Island Coast Aids Network

phone: (239) 337-2391


Survey

Click here to review Client Satisfaction Survey

Click here to review Client Comments


ICAN Audit

Click here to view 2008-09 Audit

Click here to view 2007-08 Audit


National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS

March 7 - 13, 2010 www.NationalWeekofPrayerfortheHealingofAIDS.org

World AIDS Day

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

On World AIDS Day, individuals from around the world come together to lead the response to AIDS. Each of us has something unique to contribute- from standing up against stigma and discrimination to educating ourselves about HIV prevention, from knowing our status to learning more about the commitments our leaders have made. Our voices can make a difference.

ICAN observes World AIDS Day with a "Celebration of Life" on the first Friday of December. Stay tuned for more information or call 239-337-2391 to get involved!


Handbag Happy Hour

SAVE THE DATE! The 8th Annual Handbag Happy Hour will be held on Friday November 5th at the Miromar Design Center in Estero, FL. This year's event will feature a preview of silent and live auction items from 4 to 5pm. The event starts at 5PM with the opening of the silent auction which will last until the live auction starts at 8PM. Tickets will be $75 each and will include admission, open bar, heavy hors d' oeuvres, music with a live DJ, 100's of designer, celebrity and brand name handbags to bid upon and a fashion show. Tickets will go on sale soon! To sponsor, donate, volunteer or receive an invitation email or call 239-337-2391 ext. 211.

Click to play Handbag Happy Hour 2008
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United Way Campaign Celebration

CELEBRATE UNITED! Join the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties on Friday, June 5 for the 2008-2009 Campaign Celebration. Festivities and food for the whole family will take place at The Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers from 5:30-8:30 p.m. To RSVP or find out more, call (239) 433-2000 ext. 258. Thank you for LIVING UNITED! image


Volunteer Appreciation Event

The 3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event for ICAN's totally rockin' volunteers took place on Thursday, May 21 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Nearly 80 ICAN volunteers and guests enjoyed the hilarious and thrilling performance of the The Wedding Singer! The event celebrated the more than 15,011 volunteer hours logged by ICAN volunteers in 2008 (an in-kind value of $303,973 based on the national standard of $25.20/hour). During the first quarter of 2009, ICAN volunteers have recorded 6,773 hours for an in-kind value of $137,153! ICAN LOVES our volunteers! Check out the pictures!
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Record Setting Graduates from ICAN’s Probation Program

Individuals coming out of the criminal justice system are statistically at higher risk for contracting HIV infection. For this reason, in partnership with the Lee County Court System, ICAN offers probationers a three-hour HIV awareness class which earns them 15 hours of community service. The success of the ICAN Probationer Program can be seen through its expansion from 473 participants in 2007 to 888 participants in 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, the number of participants has increased further to an annualized average of more than 1,300 participants. Similar significant growth has occurred with ICAN's HIV Counseling and Testing Program.

Formerly a low functioning program in 2007 with less than 100 tests conducted, ICAN administered 730 free and confidential HIV tests in 2008. ICAN is on track to conduct more than 1,500 HIV tests in 2009. If you're in need of community service credit, call 239-337-2391 to sign-up for a probation class held every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at ICAN's Ft. Myers headquarters ($20 cash to be paid at the door).

ICAN's Probationer Program has expanded to Collier County. Probationers in Collier recieve three hours of credit for $30 cash. Classes are interesting and informative and held in the evening for convenience.

Call 239-261-0096 to sign-up for a class in Naples.


Probation Class for 15 hours

Attendance at ICAN's three-hour HIV/AIDS awareness class earns probationers (persons coming out of the criminal justice system) 15 hours of community service. The price to attend is $20 cash, and classes are held every Wednesday from 5:30pm until 8:30pm at ICAN's Centex Center conference room. To sign-up call 239-337-2391 or email . Classes are offered in both English and Spanish. In 2009,


ICAN Programs

ICAN offers a variety of HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. Probation Program Attendance at ICAN's three-hour HIV/AIDS awareness class earns probationers (persons coming out of the criminal justice system) 15 hours of community service. The price to attend is $20 cash, and classes are held almost every Wednesday at 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at ICAN's Centex Center conference room. To sign-up call 239-337-2391 or email . Classes are taught in both Spanish and English. SISTA (Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics of AIDS) SISTA provides peer education to young African American women in Lee and Collier Counties.

