BCAP steps up to HIV/AIDS crisis

When entering the Boulder Colorado AIDS Project office on 14th Street, one can expect to be welcomed and listened to. I had the opportunity to speak with Ana Hopperstad, BCAP’s executive director, as well as other members of the BCAP staff about the programs they offer, and their commitment to serving clients in the community.

BCAP began as a grass roots organization in 1985 that was formed by gay men in the Boulder community. They started the efforts because they wanted to do something about the sickness and devastation affecting their community. “They came together and met in people’s homes, in their basements,” Hopperstad said. “They were really concerned and wanted to help their friends who were being affected.”

Now 26-years-old, BCAP has a wide and comprehensive list of services, programs and fundraising events in place that serve community members in the four surrounding counties: Boulder, Broomfield, Clearcreek and Gilpin.

BCAP’s programs include HIV/AIDS testing, case managers to work with clients and assistance in accessing health, dental and vision care. BCAP also coordinates the Eaton House, a residential home which provides housing for up to five adult residents, which provides assistance with personal health care insurance or state health care medical insurance. BCAP also works with the Atlas Program, which is dedicated to HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men. There is also the BCAP Market, a program that provides healthy and nutritious food to affected clients.

According to Hopperstad, BCAP is successful in carrying out such a wide variety of programs and services due to the commitment of their staff and volunteers.

In addition to their 10 full-time and four part-time staff members, BCAP has an active group of non-paid pro-bono professionals and a large pool of volunteers.  Each volunteer completes a comprehensive training regime prior to beginning their work.

Sara Annecone, the volunteer resources coordinator, said that there are 300 active and trained volunteers and pro-bono professionals who offer services to clients for a reduced fee, or no fee at all. The services include: acupuncture, legal services, psychotherapy, therapeutic body-work and treatment advocacy.

“I even had someone contact me who is willing to provide oil changes,” she said. “We have another 200 volunteers who stay in touch with us to assist with programs and events that don’t require special training.”

Amy Tesch, community outreach coordinator, said BCAP provides HIV education to more than 20 middle schools and high schools in the Boulder Valley and Saint Vrain School Districts.

“Funding for programs and infrastructure comes from a variety of sources including funding from the state, Boulder County, the cities of Boulder and Longmont and the city and county of Broomfield,” Hopperstad said.

“We also receive a great deal of support from KBCO’s (97.3 FM) Studio C album sales. Other financial support comes from private donors and foundation grants.  We also have a monthly Dinning Out Days at local restaurants which donate a percentage of their profits to BCAP,” she said.
There’s even a yearly dinner fundraiser, Local Legends Gala, which is scheduled for Sept. 25 and features guest speaker Ed Wolf, from the documentary film We Were Here.

Hopperstad insists that it is important for the community to remember that HIV has not gone away. Practicing safe sex is still hugely important.
“I think it is important to remember that we are human, and as humans we need to care about each other.”

For more info visit www.bcap.org.