Since 1987

Preventing And Treating HIV Through Advocacy, Education And Awarenes

AID Upstate was incorporated in 1987.  The organization began several years earlier as a committee and task force composed of individuals working in public health in response to a then unnamed illness that was primarily affecting young gay men and rapidly progressing to death. This grass-roots response to the AIDS pandemic developed into a consortium of public and private health organizations, service organizations, interested individuals and persons living with HIV.

AID Upstate collected modest dues for membership and elected a board of directors to provide oversight and direction of the organization.  A Greenville Chapter and a Tri-County Chapter formed to provide information and education and address the misinformation, confusion and hysteria on a local level.  In the early to mid-eighties, it was common for families to reject the person diagnosed with HIV resulting in homelessness and abandonment.

In settings that continued to support the person with HIV, many had dedicated table settings for the sick person, or used disposable plates and utensils for fear of “catching” the disease.  Discrimination extended from family and friends to medical providers, hospital staffs, landlords, social service providers, church ministers and congregations, nursing homes, and even mortuaries. AID Upstate volunteers worked to provide comfort to the sick and dying, and to address unfounded rumors, misinformation, stigma, and prejudice.  As facts on the disease were discovered, these volunteers worked to provide accurate up to date information on infection and prevention modalities.

Currently, a 12 member volunteer board of directors governs AID Upstate; the CEO oversees the day-to-day operations and management.  Program directors oversee specific programs including client services, prevention, fundraising and development, medical practice and the residential facility. Approximately 79 individuals are employed in support of the provision of high quality direct and prevention services.

MISSION | VISION | PURPOSE

Preventing and treating HIV through direct services, advocacy, education and awareness.

AID Upstate is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides supportive services to people affected by HIV/AIDS in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties of South Carolina.

Our Services

AID Upstate (AU) provides services to individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other individual characteristics.  A diverse staff is employed to relate to clients served including case management and prevention staff members who are fluent in Spanish (English/Spanish).