The behavioral modification intervention targets high risk heterosexual women and consists of five two-hour training sessions covering gender and ethnic pride, HIV/AIDS education, and sexual negotiation skills. There were 157 graduates of the SISTA program in fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. The SISTA Program lost its Closing the Gap funding on June 30, 2009, but is continuing due to the commitment of ICAN's great volunteers. VOICES/VOCES (Video Opportunities for Innovative Condom Education and Safer Sex) VOICES/VOCES Project is a single-session, video-based HIV/AIDS/STD's prevention workshop designed to reduce the risk of HIV infection among heterosexual African-American and Hispanic adults, ages 18 and over. VOICES/VOCES is currently funded by the United Way Grant. There were 1,908 graduates of the VOICES/VOCES program in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008. Community Outreach Community outreach begins with one-on-one assessments of individuals within high-risk populations, and continues with referrals for HIV related services and HIV counseling and testing.

Participants in the SISTA and VOICES/VOCES programs are recruited through community outreach. During 2008, ICAN made 70,008 outreach contacts (not an unduplicated count), distributed 87,108 prevention aids (condoms, lubricants and dams), handed out 76,646 informational brochures, and made 80,551 referrals for HIV testing, group level interventions, substance abuse treatment and STD testing. HIV 411 HIV 411 is an Internet chat room intervention in which volunteers enter chat rooms where men who have sex with men meet to set up sexual encounters. While in the chat rooms, ICAN volunteers engage those seeking sex in a discussion about the risk of HIV, prevention methods and general HIV information. This program was started in 2006. Community Education HIV/AIDS training and information is provided to non-profits, businesses, schools, civic clubs and the general public.

ICAN provides monthly staff training for Lee Mental Health and Southwest Florida Addiction Services employees, staff training as needed for Lee Memorial Health Systems, Lee Association for Retarded Citizens and the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center, HIV/AIDS training at the Pace Center for Girls, quarterly HIV awareness classes for residents at Ruth Cooper Center's Reeve's House, HIV/AIDS training for High Tech Center North's Allied Health Programs, Florida Academy of Massage, Heritage Institute and Charlotte Behavioral Services. For profit entities and out-of-county non-profits pay a fee for each class. HIV Counseling & Testing ICAN provides HIV testing Wednesday evening from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., CLICK HERE TO GET TESTED. Annual Seminars ICAN provides HIV/AIDS speakers for annual seminars on domestic violence, sexual violence and substance abuse held in Southwest Florida.


CDC finally updates estimated annual HIV cases in the USA

At least 56,000 people become infected with the AIDS virus every year in the United States,40 percent more than previous estimates, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC stressed that actual infection rates have not risen but said better methods of measuring new diagnosed infections and then extrapolating this to the general population led to the fresh estimates. "CDC's first estimates from this system reveal that the HIV epidemic is (and has been) worse than previously known. Results indicate that approximately 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006," the CDC said in a statement.

Hispanics and HIV/AIDS…couldn’t we see this coming?

Though Hispanics make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Hispanics in the District of Columbia have the highest rate of new AIDS cases in the country. So far, the toll of AIDS in the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority population has mostly been overshadowed by the epidemic among African Americans and gay white men. Yet in major U.S. cities, as many as 1 in 4 gay Hispanic men has HIV, a rate on par with sub-Saharan Africa.

National HIV Testing Day

June 27, 2010

Ask a question

Thought for July 24, 2008...couldn’t we see this coming? Please comment. Though Hispanics make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Hispanics in the District of Columbia have the highest rate of new AIDS cases in the country. So far, the toll of AIDS in the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority population has mostly been overshadowed by the epidemic among African Americans and gay white men. Yet in major U.S. cities, as many as 1 in 4 gay Hispanic men has HIV, a rate on par with sub-Saharan Africa.

Betsy Newman Client Food Pantry

ICAN distributes approximately 12,000 lbs. of food and personal supplies to over 300 HIV/AIDS contacts and their families each month. As the demand for food is constantly increasing, please consider conducting a food drive at your business, church, school or home. When purchasing "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" groceries, think about giving your free items to ICAN. You can also help by donating shampoos, soaps and other toiletry items from your recent hotel stays. For more information on how you can help, call 239-337-2391. Thank you!

