Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention of Central VA, Inc.
(“CHAP”)
The Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention of Central Virginia, Inc. (CHAP) was formed in September 2000. The organization was formed out of a need to have an AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in Central VA which raises awareness and provides prevention education on HIV/AIDS.
A group of committed and dedicated service providers, along with HIV infected and affected persons, joined forces to form the Coalition for HIV Awareness and Prevention of Central VA, Inc (CHAP) in hopes of educating, raising awareness, and preventing the spread of HIV in Central VA. The Lynchburg community has had several AIDS Service Organizations (ASO) in the past, but funding was always a problem, and this caused these organizations to cease operating. The charter members of CHAP reviewed and researched the history of past ASO’s and decided to incorporate and create a non-profit organization that would service the Central VA area.
Since the inception of CHAP, the organization’s focus has continued to be on its mission, to reduce the spread of HIV and ensure a compassionate response to both infected and affected persons in Central VA. CHAP’s response is to educate and raise awareness of HIV and prevent the spread of this disease while advocating and fighting the stigma associated with HIV. CHAP has coordinated and implemented programs on the International, national, state, and local levels. These programs include International AIDS Memorial and Mobilization, World AIDS Day, National HIV Testing Day, and The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.
CHAP has collaborated with agencies and organizations which include but are not limited to: Infectious Diseases Center of Central VA, Inc., Central VA Health District, Centra Health, Central Virginia Community Services, Lynchburg College, Lynchburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon request, CHAP has educated the community by providing HIV education in schools, civic organizations, youth centers, jails, businesses, local colleges, and churches. CHAP has organized Pastor’s and Minister’s forums/summits, conferences and training sessions that address HIV/AIDS issues. CHAP has partnered with Lynchburg College’s Program for Community Development and Social Justice Program, which has funded several of the above-mentioned activities.
CHAP’s executive board officers are: Gloria Berkley, President, Dr. Robert Brennan, Vice President of Medical Affairs, Sandra Whitted, Vice President of Administration, Albert Mallet, Vice President of Resource Development, Rhonda Callaham, Vice President of Faith Based Initiatives, Elizabeth Dolan, Secretary/Treasurer. General Membership is open and representatives come from the Central VA area, faith-based community, civic and community based organizations, and persons infected and affected by HIV.