When we decided that we were going to do Rent last year, we knew that we wanted to give back to the community in some way. The AIDS Resource Center, ARC Ohio, is a place in our community where the people are hard at work to spread awareness of HIV and AIDS and how they are effecting our culture. We are very excited to say that we are partnering with them in our upcoming performances of Rent, and thought it would be good for you to get to know them a bit more as well (if you don't already know what they do). Here is a short interview that we had with the CEO of the organization, Bill Hardy.
1. Why did ARC decide to partner with PHS for the production of RENT?
When ARC Ohio was approached about partnering with PHS, we were very excited! We saw this as an excellent opportunity to help spread the word about HIV/AIDS in the Miami Valley and tell the community that we’re here to help.
2. How do you think the show will raise awareness for ARC and AIDS research in general?
When was the last time you saw someone wearing a red ribbon? Exactly! Awareness about, and support for, HIV/AIDS in the U.S. has plummeted in the past decade. Although there are more Americans than ever living with, and becoming infected with, HIV, the perception is that it’s no longer a problem here. Every thing we can do to keep HIV/AIDS on the radar screen helps us change this misperception and create healthier individuals and communities.
3. What do you hope the community learns or comes away with after watching RENT?
When Rent first premiered, an AIDS diagnosis was, generally, a death sentence, with a life expectancy measured in weeks or months. We’ve come a long way since then. But there is still no cure and no preventative vaccine, and there is no “up” side to becoming HIV-infected. More people are living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. and world wide today than ever. We cannot let complacency take the place of our sense of urgency about this pandemic, and we must continue to fight the spread of the virus.
4. What services does ARC provide and for whom?
ARC Ohio is the leading non-profit, community-based provider of HIV case management, ancillary services, emergency financial assistance, prevention education, HIV testing, advocacy and linkage to health care. We are here to help anyone who needs us. We have services for people who are HIV-infected and programs for people who wish to learn how to prevent the spread of HIV.
5. Where can donations be sent?
Donations may be sent to AIDS Resource Center Ohio, 15 W. Fourth Street, Suite 200, Dayton, OH 45402 or made directly through our secure website at www.arcohio.org.
[Editor's Note - You'll also be able to donate at all of our performances of Rent, coming up at the end of February.]
