A group of individuals, committed to address the issues of AIDS in York County from a faith perspective, convened in September of 1992. In June of 1994, the ecumenical group became a working committee of the York County Council of Churches dedicated to help move our community "beyond fear to healing, beyond judgment to justice and beyond isolation to service" (from Baltimore Interfaith Network bulletin). OPEN is a program of the York County Council of Churches. Our name (OPEN), Ordinary People, Extraordinary Needs, describes those we wish to serve.

OPEN provides education, emergency assistance and transportation for those who qualify under the OPEN guidelines. Referrals are requested from case managers. 

COMMEMORATIVE HOLIDAY ORNAMENT

Sometimes Life Needs A Little Push - We invite you to support the OPEN program through the purchase of our collector's edition holiday ornament. This year's ornament is a nostalgic child's sled. On board an endearing teddy bear waits patiently, beside him a beautifully gift-wrapped present and familiar toy drum. This collector's item is solid brass with a 24-karat gold finish. The sled's runners are supported by the red international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Ornaments from previous years are also available. To purchase your ornament or for more information contact the OPEN office at 717-854-9504.

STATISTICS

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States. One in five (21%) of those people living with HIV is unaware of their infection.

Despite increases in total number of people living with HIV in the US in recent years, the annual number of new HIV infections has remained relatively stable. However, new infections continue at far too high a level, with an estimated 56,300 Americans becoming infected with HIV each year.

More than 18,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the US. Through 2007, more than 576,000 people with AIDS in the US have died since the epidemic began.

                                                                            (taken from CDC article July 2010)

 

 2010 ORNAMENTS

Sometimes Life Needs A Little Push, the 2010 Collector's Edition Holiday Ornament, is still available. Proceeds from the sale of this ornament support the emergency assistance and transportation progam of the OPEN ministry.  Previous years ornaments are also available. For more information contact the OPEN office at 717-854-9504.