Island Coast Aids Network

phone: (239) 337-2391

• Get Tested
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Events Calendar

Handbag Happy Hour - Miromar Design Center - Estero - Friday November 4th 4pm - 9pm

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Form 990

Click to review 2009 ICAN's Form 990

Click to review 2008 ICAN's Form 990

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Survey

 

Click here to review 2010 Client Satisfaction Survey

Click here to review 2009 Client Satisfaction Survey

Click here to review 2009 Client Comments

Click here to review 2008 Client Survey

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ICAN Audit

Click here to view 2009-10 Audit

Click here to view 2008-09 Audit

Click here to view 2007-08 Audit

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National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS

March 7 - 13, 2010 www.NationalWeekofPrayerfortheHealingofAIDS.org

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World AIDS Day

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

On World AIDS Day, individuals from around the world come together to lead the response to AIDS. Each of us has something unique to contribute- from standing up against stigma and discrimination to educating ourselves about HIV prevention, from knowing our status to learning more about the commitments our leaders have made. Our voices can make a difference.

ICAN will observe World AIDS Day 2010 with "A Time To Reflect" on Friday, December 3 in Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers.  Please join us from 4:30pm to 7:30pm for speakers, high school drum lines, the Calendar Girls, a multi-agency health fair and free HIV testing.  Please call 239-337-2391 to get involved!

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Handbag Happy Hour

The 9th Annual Handbag Happy Hour will be held on Friday November 4th at the Miromar Design Center in Estero, FL. The event starts at 5PM with the opening of the silent auction which will last until the live auction starts at 8PM. Tickets will be available on-line soon! $75 each for general admission/ $100 for VIP and will include open bar, heavy hors d' oeuvres, music with a live DJ, 100's of designer, celebrity and brand name handbags to bid upon and a fashion show. To sponsor, donate, volunteer or receive an invitation email or call 239-337-2391 ext. 211.

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United Way Campaign Celebration

CELEBRATE UNITED! Join the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties on Friday, June 5 for the 2008-2009 Campaign Celebration. Festivities and food for the whole family will take place at The Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers from 5:30-8:30 p.m. To RSVP or find out more, call (239) 433-2000 ext. 258. Thank you for LIVING UNITED!

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Volunteer Appreciation Event

The 3rd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event for ICAN's totally rockin' volunteers took place on Thursday, May 21 at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Nearly 80 ICAN volunteers and guests enjoyed the hilarious and thrilling performance of the The Wedding Singer! The event celebrated the more than 15,011 volunteer hours logged by ICAN volunteers in 2008 (an in-kind value of $303,973 based on the national standard of $25.20/hour). During the first quarter of 2009, ICAN volunteers have recorded 6,773 hours for an in-kind value of $137,153! ICAN LOVES our volunteers! Check out the pictures!

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Record Setting Graduates from ICAN’s Probation Program

Individuals coming out of the criminal justice system are statistically at higher risk for contracting HIV infection. For this reason, in partnership with the Lee County Court System, ICAN offers probationers a three-hour HIV awareness class which earns them 15 hours of community service. The success of the ICAN Probationer Program can be seen through its expansion from 473 participants in 2007 to 888 participants in 2008. During the first quarter of 2009, the number of participants has increased further to an annualized average of more than 1,300 participants. Similar significant growth has occurred with ICAN's HIV Counseling and Testing Program.

Formerly a low functioning program in 2007 with less than 100 tests conducted, ICAN administered 730 free and confidential HIV tests in 2008. ICAN is on track to conduct more than 1,500 HIV tests in 2009. If you're in need of community service credit, call 239-337-2391 to sign-up for a probation class held every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at ICAN's Ft. Myers headquarters ($20 cash to be paid at the door).

ICAN's Probationer Program has expanded to Collier County. Probationers in Collier recieve three hours of credit for $30 cash. Classes are interesting and informative and held in the evening for convenience.

Call 239-261-0096 to sign-up for a class in Naples.

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Probation Class for 15 hours

Attendance at ICAN's three-hour HIV/AIDS awareness class earns probationers (persons coming out of the criminal justice system) 15 hours of community service. The price to attend is $20 cash, and classes are held every Wednesday from 5:30pm until 8:30pm at ICAN's Centex Center conference room. To sign-up call 239-337-2391 or email . Classes are offered in both English and Spanish. In 2009,

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ICAN Programs

ICAN offers a variety of HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. In 2010 ICAN began a new partnership with the Lee County Health Department and the Lee County Chapter of the American Red Cross to standardize HIV/AIDS education across Lee County.