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Events Calendar

National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS - March 7 - 13, 2010 Ask your church to register on this website www.NationalWeekofPrayerfortheHealingofAIDS.org National HIV Testing Day - June 27, 2010

ICAN Education

Dr. Peter Bright, Director of Programs, and ICAN's education staff and volunteers have changed countless lives through HIV/AIDS awareness presentations and behavior modification courses. To attend a class, call 239-337-2391.

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Southwest Florida AIDS Walk For ICAN

 

A beautiful day greeted the participants in the 5th Annual Southwest Florida AIDS Walk on Saturday, April 3rd at Cambier Park in downtown Naples. Walkers, runners and their four legged friends enjoyed either a one mile stroll or the 5K run through the neighborhoods surrounding 5th Avenue South. Thanks to the support of walkers, volunteers and event sponsors this year’s walk achieved the highest total to date raising over $17,000 which will go to support vital services for ICAN clients throughout Southwest Florida.


ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificates

An effective and economical way to support the charity of your choice by providing the vital goods and materials clients need for a better quality of life. image Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) and Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) have teamed up to offer the community the opportunity to participate in the ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificate Program. The ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificate Program is a new collaborative effort designed to help local businesses and individuals who want to give back to their community. Here's how it works: Businesses and individuals purchase gift certificates to Second ACT Thrift Store and ICAN Junction and donate the certificates to a local charity of their choice. The certificates are distributed to the charity's clients who redeem them for goods and materials. It's that easy! Purchases from Second ACT Thrift Store and ICAN Junction help support client programs benefiting domestic and sexual assault victims and HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals, respectively. Second ACT offers gently used clothing, furniture, house wares and more.

ICAN Junction specializes in home improvement and building materials including large appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, cabinets, doors, windows and much more. This program offers a winning solution for the entire community. It's an economical and effective way for businesses and individuals to support the charity of their choice during these challenging economic times. Charities help their clients access goods and materials they need in an efficient and time-saving manner and clients get more for their money by acquiring merchandise at a fraction of the retail price.

To place your order or request additional information, please call, email, or visit one of the following locations: ICAN Junction 239-997-4226 www.icanjunction.org United Plaza 13971 North Cleveland Avenue North Fort Myers Second ACT Thrift Store 239-939-2553 www.actabuse.org 11495 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers In the News: May 5, 2008: "Nifty, Thrifty Idea"


Red Ribbon Resale

Forced by a struggling economy, on November 1, 2008, ICAN closed its Naples thrift store, Red Ribbon Resale. We thank the volunteers and community for your support during the store's many years of operation, and hope you will continue to direct your donations to the agency and/or ICAN Junction, home improvement materials thrift store in North Ft. Myers. For more information or to schedule a free pick-up, call (239) 337-2391 or visit the ICAN Junction website.

ICAN Junction Home Improvement Thrift Store


13971 North Cleveland Ave.
North Ft. Myers
(239) 997-4226
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM
ICAN Junction offers GOOD DEEDS, GOOD DEALS to individuals who need inexpensive housing improvement and building materials and are interested in keeping usable, sellable goods out of the waste stream. Redirecting landfill-bound materials to productive use provides low-income families and do-it-yourselfers quality home improvement and building materials at affordable prices. Moreover, when you donate to ICAN Junction you save time, money and energy in managing unneeded materials. It's a win-win-win situation for donors, the community and the environment.

At the "do-it-yourselfer's" thrift store, you'll find furniture, large appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, cabinets, doors, windows, lumber, mirrors, art and much more at 50-75% below retail prices. It's a scavenger hunter's heaven! ICAN Junction is seeking partnerships with construction companies, contractors, manufacturers, trade associations, local stores, and individuals to consistently participate in the "green way." To volunteer your time and/or donate please call either store at the phone numbers listed above. Your help and generosity are greatly needed and appreciated! image


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Cocktails For a Cause

Hosting a "Cocktails for a Cause" is a fun way to make a difference in your community simply by throwing a cocktail party, dinner party, guest speaker or other event at your home or business. imageMany hosts request donations or "charge admission" to their party, yet there are other creative ways to raise money at your gathering. ICAN provides invitations and ideas for your event and you donate the funds raised to ICAN's client programs. It's fun, easy, and assists ICAN's vital mission to "stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida."


