Nourish and Shield

AIDS Care Group (ACG) was formed in 1998 and funded primarily by HRSA’s Ryan White grants to fill the gaps in medical services for Chester and surrounding disadvantaged communities. Their mission is “Working for and within populations adversely affected by stigma, poor access to care, discrimination, and poverty, AIDS Care Group (ACG) is dedicated to using its resources to provide comprehensive and compassionate clinical care and social services to persons living with leading public health conditions including, but not limited to, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, mental illness, and opioid use disorders”. ACG’s open door policy and its comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care combined with social support services has alleviated barriers to care for many community residents.

In addressing opioid use disorders, all agency programs believe in a harm reduction philosophy. This program will be based at their food distribution hub in Sharon Hill, PA. The food pantry is open from 10-2pm everyday to the client population and to the public on Thursdays. Zip code analysis of the food pantry distribution indicates that those served come from high incident communities on the local overdose map. Two community health workers (CHWs) with lived experience will create harm reduction kits and resource brochures and distributing them to the food program participants. Mobile distribution will occur with food delivery by CHWs to communities in need throughout Delaware County.