Community Service Program for Probationers
Probationers (persons coming out of the criminal justice system) may attend ICAN's three-hour HIV/AIDS awareness class to earn fifteen hours of community service. The price to attend is $20 cash (pay at the door), and classes are held every Tuesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm in ICAN's Centex Center conference room at 2231 McGregor Boulevard. To sign up, please have your case number ready and call the receptionist at 239-337-2391 or email your registration request to Dan Mitton. The class is also offered once per month entirely in Spanish.  After you've taken our class, you may be able to earn additional community service hours through volunteer projects with our agency.

Community Education
HIV/AIDS training and information is provided to non-profits, businesses, schools, civic clubs and the general public.  The Probation Program classes are also open to attendance by the general public.  For-profit entities and out-of-county non-profits pay a fee for each class.

Monthly Agency Staff Education
ICAN currently provides monthly staff training for Lee Mental Health, Southwest Florida Addiction Services, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care and Coastal Behavioral Healthcare.

As-Needed Agency Staff Education
ICAN provides staff training as needed for Lee Memorial Health Systems, Community Pathways, Lee Association for Retarded Citizens and the Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center.

School and Patient Education
ICAN provides HIV/AIDS training for the Pace Center for Girls, High Tech Center North and High Tech Center Central Allied Health Programs, Southwest Florida Addiction Services Transitional Living Center residents and quarterly HIV awareness classes for residents at Ruth Cooper Center's Reeve's House.  

Certified Outside Instructors
ICAN began a new program in 2010 which certifies outside trainers to teach the approved Combined Agency presentation.  The instructors at Heritage Institute have completed the program and their training programs at Heritage Institute are currently serving as a pilot program for further expansion of the program.

Annual Seminars
ICAN provides HIV/AIDS speakers for annual seminars on domestic violence, sexual violence and substance abuse held throughout Southwest Florida.

HIV Counseling & Testing
ICAN provides HIV testing Monday through Friday at 2231 McGregor Boulevard.  We also provide testing at various off-site locations which include the United Way houses in Harlem Heights, Dunbar and Cape Coral, the office of Major Impact, Inc. in Dunbar and at We Care Outreach Ministry in Dunbar.  Testing is also offered at special events and by request at functions. CLICK HERE TO GET TESTED.

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CDC finally updates estimated annual HIV cases in the USA

At least 56,000 people become infected with the AIDS virus every year in the United States,40 percent more than previous estimates, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC stressed that actual infection rates have not risen but said better methods of measuring new diagnosed infections and then extrapolating this to the general population led to the fresh estimates. "CDC's first estimates from this system reveal that the HIV epidemic is (and has been) worse than previously known. Results indicate that approximately 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006," the CDC said in a statement.

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Hispanics and HIV/AIDS…couldn’t we see this coming?

Though Hispanics make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Hispanics in the District of Columbia have the highest rate of new AIDS cases in the country. So far, the toll of AIDS in the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority population has mostly been overshadowed by the epidemic among African Americans and gay white men. Yet in major U.S. cities, as many as 1 in 4 gay Hispanic men has HIV, a rate on par with sub-Saharan Africa.

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National HIV Testing Day

June 27, 2010

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Ask a question

Thought for July 24, 2008...couldn’t we see this coming? Please comment. Though Hispanics make up about 14 percent of the U.S. population, they represented 22 percent of new HIV and AIDS diagnoses tallied by federal officials in 2006. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Hispanics in the District of Columbia have the highest rate of new AIDS cases in the country. So far, the toll of AIDS in the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority population has mostly been overshadowed by the epidemic among African Americans and gay white men. Yet in major U.S. cities, as many as 1 in 4 gay Hispanic men has HIV, a rate on par with sub-Saharan Africa.

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Betsy Newman Client Food Pantry

ICAN distributes approximately 12,000 lbs. of food and personal supplies to over 300 HIV/AIDS infected clients and their families each month who are enrolled in ICAN’s client support programs.  As the demand for food is constantly increasing, please consider conducting a food drive at your business, church, school or home. When purchasing "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" groceries, think about giving your free items to ICAN. You can also help by donating shampoos, soaps and other toiletry items from your recent hotel stays. For more information on how you can help, call 239-337-2391. Thank you!

