Press Release

 

November 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sally Huffer, Community Projects Specialist
713.529.0037 x324

CANDLELIGHT OBSERVANCE SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, NOV. 30
FOR WORLD AIDS DAY

HOUSTON -- Because World AIDS Day falls on a Saturday this year, Montrose Counseling Center [MCC] will hold its annual Candlelight Observance on Friday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of its new building at 401 Branard. "This is our third year holding the vigil," says Ann J. Robison, PhD, MCC's Executive Director, "and we welcome those who would like to come light a candle in memory of those we've lost, those who continue to struggle with the disease, and share hope for the future."

In 2008, Montrose Counseling Center will celebrate its 30th Anniversary providing culturally affirming, quality and affordable services to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities. About five years after MCC was founded, clients began to experience the emotional impact of HIV/AIDS -- or GRIDS (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome) as it was known then. Twenty five years ago, the diagnosis was seen as an immediate death sentence, and countless gay men needed someone with whom they could talk about their anxiety. Where else could they turn to discuss how it impacted their relationships and the fear of facing their own mortality? The stigma associated with the disease was closely tied to the gay community, and few public health officials or nonprofit organizations would address it. Since MCC was founded on the need for services for this underserved, marginalized community, they turned here. Through counseling, clients reduce distress, depression, anxiety or other emotional problems related to the illness. Clients develop better ways to cope with the illness, its treatment and the many areas of life it affects. Clients are supported in developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, clients are empowered to better take care of their lives.

MCC's HIV/AIDS Counseling Program provides a full range of counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Services are provided by counselors who have experience, sensitivity and current knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and related issues. Individual, couples and family counseling are available. Services are available for those who need individualized professional help to adequately cope with the stress associated with HIV/AIDS. Individuals, their significant others, and their families are provided private sessions to help them cope with the changes in their lives brought about by their health status. Home- or hospital-bound persons may arrange for in-home private counseling sessions.  Counseling is available free of charge to those who meet eligibility requirements, including residency, income, and documentation of HIV status. Services also are available for grief counseling for those who have lost a loved one to HIV/AIDS.

Montrose Counseling Center is part of the World AIDS Day Houston Committee, a collaboration of various nonprofit groups acting together to raise awareness of World AIDS Day. MCC's candlelight observance is just one of many events taking place in and around Houston.

A Paper Chain of Remembrance will decorate Montrose Counseling Center's second floor lobby area through the month of December. Everyone is welcome to decorate a link in memory of someone or pass along a message of hope. Links will be available at the candlelight observance for anyone who would like to decorate one that evening.

Montrose Counseling Center provides culturally affirming, quality and affordable services primarily to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals in the following areas: