WANTED: Laptops in working order.  Got an old laptop that is probably only good for email... and that's just about it? Let us know!

We believe that Knowledge = Power and to survive HIV/AIDS we must do all that we can to educate ourselves and others.  The Technology Assistance Program (TAP) helps consumers 'tap' into the wealth of online resources that potentially could help save lives.

The technology assistance program was initially started by David Mensah in 1998.  He was the directory of the Connecticut AIDS Residence Program (CARP) which is now Liberty Community Services.

David knew how important it was for consumers to communicate and have access to information technology for their own purposes as well as advocating for their needs.  His vision is still carried on today whenever we have used equipment, or receive special donations for such purposes.

Our Goal:

Providing computer equipment and essential software to person’s living with HIV/AIDS that are disabled, and could not otherwise afford such equipment, to research the possibilities for healthcare treatment, side effects, communication with health care providers and service organizations, and advocate for better treatments and public policy concerning people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Some recipients have used this equipment to help learn the skills they need to return to work, go back to school, and participate in local consortia and planning bodies.

Priority will be given to those actively participating in local HIV/AIDS planning bodies so that they can fully participate in online discussions, email notifications, and communications to facilitate the planning body's objectives.

Examples of HIV/AIDS Planning bodies are:

How you can help:

If you have any used equipment (ie; computer, monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner, fax machine...)  and it is (or was) in good working condition, please consider making a tax-deductible equipment donation to The Guardian Health Association.  Please email us to let us know what you have.

We also accept restricted cash donations for our Consumer Technology Assistance Program to help repair used equipment.

Samples of Equipment:

Equipment Distribution:

Because people who are online have an advantage to apply for equipment, we are implementing the following priorities to apply in cases where more than one consumer applies for the same available equipment.

All qualified applicants must be HIV affected and unable to afford  the item otherwise.  Priority will be given to:

1. Residents of Connecticut
2. Members of an HIV planning body, council, committee, campaign
3. Lack of any other access to similar equipment
4. New applicants (i.e., those who have not received any donations)
5. Those who are able to pick equipment up (we don't ship)

Equipment Request:

Our Technology Assistance Program is currently on hold due to lack of donations and funding to repair PCs.  Used equipment is refurbished with updated PC parts, operating systems, drivers, and devices to make them workable for today's software.  Unfortunately, despite appeals, this program has not been successful in securing funding to continue these operations.