Dear Friend,  

 As we approach the end of another year, we are celebrating a significant milestone: 40 years of Defying Odds at the UCSF Alliance Health Project. This moment is not just a celebration of our past achievements, but a call to action to ensure our vital work continues.

Founded in response to the social crises of homophobia, AIDS phobia, racism and misogyny; remember “Haitians, Whores, and Homosexuals?” The UCSF Alliance Health Project emerged as a signal of hope for those living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Our mission has always been clear: to address the psychosocial and mental health needs of those affected by HIV/AIDS while combating the stigma that often isolates them from receiving compassionate client-centered care.

Over the past four decades, we have expanded our services to meet the evolving needs of our community. What started as an HIV/AIDS-focused project has grown into a comprehensive program that provides not only mental health care and HIV treatment but also sexual health services, training and education for healthcare providers, and vital research aimed at improving health outcomes.

Our commitment to holistic approach to care has been transformative. We understand that the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV are multifaceted, often involving mental health struggles, social isolation, transphobia, racism, and fear of discrimination. By offering comprehensive behavioral health support, our clients are empowered to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Consider the story of Alex, a young man who, burdened by both mental health issues and the stigma of being HIV-positive, felt hopeless. Through the Alliance Health Project, Alex found not only essential support and case management care but also a supportive community that embraced him. With access to counseling and peer support, he was able to reclaim his life and advocate for others facing similar challenges. Your support enables us to continue providing transformative experiences like Alex’s to many more individuals in our community.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we urgently ask for your help in our end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Your contributions will directly impact our ability to sustain and enhance our services, ensuring that we can respond to the complex health needs of our community with compassion and expertise. Every dollar raised will help us continue our work in addressing mental health, providing HIV care, and expanding our educational outreach.

This is a pivotal moment to reaffirm our commitment to health equity and the dignity of every individual we serve. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need to thrive.

Please join us in honoring the legacy of the UCSF Alliance Health Project by giving a gift today. Your generosity will help us build a brighter future for all those we serve. Let us celebrate our past while investing in the future, ensuring that the next 40 years are filled with hope, healing, and community.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Dr. James Dilley

Emeritus Executive Director and Co-founder
UCSF Alliance Health Project