 

 

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Each client must complete (and be deemed eligible) for USDA food based on the current years USDA TEFAP eligibility form prior to receiving food.  If the client is eligible based on income they must meet the criteria in the income chart on the form.  If the person is receiving food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, or SSI they automatically qualify and it doesn’t matter what their income is, however, the eligibility category must be checked and every part of the form must be complete.

 

   

EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TEFAP) CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE FOOD HOME
Download Forms Below
English
Spanish
Haitian / Creole

 

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ICAN Education

Dan Mitton, Director of Education & Prevention, Donnamarie Hamilton-Ross, Educator, and ICAN's staff and volunteers have changed countless lives through HIV/AIDS awareness presentations and behavior modification courses. To attend a class, call 239-337-2391.

One of the most difficult things to deal with is the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in a loved one.  At ICAN we strive to make the diagnosis and notification as compassionate as possible.  Counseling is offered not only to the infected individual, but also to their affected loved ones as well.

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Southwest Florida AIDS Walk For ICAN

 

A beautiful day greeted the participants in the 5th Annual Southwest Florida AIDS Walk on Saturday, April 3rd at Cambier Park in downtown Naples. Walkers, runners and their four legged friends enjoyed either a one mile stroll or the 5K run through the neighborhoods surrounding 5^th Avenue South. Thanks to the support of walkers, volunteers and event sponsors this year’s walk achieved the highest total to date raising over $17,000 which will go to support vital services for ICAN clients throughout Southwest Florida.

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ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificates

An effective and economical way to support the charity of your choice by providing the vital goods and materials clients need for a better quality of life. Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) and Abuse Counseling and Treatment (ACT) have teamed up to offer the community the opportunity to participate in the ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificate Program. The ICAN-ACT Thrift Certificate Program is a new collaborative effort designed to help local businesses and individuals who want to give back to their community. Here's how it works: Businesses and individuals purchase gift certificates to Second ACT Thrift Store and ICAN Junction and donate the certificates to a local charity of their choice. The certificates are distributed to the charity's clients who redeem them for goods and materials. It's that easy! Purchases from Second ACT Thrift Store and ICAN Junction help support client programs benefiting domestic and sexual assault victims and HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals, respectively. Second ACT offers gently used clothing, furniture, house wares and more.

ICAN Junction specializes in home improvement and building materials including large appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, cabinets, doors, windows and much more. This program offers a winning solution for the entire community. It's an economical and effective way for businesses and individuals to support the charity of their choice during these challenging economic times. Charities help their clients access goods and materials they need in an efficient and time-saving manner and clients get more for their money by acquiring merchandise at a fraction of the retail price.

To place your order or request additional information, please call, email, or visit one of the following locations: ICAN Junction 239-997-4226 www.icanjunction.org United Plaza 13971 North Cleveland Avenue North Fort Myers Second ACT Thrift Store 239-939-2553 www.actabuse.org 11495 South Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers In the News: May 5, 2008: "Nifty, Thrifty Idea"

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Red Ribbon Resale

Forced by a struggling economy, on November 1, 2008, ICAN closed its Naples thrift store, Red Ribbon Resale. We thank the volunteers and community for your support during the store's many years of operation, and hope you will continue to direct your donations to the agency and/or ICAN Junction, home improvement materials thrift store in North Ft. Myers. For more information or to schedule a free pick-up, call (239) 337-2391 or visit the ICAN Junction website.

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ICAN Junction Home Improvement Thrift Store

13971 North Cleveland Ave.
North Ft. Myers
(239) 997-4226
Hours: Mon - Sat 9:00AM - 5:00PM ICAN Junction offers GOOD DEEDS, GOOD DEALS to individuals who need inexpensive housing improvement and building materials and are interested in keeping usable, sellable goods out of the waste stream. Redirecting landfill-bound materials to productive use provides low-income families and do-it-yourselfers quality home improvement and building materials at affordable prices. Moreover, when you donate to ICAN Junction you save time, money and energy in managing unneeded materials. It's a win-win-win situation for donors, the community and the environment.

