Who We Are & What We Do
THE HIV+ AGING RESEARCH PROJECT (HARP-PS) was born in 2015 when a group of physicians, researchers, activists, and HIV+ individuals began meeting to study the long-term effects of HIV+ on an aging population with the mission of helping those with HIV live longer and healthier lives. It’s 501(c)3 status was registered the same year. HARP-PS seeks to research and better understand the medical and emotional factors of how to thrive as long-term survivors of HIV.
WHY WE EXIST
In 2001, only 17 percent of Americans living with HIV were 50 years of age or older. By 2009 that number had nearly doubled, to 33% percent. Today, over 50% of all Americans living with HIV are 50 years of age or older, and that number is expected to increase to 75% by 2030.
Compared to similar HIV-negative population, individuals aging with HIV may experience an early onset of neurocognitive decline, impaired physical function, frailty, and psychosocial challenges like isolation, depression, and PTSD from having lived through the AIDS epidemic (also known as AIDS Survivor Syndrome).
Many of our HIV+ population here in the Valley have put their time, efforts, and monies to help establish competent AIDS care here. Fortunately, HIV/AIDS has become a manageable illness and is no longer a death sentence. That population, however, is often the same population that is currently aging with HIV. HARP-PS is the one organization whose sole mission is to support people aging with HIV.
HARP - PS seeks to research and better understand the medical and emotional factors of how to thrive as long-term survivors of HIV.
WHAT WE DO
HARP-PS has Spearheaded multiple, vital, research studies in partnership with major universities throughout the states and across the country in partnership with the NIH and CDC. OUR PROGRAMS
Mission
To improve the lives of the large and growing population of long-term HIV and AIDS survivors by studying the impacts of long-term HIV disease and its treatments on the natural aging process.
Vision
We will accomplish our mission by:
-
conducting research on HIV & aging
-
creating a cohort of seniors aging with HIV
-
establishing and fostering unbiased channels of communication among the diverse HIV and aging communities
Meet our Staff
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our Board
Commitment. Expertise. Leadership
Our Volunteers
Extraordinary.