AIDS Survival Project recognizes that the days of "merely surviving" are behind us as new options in HIV treatment are allowing many people to live longer and healthier lives. If you have tested positive for HIV or are living with or affected by AIDS and ready to educate yourself, this comprehensive weekend workshop provides a wealth of knowledge, self-empowerment and peer support.

Presented bi-monthly throughout the year, THRIVE! Weekend offers two full days of candid discussions, support groups and empowering presentations on HIV/AIDS in both full-group and smaller breakout sessions. These free, interactive gatherings are led by men and women living with HIV and include useful presentations by key healthcare and social service providers.

Pre-registration is required. To register call 404-874-7926 or 1-877-AIDS-444, TTY 404-524-0464. For more info, contact Sabrina Tindal, Director of Program Servcies, by email or at 404-874-7926, ext. 28. Upcoming dates are listed in the right hand column.

Continental breakfast and lunch are provided both days. Professional childcare and American Sign Language are offered upon request.

Upon completion of the full weekend, each participant is given a 300-page THRIVE! resource book with further details on all the covered information.

Among the topics covered during the weekend are:

• Positive Beginnings
• From Survive to THRIVE! The Basics of HIV
• Being Your Own Advocate
• Women’s HIV Medical Issues
• Managing Side Effects
• Substance Use & Safer Using
• How to Use Our Treatment Resource Center
• What are Clinical Trials?
• How to Maneuver through the Social Security System
• Safer Sex
• How to Eat Nutritiously and Safely
• How to Identify and Avoid Opportunistic Infections
• Antiretrovirals & Emerging Technologies
• Legal Issues
• Family, Friends and Caregivers
• Dental Care
• Disclosure: How do I Tell?
• Issues for Long Term Survivors
• Complementary Therapies
• Peer-led Support Sessions

THRIVE! Weekend and the Peer Counseling program join together to coordinate the Healthy Choices = Healthy Lives public workshops on medical and non-medical aspects of living with HIV.

THRIVE! Weekend is another free program of AIDS Survival Project, funded in part by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Human Services Grant Program, and The LiveWell Fund.