At the "do-it-yourselfer's" thrift store, you'll find furniture, large appliances, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, flooring, cabinets, doors, windows, lumber, mirrors, art and much more at 50-75% below retail prices. It's a scavenger hunter's heaven! ICAN Junction is seeking partnerships with construction companies, contractors, manufacturers, trade associations, local stores, and individuals to consistently participate in the "green way." To volunteer your time and/or donate please call either store at the phone numbers listed above. Your help and generosity are greatly needed and appreciated!

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New Page

This is a new page.

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Cocktails For a Cause

Hosting a "Cocktails for a Cause" is a fun way to make a difference in your community simply by throwing a cocktail party, dinner party, guest speaker or other event at your home or business. Many hosts request donations or "charge admission" to their party, yet there are other creative ways to raise money at your gathering. ICAN provides invitations and ideas for your event and you donate the funds raised to ICAN's client programs. It's fun, easy, and assists ICAN's vital mission to "stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida."

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Red Ribbon Ball

The 8th Annual Red Ribbon Ball...Black, White and Candlelight took place on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. The elegant and noteworthy affair raised $25,000 for ICAN's vital client programs. Check back soon for details about the 2010 soiree! Gulfshore Life Magazine named the Red Ribbon Ball as a finalist for Best Black-Tie Event in the July 2008 issue "Best on the Gulfshore"! ICAN greatly appreciates the support of our many cash and in-kind sponsors! Please patronize their businesses. View pictures from the 2008 event below...

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Talk to a Client

This page is under construction.

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Client Support Group

ICAN's Client Support Group meets every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Fort Myer's Client Activity Center. Facilitated by Susan Coppin and Susan Johnson, the support group offers a safe and comfortable place for individuals both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to share their personal experiences and receive sympathetic understanding and guidance. 

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PWA Info & Referral Group

This page is under construction.

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Friends & Sponsors of ICAN

 

8th Annual Handbag Happy Hour Sponsors and Friends

 

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Board of Directors & Staff

Board of Directors

     
Craig Ruthsatz, President
Agent, BB&T/Oswald Trippe and Company, Inc. 
 

   
Edward M. Kolesar, Vice President
Attorney and Senior Manager-Procurement and Contracts
Deloitte & Touche Tohmatsu Services, Inc.   
 

    
Elizabeth Hodges -Treasurer
VP, Brand Manager, Chico's FAS

 

  
Sheila Harris-Schultz, Secretary
Chairman, Harris & Schutz, Inc
  

Management Staff

Carolyn Moore, Executive Director

J. Mitchell Haley, Director of Development

Dan Mitton, Director of Education & Prevention

Roxanne Smith, Case Manager Supervisor

Rick Allen, Operations Manager

Dawn Richardson, Client Services Coordinator

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Services

ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. ICAN's services include:

• Case Management
• Betsy Newman Client Food Pantry
• Weekly Client Support Group
• Education and Prevention
• Outreach and HIV Testing & Counseling
• SISTA Project
• VOICES/VOCES Project

Learn more about ICAN's Client Support Programs Learn more about ICAN's Education and Prevention Programs

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Thank You

Thank you!

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Another Blog Entry

This is a test.

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Mission Statement

Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) is dedicated to a vital mission "to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

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Special Events (top)

Handbag Happy Hour

Raises $37,000 for ICAN

The 9^thAnnual Handbag Happy Hour was held on Friday, November 4^that the Miromar Design Center in Estero and raised $37,000 and $18,000 in kind to benefit the clients of the Island Coast AIDS Network. This year’s event featured over 300 handbags that ranged from brand new, one-of-a-kind creations, designer names and previously loved handbags.

Autographed handbags were donated by a variety of TV, film and recording artists who included Gwyneth Paltrow, Glenn Close, Carrie Underwood, Judge Judy, Diane Keaton, Florence Henderson and Miranda Lambert.  One of the highlights of the evening was a pair of his and hers bags by Chico’s designer Michael Chase.  This Handbag Happy Hour marked the fifth year that Chase created a handbag just for the event and the first time he’s contributed a matching set.  Over 200 guests enjoyed refreshments and buffet while bidding on handbags during the silent and live auctions.  Clark Taylor of Chico’s presented an exciting fashion show that debuted  their new line of clothing “Black Label by Chico’s” during the live auction.

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Anonymous Questions From Site Visitors

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Agency History

ICAN "Living with AIDS" for More Than Two Decades
When the first case of AIDS was diagnosed in 1981, few imagined that we would still be living with what has now become the world's largest and deadliest epidemic.

