Colorado AIDS Project — More Than You Know
If you’ve been around Denver’s queer community for a while, chances are you’ve heard of the Colorado AIDS Project. But what do you really know about CAP?
Over the past three decades CAP’s role in the HIV epidemic has evolved.
In 2011, CAP united each of its regional locations, making it a statewide entity with offices in major metropolitan areas such as Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Greeley, and Grand Junction. Together with the Howard Dental Center in Denver, these organizations form the Colorado Health Network. CHN assists nearly 6,000 people annually with a variety of services that you may not be familiar with, which increases stability and access to healthcare statewide:
Case management
Mental health and substance abuse counseling
Housing assistance and subsidies
Transportation
Oral health care
Food bank and nutritional education
Connection to insurance
Emergency financial assistance
Additionally, CAP’s prevention programs provide more than 3,500 free HIV tests annually, which include testing for STIs and Hep C, community education, free condoms, preventative tools, and the Access Point needle exchange program. All of these efforts are aimed at curbing the spread of HIV.
Today, the evolution of CAP and CHN continues. In 2015, CHN embarked on a bold and long-held dream to create the first comprehensive medical clinic devoted to the health and wellbeing of the queer community in Denver and their allies. The goal is to fund the purchase and remodel of a freestanding building, where they can more effectively administer all of their services and do so from a convenient location that is easily accessible by public transportation.
Now, that dream is becoming a reality. CHN has secured a prime location on the corner of Colfax and Krameria Street in Denver and the building is being prepared for a complete renovation with the help of architectural firm Mark Hoskin Architects. This new location will house all of CAP’s supportive services currently offered, as well as a brand new Howard Dental Center for oral healthcare services, and will serve as the administrative branch for all statewide CAP locations. The new space will include a full medical care clinic and convenient on-site pharmacy, as well as space to host community events and educational forums. The fully-realized dream will be the first of its kind in the nation. Further validating the fact that Denver has been and will continue to be the true trailblazers, setting new standards for the LGBTQ and Allied community.
This is an exciting time for Colorado. You can be a part of this historic accomplishment by visiting ColordoHealthNetwork.org for information on how you can get involved. You can request updates, follow the progress and receive an exclusive invitation to the grand opening. While you’re at it, add your voice to the conversation and become part of the story by following CAP on Facebook.
