In the late 1980s, Berks County, like many communities across America, experienced the onset of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. The loss our region felt due to this disease was insurmountable, and it continues to affect our Berks community today.
Amidst this public health crisis, local leaders emerged to coordinate care, disseminate accurate information, and provide a place for HIV-positive individuals to live in dignity and peace. This network of physicians, clergy members, business owners and Berks residents helped found Rainbow Home of Wernersville State Hospital, Berks AIDS Health Crisis, and Berks AIDS Network, which now operates as Co-County Wellness Services.
“The Community Foundation believes supporting our community goes beyond our grantmaking and programming,” said Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs and Initiatives. Reyes engaged local writer Jason Brudereck to interview local stakeholders and write the history. “By documenting our communal history and sharing it with the public, we can wield lessons from the past to create a more equitable and healthy future for all Berks Countians”
Find the historical document below or visit https://issuu.com/bccf2024/docs/a_berks_county_public_health_history_a_community to read. We hope it is an inspiring and insightful glance into what Berks County is capable of when we work together.
Written by Jason Brudereck. Designed by Jennifer Heydt.