Since 1987, Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) has been "Living With AIDS." What was once feared as a dreaded disease of homosexuals and intravenous drug users is now something that exists with all of us every day. AIDS affects your classmates and co-workers. AIDS affects your family and friends. AIDS affects YOU. For over two decades, ICAN (formerly Lee County AIDS Task Force) has been providing vital support services to HIV/AIDS infected individuals and their affected families in Lee, Collier and the four, more rural counties of Desoto, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte. During its years of operation, ICAN has steadfastly advocated for the rights and needs of all HIV/AIDS infected individuals to be met without prejudice or discrimination. These years for ICAN contain a history of numerous lives lost to AIDS, HIV medical treatment advances...and setbacks, the agency's earlier volatility and later stability, many personal victories for our clients and the quiet rewards those victories bring to our dedicated board and staff. Those of use who witnessed the beginning of this epidemic in the early 80's never dreamed that we would still be fighting in the battle against AIDS in the 21st century. That ICAN would yet be addressing huge challenges in educating our community about preventing new infections, still be combating ignorance and misperceptions about disease transmission (How do you get infected?) and about infected individuals themselves (Who are they? Everyone).

Even more remarkable across the lifespan of this epidemic, our support staff at ICAN is now adapting treatment plans to meet the changing needs of aging HIV-infected clients who are living longer lives, albeit with accompanying medical problems wrought by the very drugs that are extending their lives.

ICAN needs you to join our fight against AIDS. Please consider donating and attending our special events, volunteering and participating in or hosting a HIV/AIDS Education presentation. Contact 239-337-2391 to learn more. ICAN...can u?

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Support

ICAN specializes in providing case management to individuals infected with HIV/AIDS. Project AIDS Care (PAC) services are available to individuals diagnosed with AIDS who meet income, asset and health guidelines. Ryan White services are available for all persons who are HIV positive. PAC and Ryan White programs offer case management, support groups, food pantry assistance, clothing closet, public bass passes and referral for all HIV/AIDS related services. ICAN administers a Client Assistance Fund for client needs not covered by any other program. Clients can also apply for merchandise from ICAN's two thrift stores. Click here for the results of ICAN's 2009 Client Opinion Survey. Susan Smith, client, and Jeff McQuilkin, Case Manager

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Education & Prevention

ICAN is constantly striving to prevent new HIV infections by equipping individuals with the facts about HIV/AIDS and changing their risky behavior. ICAN offers HIV/AIDS education presentations to probationers, schools, civic organizations, professionals, churches and clients. Since the majority of people with HIV do not know that they have the virus, ICAN encourages you to exercise your right and obligation to know your HIV status by taking a free and confidential HIV Test. Knowledge is power and prevention...click here to see how ICAN is changing lives. The United Way of Lee County partially funds the educational services of the agency.

Education Staff:

• Dan Mitton, Director of Education & Prevention, BSc, HIV Counselor & Tester
• Julian Ramirez, HIV Educator, MSc
• Donnamarie Hamilton-Ross, HIV Educator, BSc, HIV Counselor & Tester

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Get Tested

ICAN offers confidential HIV testing and counseling. To schedule an HIV test using a mouth swab, contact Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391, ext. 220.

You can choose between two HIV tests:

• OraSure Test:  This test is FREE, and the results take 7-10 days to be processed.
   
• OraQuick 20/20 Rapid Test:  This test costs $20, and the results take only 20 minutes to be processed. You'll have the test results while you wait.

 

Test result indicators for the OraQuick 20-minute HIV test swabs

NEW: 20/20 Rapid Test Program
Receive your test results in only 20 minutes!

ICAN introduces its new 20/20 Rapid Test Program that will offer HIV test results within 20 minutes at a cost of $20. The 20/20 Rapid Test requires only an oral swab of the mouth. "This test can be administered in a doctor's office or other clinics, but the cost can run as high as $100," said Dan Mitton, ICAN Director of Education.  "Our goal is to reach out to as many people as we can with a confidential, affordable HIV test that will give results in minutes instead of days," he added.

ICAN offers another HIV test which is free, but the test results take 7 to 10 days. According to Mitton,"We wanted to include the 20/20 test to ease much of the stress people feel while waiting for their test results."  Testing is performed Monday to Friday at ICAN offices in Fort Myers and Naples. For additional information on HIV testing and/or classes offered to the public, contact ICAN at (239) 337-2391, extension 220, or email Dan Mitton.


