The Seven Project, Inc was conceived in 1993.  Seven received our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in Dec. 1999.

Initially, our grassroots efforts were to raise funds for the established AIDS Service Organizations, as well as, increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention in communities of color, via sponsoring social events. Because of the support we received from the African American community, Seven was encouraged to expand support to include direct services for individuals, families, and their significant others, were either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS disease.

Seven’s programming began with in-home supportive services (respite, food, monetary support, etc.) for people who had limited resources and/or limited familial support.  Later, consumers sought mental health counseling and assistance with navigating the range of community-based supportive services. Today, we provide supportive services to multi-generations via our harm reduction trainings.

Pittsburgh's City Council members Sala Udin & Twanda Carlisle recently acknowledged our evolution from a grassroots organization. They co-sponsored a proclamation acknowledging The Seven Project, Inc.; as the first 501(c)(3), African American founded AIDS Service Organization in this region.

The Black community has been instrumental in supporting our fundraising events, as well as, verbalizing their needs as they relate to HIV primary and secondary prevention efforts.  The local media has been instrumental for promoting all of our events and assisting with disseminating HIV prevention education.

The James E. Dixon Humanitarian Awards are presented each year to deserving community leaders, who have demonstrated exceptional skills and abilities in the War Against HIV/AIDS Disease within communities of color.  These awards are named for our brother, James, who died from an AIDS-related illness in 1993.  Prior to James' diagnosis, we "assumed" that HIV/AIDS disease was a plight impacting the lives of gay white men and intravenous drug users.  None of which characterized James.

James was a straight, African American, and a married father of three, who contracted AIDS via a blood transfusion.  The Seven Project, Inc was founded in his memory.  Additionally, the humanitarian awards, named for him, have been instrumental in highlighting creative and talented individuals who have dedicated their lives to this struggle.

Awards are presented in three separate categories: 

• HIV Prevention
• HIV Education
• HIV/AIDS Treatment.

If you would like to nominate candidates for these prestigious awards, contact Seven at oursevenproject@yahoo.com to secure a nomination form for 2006.

Taking a stand and making a difference!

Did you know?

Know the risk factors HIV and tattoos / body piercings:

A risk of HIV transmission does exist if instruments contaminated with blood are either not sterilized or disinfected or are used inappropriately between clients. CDC recommends that instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin be used once, then disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.

Personal service workers who do tattooing or body piercing should be educated about how HIV is transmitted and take precautions to prevent transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections in their settings. If you are considering getting a tattoo or having your body pierced, ask staff at the establishment what procedures they use to prevent the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections, such as hepatitis B virus. You also may call the local health department to find out what sterilization procedures are in place in the local area for these types of establishments.