Red Ribbon Ball

image The 8th Annual Red Ribbon Ball...Black, White and Candlelight took place on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. The elegant and noteworthy affair raised $25,000 for ICAN's vital client programs. Check back soon for details about the 2010 soiree! image Gulfshore Life Magazine named the Red Ribbon Ball as a finalist for Best Black-Tie Event in the July 2008 issue "Best on the Gulfshore"! ICAN greatly appreciates the support of our many cash and in-kind sponsors! Please patronize their businesses. image View pictures from the 2008 event below...

Click to play Old Hollywood Affair
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Talk to a Client

This page is under construction.

Client Support Group

ICAN's Client Support Group meets every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Myer's Centex Center conference room. Facilitated by Susan Coppin and Susan Johnson, the support group offers a safe and comfortable place for individuals both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to share their personal experiences and receive sympathetic understanding and guidance. image Regular support group attendees, Chuck and Vince


PWA Info & Referral Group

This page is under construction.

Friends & Sponsors of ICAN

4th Annual Southwest Florida AIDS Walk for ICAN


 

8th Annual Red Ribbon Ball Sponsors!


 


Board of Directors & Staff

Board of Directors

     Robert Vice, President CEO, Florida Shores Bank

     Craig Ruthsatz, Vice President Agent, Oswald Trippe and Company, Inc.

     John Lopez, Treasurer Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Myers, Brettholtz & Company, PA

     Edward M. Kolesar, Secretary Attorney and Senior Manager-Procurement and Contracts, Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu Services, Inc.

     Steven Bernstein Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

     June Miller Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney

   Richard Fain Senior Relationship Manager, Wachovia Bank

   William Hutt Vice President Laila Bella Inc., Co-owner, La-Te-Da Salon & Spa, President, Independent Spa Resources

   Sheila Harris-Schultz, Chairman, Harris & Schutz, Inc.

     Dr. Terese A Taylor Primus Medical Research Inc.

 

Management Staff

Carolyn Moore, Executive Director

Dan Mitton, Director of Education

Mitch Haley, Director of Development

Roxanne Smith, Case Manager Supervisor

Rick Allen, Operations Manager


Services

ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. ICAN's services include:

Learn more about ICAN's Client Support Programs Learn more about ICAN's Education and Prevention Programs


Thank You

Thank you!

Another Blog Entry

This is a test.

Mission Statement

Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) is dedicated to a vital mission "to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Special Events (top)

 COMING SOON!
 The 8thAnnual
Handbag Happy Hour
Friday, November  5th, 2010
at the
Miromar Design Center
Estero, FL.
SPONSORSHIPS NOW AVAILABLE
Champagne Level - $5000
Martini Level - $3,000
Chardonnay Level - $2,000
Handbag Level - $1,000
Fashion Friend - $500
Showcase Level - $500
   
Take advantage of one of SW Florida’s most prestigious events and showcase your company in front of hundreds of sophisticated shoppers who will be enjoying themselves while bidding on designer, brand name, celebrity and one-of-a-kind handbags.  For complete sponsorship packages and more information contact Mitch Haley at 239-337-2391 ext. 211 or email to mhaley@icanswfl.org.
Tickets will be on sale soon!

  

 


Anonymous Questions From Site Visitors

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Agency History

ICAN "Living with AIDS" for 21 Years When the first case of AIDS was diagnosed over 25 years ago, few imagined that in 2008 we would still be living with what has now become the world's largest and deadliest epidemic.

This year marks the 21st year that Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) has been "Living With AIDS." What was once feared as a dreaded disease of homosexuals and intravenous drug users is now something that exists with all of us every day. AIDS affects your classmates and co-workers. AIDS affects your family and friends. AIDS affects YOU. For twenty-one years, ICAN (formerly Lee County AIDS Task Force) has been providing vital support services to HIV/AIDS infected individuals and their affected families in Lee, Collier and the four, more rural counties of Desoto, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte. During its years of operation, ICAN has steadfastly advocated for the rights and needs of all HIV/AIDS infected individuals to be met without prejudice or discrimination. These twenty-one years for ICAN contain a history of numerous lives lost to AIDS, HIV medical treatment advances...and setbacks, the agency's earlier volatility and later stability, many personal victories for our clients and the quiet rewards those victories bring to our dedicated board and staff. Those of use who witnessed the beginning of this epidemic in the early 80's never dreamed that we would still be fighting in the battle against AIDS twenty-five years later. That ICAN would yet be addressing huge challenges in educating our community about preventing new infections, still be combating ignorance and misperceptions about disease transmission (How do you get infected?) and about infected individuals themselves (Who are they?...everyone).