Free OraSure Test
Receive your test results in 7-10 days.

What is OraSure?
OraSure is an oral specimen collection device to test for HIV. The OraSure mouth swab tests for HIV antibodies which would be present in the tissue of the gums and cheek if HIV infection were present.

How is the test conducted?
The test is conducted by using a toothbrush-like device that is inserted into the mouth instead of drawing blood. A small pad on a plastic stick is placed between the gum and cheek, rubbed in a circular motion, and then allowed to remain in the closed mouth for three minutes. The pad is then placed in a container and sent to the State Health Laboratory where it is tested using techniques similar to those used with blood samples.

How accurate is an OraSure test?
OraSure mouth swab test is very accurate, yet not as accurate as a blood test. As with blood tests, six to twelve weeks must pass after infection has occurred before enough antibodies have been produced for the test to detect them. An OraSure test performed three months after the potentially infectious event (sex without a condom or shared intravenous drug needles/equipment) is about 95% accurate. A test at 6 months will be the most accurate. You can get tested for HIV for free as often as you wish.

Do I have to give my name?
ICAN's OraSure testing is confidential, but not anonymous. You must provide your name, address and form of identification. Your HIV results and other testing information will not be disclosed.

How do I get my results?
OraSure results are provided in person (not by telephone) 10-14 days after the test is conducted. Call Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391 ext. 220 to schedule a time to receive your results.

Why get an HIV test?
Knowing if you have HIV will allow you to protect your own health and to prevent others from becoming infected. HIV infection responds best to medical treatments if they are begun as soon as possible after the infection takes place. If you are infected, you can get the information and help you need to stay healthy. By following safer sex and/or drug-use practices, you can protect others from HIV and stop the spread of the epidemic. ICAN expects to test more than 1500 individuals this year.

To schedule an HIV test using a mouth swab, please contact Dan Mitton at (239) 337-2391, ext. 220.

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Recent News

 

 

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Welcome!

Island Coast AIDS Network, Inc. (ICAN) is dedicated to a vital mission "to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida."

ICAN has been serving the social service needs of HIV/AIDS infected individuals since 1987. ICAN provides HIV/AIDS education and prevention services to the wider community in continuing the fight to eliminate new infections. ICAN advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with HIV/AIDS to be treated compassionately, fairly and without judgment. Donations and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

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AIDS Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
1-800-CDC-INFO - cdcinfo@cdc.gov

Important Info - On average in the United States, one person gets infected with the HIV virus every nine and a half minutes. To learn more, click here

The Aging of HIV report is here..."The number of older adults vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection suggest that older adults may not be aware of or protecting themselves from risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS." Click here to read the report... AgingOfHIVFactSheet.pdf

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Contact

Questions, feedback or suggestions.... we want to hear from you.

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Thrift Store

ICAN Junction is an innovative and environmentally friendly thrift store in North Fort Myers. At "the Junction," you'll find cabinets, large appliances, furniture, plumbing fixtures, flooring, light fixtures, doors, windows, lumber, mirrors, art and much more at 50-75% below retail prices. Inventory changes daily....it's a bargain hunter's delight!

Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated. Donations and purchases support client programs benefiting HIV/AIDS infected and affected individuals served in Southwest Florida by ICAN. Donations can be dropped off at either store or we can schedule a free pick-up.

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Donate

As a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all financial gifts to Island Coast AIDS Network are tax deductible. Your financial contribution and volunteer efforts are crucial to our ability to meet our mission and vision. Island Coast AIDS Network is seeking support from concerned individuals and families and community-minded corporations and foundations to help further the mission of our agency.

Thank you for your support! CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE NOW. Donor Membership ICAN is excited to introduce the Red Ribbon Society, an exclusive recognition society for our donors who contribute an annual gift of $1,000 or greater. Members of the Red Ribbon Society are valued partners to carryout ICAN's vital mission. Click here to view the membership opportunities. Or, click here to join the Red Ribbon Society today.

RED RIBBON SOCIETY MEMBERS Steven Bernstein, John Martin, Joe and Dorit Fisher, Dr. Jeffrey Larkin and Robert Nardi, Edward Kolesar, Walter Boge, Robert and Becky Vice, Dr. Jose Quero, Joshua and Jennifer Myers, Glenn and Barbara Steil, Rhonda Marlette, Cary R. Kleinfield, Joseph Hickey.

