive Links Buddy program founded by long term HIV survivor Chris Hannon. The original concept was based on a support organization in San Diego, California.

In August 2006, Chris Hannon, a long-time survivor of HIV, approached the board of the local GLBT community center about creating an HIV support group.  The Center approved the request, creating the Positive Links Buddy Program

In April 2009, the Steering Committee of the Buddy Program voted to transition the program to an independent organization, and appointed the founding board members: Thomas Markham, Heath Lance, Christopher Hibbard, Michael Burks and Marcus Hinshaw.  With Thomas Markham as President, Heath Lance as Secretary and Michael Burks as Treasurer.

In May of 2009 the program, NWA Positive Links Support Network (HIV Arkansas), was incorporated with the State of Arkansas as a state public charity.  Shortly afterward we obtained our 501(c)3 status from the IRS to become a federally recognized non-profit public charity.

Below is a listing of some of our accomplishments :

  • Held two HIV awareness walks.  The first walks ever to be held in the NW Arkansas area.
  • Conducted an HIV Advocacy Conference in Fayetteville with more than a hundred attendees.
  • Public forums with the Arkansas Department of Health concerning the management of Ryan White program funds.
  • Attended Regional and National HIV/AIDS conferences.
  • Served on HIV state boards and work  groups.
  • Hosted five Positive Living Retreats for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • Raised money for the NWA Regional HIV Clinic.
  • Provided food support through holiday food drives for those in the HIV community.
  • Held educational workshops in Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Ft. Smith and at Arkansas Tech University.
  • Established a confidential HIV support hotline
  • Established a website for HIV education and information pertaining to Arkansas.
  • Engaged the community though outreach and education at health fairs and community events.
  • Partnered with other agencies to provide HIV Testing.
  • In 2011, HIV Arkansas was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from The Community Clinic, a Healthcare Ministry of St. Francis House NWA.
  • In 2013, Michael Burks, president of HIV Arkansas was awarded the Dr. Estelita Quimosing AIDS Leadership Award during the 5th Regional HIV/AIDS Conference in Little Rock.
  • Have appeared on round table discussions on AETN (Arkansas public television.
  • Attended town hall meeting commissioned by President, Barrack Obama in Jacksonville, Mississippi.
  • And most importantly, we have conducted over 180 HIV support meetings!

Over the years HIV Arkansas has been proud to serve the HIV positive community in Arkansas and especially NW Arkansas.  And we look forward to another 10 years of service.