25 Years / 25 Stories

23: A Clear Vision

Across the United States there are hundreds of AIDS service organizations that are working to slow the ongoing spread of HIV. In Minnesota alone there are thousands of nonprofit agencies doing good work in the community. What is it about the Minnesota AIDS Project that draws people to give of their time, talents, and financial resources? For most, it's the vision and mission of the organization.

As a member of the board of directors and executive committee, Patrick Troska gives freely of his time to help shape the direction of Minnesota's largest AIDS service organization. Patrick began his relationship with the organization, like thousands of Minnesotans, through the Minnesota AIDS Walk to raise funds to fight HIV. He began that Walk in 2000 following an HIV–positive diagnosis wanting to help others that needed support in their fight against a devastating disease. "I've been lucky in that I have a good job and healthcare insurance but many aren't so fortunate and they struggle... they struggle a lot," says Troska. "The advances in medication are wonderful but it's not a cure all for everyone, especially those that aren't financially stable."

"Without a voice, nothing will change," said Troska.

Patrick became increasingly interested in the Minnesota AIDS Project and more engaged over the next few years by participating in the AIDS Walk and supporting the agency. Four years ago, he joined the board and has been an active voice supporting ongoing efforts to raise awareness of HIV in Minnesota, having served on the public policy, finance and executive committees. "The advocacy element is essential and differentiates us from many other organizations. Without a voice, nothing will change," said Troska, "and we have a responsibility to teach that HIV is still real; it's not gone. It's unsettling that so many fail to realize the magnitude of this problem and that we're still fighting an uphill battle. In a time when we have the medical ability, pharmaceutical treatments, and information to stop this disease– it's unfortunate and unconscionable to me that many still don't see the issue."

Patrick continues to move the organization closer to fulfilling its goal of stopping HIV through advocacy, education, and service.

By the end of 2007, nearly 6,000 Minnesotans were living with HIV. The number of people who are HIV–positive will continue to increase as medications have helped reduce the mortality rate but a concerning trend is that the number of new infections annually continues to rise as well. Without a strong education and prevention effort, the state will face increasing risk of HIV rates growing rapidly if the prevalence of the disease becomes too common in the community. Gay and bisexual men continue to be at heightened risk as well as African Americans and women of color who continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV compared to the state as a whole. As Troska noted, there is also a perceived generational gap amongst young adults (under 29 years of age) who made up 30 percent of new HIV cases in 2007.

In helping MAP adjust to trends and shifting challenges in HIV, Patrick continues to move the organization closer to fulfilling its goal of stopping HIV through advocacy, education, and service. Since its inception in 1983, the organization has been fortunate to have a strong board and leadership in place to lead its fight against HIV—but even more can be done. "The challenge of being a leader is stepping forward on difficult issues, during tough times," said Troska but thanks to a number of committed leaders along with visionary partners and supporters in the community, the Minnesota AIDS Project will continue to grow stronger.

25 Years / 25 Stories

23: A Clear Vision

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