Even more remarkable across the lifespan of this epidemic, our support staff at ICAN is now adapting treatment plans to meet the changing needs of aging, HIV infected clients who are living longer lives, albeit with accompanying medical problems wrought by the very drugs that are extending their lives.

ICAN needs you to join our fight against AIDS. Please consider donating and attending our special events, volunteering and participating in or hosting a HIV/AIDS Education presentation. Contact 239-337-2391 to learn more. ICAN...can u?


Support

ICAN specializes in providing case management to individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. Project AIDS Care (PAC) services are available to individuals diagnosed with AIDS who meet income, asset and health guidelines. Ryan White services are available for all persons who are HIV positive. PAC and Ryan White programs offer case management, support groups, food pantry assistance, clothing closet, public bass passes and referral for all HIV/AIDS related services. ICAN administers a Client Assistance Fund for client needs not covered by any other program. Clients can also apply for merchandise from ICAN's two thrift stores. Click here for the results of ICAN's 2009 Client Opinion Survey. image Susan Smith, client, and Jeff McQuilkin, Case Manager


Education & Prevention

The Bottom Line night club in Fort Myers partnered with ICAN on Sunday, June 27th for National HIV Testing Day. The club offered patrons a free barbeque and gave ICAN's Director of Education and Prevention Dan Mitton and his crew of volunteers a private area to conduct free and confidential HIV tests. Twenty five people came to the club to take advantage of the tests which were conducted with a simple oral swab, the same method used by ICAN on a daily basis at the McGregor Boulevard offices.  The annual testing day was also the topic of an hour long talk show on WGCU-FM (NPR) the previous Wednesday.  Host Luis Hernandez interviewed Dan Mitton of ICAN, Dr. Terese Taylor, M.D. of ICAN's Board of Directors and Jim Yarnes of the Florida Department of Health on HIV/AIDS.  The program drew many phone calls from listeners throughout Southwest Florida with questions that ranged from modern day myths about HIV/AIDS to the cost of medications. Our thanks to The Bottom Line, the Department of Health and WGCU Public Media for helping ICAN take positive steps towards improving the public's knowledge about the importance of HIV testing. 

ICAN is constantly striving to prevent new HIV infections by equipping individuals with the facts about HIV/AIDS and changing their risky behavior. ICAN offers HIV/AIDS education presentations to probationers, schools, civic organizations, professionals, churches and clients. Since the majority of people with HIV do not know that they have the virus, ICAN encourages you to exercise your right and obligation to know your HIV status by taking a free and confidential HIV Test. Knowledge is power and prevention...click here to see how ICAN is changing lives. The United Way of Lee County partially funds the educational services of the agency. Education Staff:


Get Tested

ICAN offers free and confidential HIV Testing and Counseling. To schedule an HIV test using an OraSure mouth swab, contact Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391 ext. 220.

What is OraSure?
OraSure is an oral specimen collection device to test for HIV. The OraSure mouth swab tests for HIV antibodies which would be present in the tissue of the gums and cheek if HIV infection were present.

How is the test conducted?
The test is conducted by using a toothbrush-like device that is inserted into the mouth instead of drawing blood. A small pad on a plastic stick is placed between the gum and cheek, rubbed in a circular motion, and then allowed to remain in the closed mouth for three minutes. The pad is then placed in a container and sent to the State Health Laboratory where it is tested using techniques similar to those used with blood samples.

How accurate is an OraSure test?
OraSure mouth swab test is very accurate, yet not as accurate as a blood test. As with blood tests, six to twelve weeks must pass after infection has occurred before enough antibodies have been produced for the test to detect them. An OraSure test performed three months after the potentially infectious event (sex without a condom or shared intravenous drug needles/equipment) is about 95% accurate. A test at 6 months will be the most accurate. You can get tested for HIV for free as often as you wish.

