The city of Orlando is diverse and vibrant, with a strong sense of community that is evident at every gathering and within the core values of community support organizations. One such organization, Hope & Help, has been supporting the health and well-being of the Orlando community since 1988. Standing as a shining example of exemplary care for people living with AIDS and HIV, robust resources and education, prevention, and treatment, the team at Hope & Help has found a home in The City Beautiful. 

In 2021, reports showed that there were over 14,000 people in the Orlando area living with HIV. Hope & Help has been meeting the needs of the Central Florida population for nearly three decades, helping fight persistent stigmas and working toward a world in the near future free of HIV and AIDS. 

A beautiful beginning 

The 1980s and early 1990s were marked by some of the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic. By 1988, 46,000 Americans had died of AIDS. 

Due in part to the rampant stigma that surrounded those with HIV and AIDS and a lack of comprehensive medical care for patients, many of those with AIDS were cared for by their community. The act of one’s village coming together birthed many organizations, such as Friends In Deed and GMHC, dedicated to serving the communities most affected by HIV and AIDS. 

Hope & Help’s origin story has followed the same community-orientated trajectory. Formed in 1988 by a group of friends who were caring for someone close to them with AIDS, Hope & Help has grown to become one of the most comprehensive HIV/AIDS and STI service organizations in Florida. 

Today, Hope & Help offers preventative services, education and outreach, medical services, and support for those most affected by HIV and AIDS in Central Florida. With Florida remaining a state with one of the highest rates of HIV infections in the United States, the need for what Hope & Help provides remains great. 

The stigma that persists 

According to Lisa Barr, Hope & Help’s Executive Director, fighting the stigma that still surrounds HIV and AIDS is the main job of her and her team. By combatting misinformation and stereotypes, incredible care and support for the community can follow. 

“Stigma is the real disease that we are battling constantly,” explains Barr. “Years of medical inaccuracies, societal beliefs, and cultural factors have allowed stigmas to persist.”

Many of us still remember the early days of the AIDS epidemic, where misinformation and fear-mongering ran rampant. Turning the page on such a dark time is the core of education programs built by organizations like Hope & Help. With a wealth of information available on everything from PrEP — which offers significant protection from HIV — to mental health concerns, Hope & Help is not just talking the education talk but walking the walk, breaking age-old stigmas along the way.

Driving change with one’s village 

The community aspect of Hope & Help’s mission is the force that keeps their team working hard and striving to exceed expectations. “We’re committed to creating wellness, event, and support opportunities for everyone,” says Barr. “No matter where you come from, who you are or want to be, or what you believe, we have a place for you.” 

This “come as you are” ethos has helped Hope & Help provide services for thousands of people in Central Florida since its inception. Barr and her team operate under the belief that healthcare is a basic human right that should be accessible to all, which is why their programs and health services are curated to benefit all members of the Central Florida communities. 

In addition, Hope & Help has partnered with other local organizations to raise funds for causes that benefit communities most affected by HIV and AIDS. Its participation in community events — such as the upcoming A Walk for Change — has been instrumental in giving the Central Florida community access to the best in preventative care and support. 

The impact of community and group support for those living with HIV and AIDS cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that outcomes can be improved for those in communities most impacted by HIV and AIDS when they are given access to strong support groups and community resources. 

However, the impact of organizations like Hope & Help extends far beyond clinic walls or circled chairs in group meetings. When the community knows there is a place of acceptance and caring available to them, it helps strengthen the bonds of one’s village. As organizations like Hope & Help continue to work towards building a healthier, more informed community, the vision of empowering future generations and eliminating HIV and AIDS becomes clearer.

The work to eliminate stigmas, provide a strong sense of community, and eventually end HIV and AIDS continues in Central Florida. Hope & Help stands as a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare to improve outcomes and better overall wellness.