 Why Give To Island Coast AIDS Network? To meet the needs of the clients we serve in six counties (Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte and DeSoto) in Southwest Florida. How Are My Donations Used? One hundred percent of each contribution is used to further the mission of Island Coast AIDS Network. Your donations are used with the highest integrity.

Island Coast AIDS Network's mission statement is: "To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." How to Donate? There are many different ways to make a donation: Donate online: Use your credit card to make a quick, easy and safe donation online. All transactions conducted on our Web site are encrypted using a secure server to protect your privacy.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE NOW. By phone: Call Mitch Haley at (239) 337-2391 ext. 211. By mail: Mail cash or check donations to: Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) 2231 McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33901

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Volunteer

Volunteer participation is critical to the success of Island Coast Aids Network. There are many ways you can participate that involve as little or as much time as you want. Your opportunity to impact the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS is here at Island Coast AIDS Network. Openings include but are not limited to:

• The Buddy Program
• Food Pantry
• Education and Prevention
• Client and Guest Reception
• Special Events
• Clerical Support

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator so that your special talents can be assessed. Help ICAN accomplish its mission!

Application

Click here for a printable volunteer application. Please fax your completed application to 239-337-7549 or mail it to 2231 McGregor Boulevard, Ft. Myers, FL 33901.

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AIDS Facts

As of November 2010, it is estimated that there are currently just under 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide.  Over 25 million people have succumbed to AIDS since we began tracking the disease.  Currently 7,400 people contract HIV every day and roughly 5,500 people die of AIDS every day. 

In the United States more than 1,200,000 individuals have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. To date we have lost greater than 575,000 Americans to AIDS.

In Florida, more than 165,000 have been reported with HIV/AIDS and roughly 66,000 Floridians have died. Compared to all other states, Florida is 3rd among adults and 2nd among women and children living with HIV/AIDS.  One out of every 9 new diagnoses in the United States occurs in Florida, and one out of every 7 AIDS deaths occurs here.  In Florida roughly 25% of all new infections are in the under 25 age group and another 25% is in the over 50 age group.

 In Southwest Florida, there are an estimated 3,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS. It costs a few dollars to prevent a new HIV infection, but an average of $700,000 is spent on medical treatment for each new HIV case. Research has revealed a great deal of valuable medical, scientific, and public health information about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The ways in which HIV can be transmitted have been clearly identified. Unfortunately, false information or statements that are not supported by scientific findings continue to be shared widely through the Internet or popular press. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prepared a fact sheet to correct a few misperceptions about HIV. Click here to view the fact sheet.

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Events

Looking for a fun way to fight AIDS in Southwest Florida? ICAN needs your support as a sponsor, donor, attendee and/or volunteer. Mark your calendar for our upcoming events, and contact Mitch Haley, Director of Development, at (239) 337-2391 ext. 211 for more information. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

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Florida HIV AIDS Facts

The State of Florida has the largest HIV/AIDS population in the Southeastern United States and ranks third in the nation in the total number of reported AIDS cases.

• Florida ranks second in the country for the number of women and children with AIDS.
• Florida ranks first for heterosexually acquired HIV infections.
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About

The Island Coast AIDS Network (ICAN) was founded in 1987 and incorporated as a not for profit corporation in 1989. Its mission is "To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and assist individuals infected and affected in Southwest Florida." As a community based AIDS service organization, ICAN provides a wide variety of services to its clients as well as the general public.

Services include client emergency assistance fund, transportation, food and vitamin supplements through our food pantry, HIV/AIDS classes and training, HIV prevention services, Project AIDS Care Medicaid Waiver (PAC) case management, the SISTA & SOUL Projects, Ryan White Care Act case management and on-site commercial rental for HIV/AIDS related medical and allied health services. PAC services are provided to over 350 clients who have been diagnosed with AIDS each year, and Ryan White services are provided annually to more than 200 persons who are HIV positive.

PAC services include skilled nursing, personal care, homemaker, chore service, physical therapy, environmental modification, special medical supplies, therapeutic massage, education and support, substance abuse treatment and case management. Ryan White services include physician visits, medication, dental services, medication compliance, diagnostic testing, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP) and case management.

View ICAN's e-newsletter!

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Agency Sponsors

Event Sponsors