Do I have to give my name?
ICAN's OraSure testing is confidential, but not anonymous. You must provide your name, address and form of identification. Your HIV results and other testing information will not be disclosed.

How do I get my results?
OraSure results are provided in person (not by telephone) 10-14 days after the test is conducted. Call Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391 ext. 220 to schedule a time to receive your results.

Why get an HIV test?
Knowing if you have HIV will allow you to protect your own health and to prevent others from becoming infected. HIV infection responds best to medical treatments if they are begun as soon as possible after the infection takes place. If you are infected, you can get the information and help you need to stay healthy. By following safer sex and/or drug-use practices, you can protect others from HIV and stop the spread of the epidemic. ICAN expects to test more than 1500 individuals during 2010.


Recent News


School Supplies Needed

for ICAN Kids

ICAN is seeking donations of

school supplies to help children

affected by HIV/AIDS.

Backpacks

Binders

Pocket Folders

Notebook Paper

Pens & Pencils

Markers & Crayons

Rulers

Glue

Gift Cards

Donations can be delivered or mailed

to ICAN offices at

2231 McGregor Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL. 33901

Or call (239)337-2391 ext. 211

to arrange a pick-up.

Please help our ICAN kids get

ready for a successful school

year with a stock of supplies

to help them learn.

Thank you!

 

 



Welcome!

Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) is dedicated to a vital mission "to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida."

ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.



AIDS Resources



Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1-800-CDC-INFO - cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Important Info - On average in the United States, one person gets infected with the HIV virus every nine and a half minutes. To learn more, click here

The Aging of HIV report is here..."The number of older adults vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection suggest that older adults may not be aware of or protecting themselves from risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS." Click here to read the report... AgingOfHIVFactSheet.pdf


Contact

Questions, feedback or suggestions.... we want to hear from you.

* Name: Phone: Email: City: Subject: * Message:

Thrift Store

ICAN Junction is an innovative and environmentally friendly thrift store in North Fort Myers. At "the Junction," you'll find cabinets, large appliances, furniture, plumbing fixtures, flooring, light fixtures, doors, windows, lumber, mirrors, art and much more at 50-75% below retail prices. Inventory changes daily....it's a bargain hunter's delight!

Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated. Donations and purchases support client programs benefiting HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals served in Southwest Florida by ICAN. Donations can be dropped off at either store or we can schedule a free pick-up.

Donate

As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all financial gifts to Island Coast AIDS Network are tax deductible. Your financial contribution and volunteer efforts are crucial to our ability to meet our mission and vision. Island Coast AIDS Network is seeking support from concerned individuals and families and community-minded corporations and foundations to help further the mission of our agency.

Thank you for your support! CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE NOW. Donor Membership ICAN is excited to introduce the Red Ribbon Society, an exclusive recognition society for our donors who contribute an annual gift of $1,000 or greater. Members of the Red Ribbon Society are valued partners to carryout ICAN's vital mission. Click here to view the membership opportunities. Or, click here to join the Red Ribbon Society today.

RED RIBBON SOCIETY MEMBERS Steven Bernstein John Martin Joe and Dorit Fisher Dr. Jeffrey Larkin and Robert Nardi Edward Kolesar and Walter Boge Robert and Becky Vice Dr. Jose Quero Joshua and Jennifer Myers Glenn and Barbara Steil Rhonda Marlette Cary R. Kleinfield Why Give To Island Coast AIDS Network? To meet the needs of the clients we serve in six counties (Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and DeSoto) in Southwest Florida. How Are My Donations Used? One hundred percent of each contribution is used to further the mission of Island Coast AIDS Network. Your donations are used with the highest integrity.

Island Coast AIDS Network's mission statement is: "To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." How to Donate? There are many different ways to make a donation: Donate online: Use your credit card to make a quick, easy and safe donation online. All transactions conducted on our Web site are encrypted using a secure server to protect your privacy.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE NOW. By phone: Call Mitch Haley at (239) 337-2391 ext. 211. By mail: Mail cash or check donations to: Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) 2231 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901


Volunteer

Volunteer participation is critical to the success of Island Coast Aids Network. There are many ways you can participate that involve as little or as much time as you want. Your opportunity to impact the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS is here at Island Coast AIDS Network. Openings include but are not limited to:

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator so that your special talents can be assessed. Help ICAN accomplish its mission!

