About Us

We are on a quiet street that ends in a park. We know that it is sometimes challenging for people to come in to our office. To put your mind at ease, consider that a diverse group of people come into the office, including friends, family, and coworkers of the staff, people seeking information for themselves and/or friends, and people participating in needle exchange and case management. There really is not a way to distinguish why a person would come into the Resource Center.

Our staff consists of 4 people and volunteers that help at the front desk. Each of us has a passion for prevention of HIV infection as well as a commitment to the best care possible for those who are infected. We work well together and can assist you in many ways. Sometimes people come in to have a cup of coffee and hang-out, sometimes a person is having a serious problem, we are comfortable with whatever you need.

The HIV Resource Center is a project of Douglas County AIDS Council (DCAC). DCAC was founded in September, 1987 by the Roseburg AIDS Task Force. The Task Force operated for one year to assess the needs of Douglas County. It adjourned with the formation of the DCAC.

DCAC is a private non-profit organization, exempt under IRS code _{501 (c)3}.

Through the HIV Resource Center, DCAC maintains emergency funds, housing assistance, transportation assistance, case management, and referrals for people living with HIV. We promote risk reduction in our community through outreach programs, HIV testing, counseling, speakers bureau, information line and distribution of educational materials to all ages.

If you would like to be part of helping to make your community a better place, just give us a call to discuss donating your time, efforts, materials, or funds. We are all in this together, and together WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

How do I find out if I have HIV?

Taking the HIV antibody test to see if you are infected with HIV is a very personal decision. If you feel you have taken part in activities that have put you at risk, you should consider taking the test. Since you can be infected with HIV and look well and feel healthy for years, the only way to know for sure if you are infected is by taking the HIV antibody test.

Welcome to DCAC: About Us

dcacmap

Mission Statement:
Leading Douglas County Oregon in the fight against AIDS through education, prevention, support and direct services for those affected by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS.

ANONYMOUS, Free No stick HIV testing - Ora-Sure.

History & Overview

The HIV Resource Center is a project of the Douglas County AIDS Council (DCAC). DCAC was founded in September, 1987 by the Roseburg AIDS Task Force. The Task Force operated for one year to assess the needs of Douglas County. It adjourned with the formation of DCAC.

DCAC is a private non-profit organization, exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3). DCAC is governed by a board of directors which meets quarterly on the third Thursdays of January, April, July and October at 11:00 A.M. at the HIV Resource Center. Through the HIV Resource Center, DCAC maintains a hot meals program, emergency funds, housing assistance, transportation assistance, case management and referrals for our clients. Our goal is to maintain housing for indigent, disabled people living with HIV, provide case management, and to keep families together.

We promote risk reduction behavior in the community through our outreach programs: HIV testing, risk reduction counseling, the speakers bureau, medications, informational booths at local activities, and referrals to other agencies. Outreach workers participate in community activities, providing risk reduction information and materials. The focus of this outreach is on men who have sex with other men, teens, IV drug abusers, women, and the homeless.

While we no longer maintain a Level III Adult Foster Home, people needing end-stage care are referred to Mercy's Hospice House.

A project of the Douglas County AIDS Council Established in 1987

For more information, contact
DCAC
Phone 541.440.2761
Toll free 1.877.440.2761
FAX 541.440.9665
E-mail: [email protected]

or drop by:
832 NW Highland
Roseburg, Oregon
Monday-Friday 9am to 3pm.

Billy Russo

Billy Russo is one of the founders of Douglas County AIDS Council and has been with the project in various roles since its inception. Presently he is senior Case Manager and gay/bisexual Outreach Worker. He served on the board of directors in 1987 and 1988. He ran Ruby House, a level III adult foster home for people living with HIV, through the late 1980's and early 1990's, served as program manager in the early 1990's, administrative assistant in the mid-nineties, and was the executive director from January 1998 until January 2002. He enjoys creating programs, getting them up and running, and working with others who have a sense of humor and a passion for their work.
Email Billy: [email protected]

Mary Murphy

Janice and Mary at Fiesta Hispana 2003

Mary Murphy, our Women At Risk (WAR) Coordinator, has almost 30 years of Social Service and Program Development experience in Douglas County. She was the past director of Confidence Clinic, worked at Head Start, and was a co-chair of Parents Action Council (now Umpqua Community Action Network).
Email Mary: [email protected]

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case management is a diverse and ever changing role. Our services include assistance with utility, gas, housing, and help wading through the bureaucratic maze. My main focus is to assist where a client has a need. Sometimes it is as simple as listening and many times it involves advocating for the client.

I truly enjoy and respect the clients for their attitudes and resiliency in the face of a challenge. For example, several Medicare clients lost their prescription drug coverage this year. When you are taking life saving medications that cost around $1500/ month, this is not the letter you want to receive. One man called and said, they cut off my drugs benefits but they offered to up my food stamps, so the state is willing to feed me well while I die. He was amused, not panicked and we laughed and then went to work. We managed to get everyone on to the patient assistance programs, with only a few minor glitches, and life goes on.

There will be other letters; some will make us panic, some will make us laugh, and some will be ignored. The good news is that with some time, patience, and cooperation we get through the ups and downs that is the story of this chronic illness.

DCAC HIV Resource Center Staff

Douglas County (Oregon) AIDS Council: About Us