AIDS Project RI collection

The first confirmed cases of AIDS in Rhode Island were in June 1983. At this time, many health care professionals knew little about the disease and care / treatment options for those with AIDS were limited. In July 1983, Bill Pellicio, a counselor and gay activist, and his friend Pete, a physician began to work informally with patients to offer emotional support and hosted a potluck dinner for a group of gay men with the intention to share concerns and educate one another about AIDS. This became the first of a series of regular potluck dinners.

On May 31, 1985 the first organized grassroots meeting to establish a Committee on AIDS in Rhode Island was held with twenty-eight people including members of the Rhode Island Gay Men’s Network, a mother of a person with AIDS, and several medical professionals. This was the first meeting of Rhode Island Project AIDS. Rhode Island Project AIDS was officially incorporated on September 16, 1985 as a nonprofit, community-based advocacy organization primarily run by volunteers. It was the first AIDS service organization in Rhode Island. The original goals included AIDS education to the public, intervention for high-risk individuals and direct support to people with AIDS or ARC (AIDS-related complex). Early efforts included operating the Hotline, instituting a buddy program to support the physical and emotional care of people with AIDS / ARC, helping to establish a network of personal care businesses and funeral homes which would support patients and families and offering education to public health and medical professionals.

The organization changed its name to AIDS Project Rhode Island in the late 1990s and continues to respond to the needs of people living with, affected by, and at risk for HIV through prevention, education, supportive services, and advocacy.