Funded by the National Library of Medicine, Hope for Families for Life Phase II is a community information outreach project to improve information access for communities affected by HIV/AIDS.  The goal of the project is to implement a model program for daycare centers in affected Memphis neighborhoods that dispels myths and fears and provides accurate information about HIV/AIDS and universal precautions.  

 

Hope for Families for Life Phase II offers healthcare information resources and retrieval techniques for daycare center administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and volunteers located in at-risk neighborhoods where there may be a concentration of potentially infected and affected families.  In-service workshops and supporting materials are tailored to the health literacy level of workshop participants.  The Library/Computer Resource Center at Hope House is also available as a resource to other daycare centers.

 

The need for this program is evidenced by recent statistics showing that 95% of all children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the State of Tennessee are within Shelby County, Tennessee.  As the only major metropolitan city within Shelby County, Memphis is likely home to the majority of affected children.

 

Hope House Day Care provides care for children six weeks to five years of age.  Founded by the Junior League of Memphis in 1994, Hope House is the only organization in Tennessee whose mission is to improve the quality of life of HIV-impacted children and their families by addressing their educational, social, psychological, and health needs.