The AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc. (AAC) was founded in 1983 by a group of volunteers. Larry Kessler, one of the founders of the AAC, became its first Executive Director in 1983. The AAC began its life as a special committee of the Fenway Community Health Center and in 1986 became an independent entity. It is the oldest and largest organization in New England dedicated to helping persons with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The AAC's mission is to provide support services to people with AIDS and HIV and to their families and friends; to educate the general public, health care professionals, and individuals whose behavior could put them at high risk for HIV infection; and to advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for effective AIDS public policy and funding. To support this mission, the AAC has developed numerous education and client services programs, which have been used as models by groups in New England and other parts of the United States. The AAC also engages in outreach and prevention activities and works with both national and local AIDS and public health organizations to educate local, state, and federal officials about the needs of people with HIV and AIDS. The AAC raises funds in a variety of ways. Notable fund raisers include the ARTcetera art auction of donated art works and From All Walks of life, an annual walk-a-thon. In addition to supporting the AAC's own programs, portions of the funds generated by these fund raisers and other fund raising AAC events go to support the AIDS programs of other organizations.
From the description of AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc. records, 1975-2000. (Northeastern University). WorldCat record id: 45881544