Application

Click here for a printable volunteer application. Please fax your completed application to 239-337-7549 or mail it to 2231 McGregor Boulevard, Ft. Myers, FL 33901.

* Full Name:
* Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy):
* Address:
* City:
* State:
* Zip:
Day Phone:
Evening Phone:
Cell Phone:
* Email:

AIDS Facts

In the United States more than 1,000,000 individuals have been diagnosed with AIDS. In Florida, more than 110,000 have been reported with AIDS. Compared to all other states, Florida is 3rd among adults, 2nd among women and 2nd among children in cumulative AIDS cases. The fastest rising categories of new HIV infections include those under the age of 22, black females and persons over the age of 50. In Southwest Florida, there are an estimated 3,000 persons living with HIV. It costs a few dollars to prevent a new HIV infection, but an average of $700,000 is spent on medical treatment for each new HIV case. Research has revealed a great deal of valuable medical, scientific, and public health information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The ways in which HIV can be transmitted have been clearly identified. Unfortunately, false information or statements that are not supported by scientific findings continue to be shared widely through the Internet or popular press. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prepared a fact sheet to correct a few misperceptions about HIV. Click here to view the fact sheet.


Events

Looking for a fun way to fight AIDS in Southwest Florida? ICAN needs your support as a sponsor, donor, attendee and/or volunteer. Mark your calendar for our upcoming events, and contact Mitch Haley, Director of Development, at (239) 337-2391 ext. 211 for more information. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

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5th Annual SW Florida Aids Walk set for April 3rd Fort Myers/Naples

The Island Coast Aids Network (ICAN) announces that the 5th Annual Southwest Florida AIDS Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 3rd at Cambier Park in downtown Naples. Registration will begin at 9 am with the walk/run schedule to start at 10am. A $25 registration fee includes a t-shirt and favors from event sponsors and area merchants. The walk is open to everyone and participants can choose between a 5K run (3.2 miles) or a one mile stroll. Plus 4 legged friends are also welcome to participate and a special doggie rest stop will be complete with fresh water and dog treats. Sponsorships are currently available for business and organizations with levels at $2500, $1000, $500 and $250. Depending on the level chosen sponsors and vendors will receive a variety of recognition including prominent logo/name presentation, booth space, media mentions, web promotions and more.

image 8th Annual Handbag Happy Hour- Friday, November 5th Live and silent auctions featuring coveted designer, celebrity, one-of-a-kind, and "previously loved" handbags for women, men and even your pampered pets! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!

imageSecret Santa Toy Drive with 105.5 The BEAT
Thanksgiving thru Christmas
Benefiting HIV/AIDS infected and affected children served by ICAN in Southwest Florida.



imageWorld AIDS Day- December 1 World AIDS Day is recognized to encourage your participation in the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. One in nine AIDS cases occur in Florida, and over 3,000 individuals are currently living with HIV/AIDS in our SWFL Community.





Florida HIV AIDS Facts

The State of Florida has the largest HIV/AIDS population in the Southeastern United States and ranks third in the nation in the total number of reported AIDS cases.


About

The Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) was founded in 1987 and incorporated as a not for profit corporation in 1989. Its mission is "To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." As a community based AIDS service organization, ICAN provides a wide variety of services to its clients as well as the general public.

Services include client emergency assistance fund, transportation, food and vitamin supplements through our food pantry, HIV/AIDS classes and training, HIV prevention services, Project AIDS Care Medicaid Waiver (PAC) case management, the SISTA & SOUL Projects, Ryan White Care Act case management and on-site commercial rental for HIV/AIDS related medical and allied health services. PAC services are provided to over 350 clients who have been diagnosed with AIDS each year, and Ryan White services are provided annually to more than 200 persons who are HIV positive.

PAC services include skilled nursing, personal care, homemaker, chore service, physical therapy, environmental modification, special medical supplies, therapeutic massage, education and support, substance abuse treatment and case management. Ryan White services include physician visits, medication, dental services, medication compliance, diagnostic testing, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP) and case management.

View ICAN's e-newsletter, the Loop!

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This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.