Today is December 1st: World AIDS Day. The Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome(AIDS) is caused by a viral infection (HIV) that attacks the CD4+T cells, leaving the body susceptible to additional infections and diseases. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a resilient shape-shifter that quickly reacts and adapts to treatment, making drug therapy difficult and complex. As of today there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS.
But what does this have to do with design?
Most days I think about design as a noun - the end results of creating layouts or objects i.e. the Womb chair is Saarinen's 'design'. The D-word is much more than that, however. The first entry for 'design' in Merriam-Webster is a verb: "to create, construct, or execute according to a plan." Design is action, and without action there can be no results. According to Charles Eames "design fills the need." Today there is a need for action regarding HIV/AIDS.
Whether you know it or not you have the power to affect change. According to UNAIDS more than 33 million people have HIV, with 1.1 million current infections in the US. 20% of those people in the US don't know that they are infected due to lack of information and testing. HIV does discriminate; against sexual and ethnic minorities, against people of color, against those living in poverty, and those without comprehensive health education. Despite the higher incidence rates in those communities no-one is 'safe' from HIV. If you have blood you can get the disease. For a slideshow history of the epidemic go to WebMD here.
The creative community has been hit hard and quick to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The activist collective ActUp founded 1987 conceived and executed multiple print and performance campaigns to bring awareness and effect change in both the advancement of medical treatment, but also the social stigma associated with living with HIV. Their most famous logo is pictured above. (The ActUp Oral History Project is currently at Harvard University through Dec 23, 09.)
Today Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is working to provide support and education through events including "Dining By Design" and "Can It". Design Within Reach is proud to participate in both events.
You can help locally and globally. Boston is host to a number of organizations dedicated to prevention/education/support. Following is a partial list:
Fenway Community Health was the nations first health center to provide a community-based HIV research and has been conducting long-term epidemiological research since 1985. They are on the forefront of research into an HIV vaccine. DWR Cambridge has donated a red Eames LCW to the silent auction held at the yearly Men's Event in February. You can visit their website to donate, sign up for events, or find information about health and testing.
AIDS Action Committee offers education and support - everything from driving people to doctor appointments to helping buy groceries for those not well enough to leave home. You can visit their website to donate, or you can visit their retail store Boomerangs. Boomerangs accepts donations of used furniture and clothing, with proceeds going to AAC. You can also volunteer.
Community Servings delivers meals to those homebound because of AIDS or other acute diseases. Community Servings is also sharing their knowledge of supporting those with HIV/AIDS with organization in Africa, where 5.5 million people are living with HIV.
Design is action. Without the actions of people like Eames, Saarinen, Zeisel, Nelson, Jacobsen we wouldn't have all the wonderful pieces of furniture we live with every day. Without actions from people like us, many people with HIV/AIDS won't be able to afford the medicines they need to live every day, and many more will become infected. Thank you for your help.
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