CANAPI Board of Directors Refocuses on Programming
New Direction Reflects Trends in Technology and Social Media 

AKRON, Ohio – April 19, 2011 – Based on a strategic planning session for both the Community AIDS Network and the Akron Pride Center, CANAPI’s board of directors has announced that programming for the remainder of 2011 and 2012 will focus on select subjects that will have the most impact throughout the community. 

“The Board recognized that with limited financial resources and a small staff, we needed to reexamine our role in the community and provide programming where and when it is needed the most,” said Board President Pete Nervo. 

CANAPI will continue providing educational programming and services for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community through facilitated groups, risk reduction, HIV testing, and housing.

“The Board unanimously agreed upon providing meeting space for New Pride, the Lesbian Unity Group, and the newly-formed Teen Pride group, but they will not continue to devote time and resources to the event management of additional LGBT activities. Our main focus for the remainder of 2011 and into the first quarter of 2012 will be toward our core strengths in educational programs, testing, outreach and housing” said Dawn Jones, CANAPI’s Director of Operations. 

“Now that the LGBT community is socially integrated, continuing to offer isolated social activities is counterproductive. The Pride Center no longer needs to be a conduit for social events within the gay community,” Nervo said. 

The Pride Center will continue publishing their activities on the website (www.canapi.org) and through their Facebook page but they do not plan to organize a local Pride Celebration for June 2011. Instead, the Pride Center will organize, track, and publish a calendar of Pride events organized by other local and regional organizations.  

“The number of new HIV cases has remained steady in the United States for the past few years, with newly diagnosed cases of approximately 56,000 per year,” Jones said. 

“President Obama is the first United States President to adopt a National HIV/AIDS Strategy, designed to have all agencies focused on the same message regarding HIV/AIDS. We intend to step up our efforts to further the President’s Strategy and reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS in our area through increased presentations and HIV testing.”  

CANAPI is the combined strategic alliance of the Community AIDS Network (CAN) and the Akron Pride Center. Both agencies represent their respective constituencies while sharing common ground and a common mission. CANAPI staff, volunteers and the community participate in focus group activities to determine the needs and wishes of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community throughout Summit, Portage and Medina counties. 

Akron Pride Initiative

• Advocates for the rights of the LGBT community
• Serves as a safe meeting location for several LGBT organizations
• Hosts seminars, educational meetings & social events
• All of our groups & activities encourage the inclusion of diversity from within the LGBT Community

Community AIDS Network

• Provides risk reduction
• HIV testing
• Education & housing for individuals who are HIV positive
• Community outreach & community referrals