About HIV and AIDS

A Timeline of HIV/AIDS in the U.S., Sonoma County, and Face to Face

1980s: The Early Years of the Epidemic  

1981: First cases of what would later be called AIDS reported by the CDC. Sonoma County records its first case. Known U.S. deaths reach 130.   

1982: CDC officially names the new disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Sonoma County has two known cases; one person has died. Known U.S. deaths: 466.   

1983: The River AIDS Support Group forms in Guerneville to support local friends and loved ones affected by the epidemic. This group, later renamed Face to Face, becomes the primary local support network for people living with AIDS.   

1985: FDA approves the first HIV test. Face to Face hires its first staff member, Carol Owens, as Director of Client Services. The organization expands rapidly to address the growing crisis, offering support groups, transportation assistance, and direct care.   

1987: AZT becomes the first drug approved for HIV treatment. The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors creates the Commission on AIDS and allocates $20,000 to Face to Face. The organization hires its first Executive Director, Sharon Tomas, and launches a nurse program to support clients.   

1988: The first Art for Life Auction raises $11,000 for Face to Face, initiating what would become a cornerstone fundraising event. Face to Face becomes a leader in local HIV advocacy and education, increasing community awareness through events like World AIDS Day and AIDS Memorial Quilt showings. 

1990s: Community Mobilization and Treatment Advances 

 

1990: Congress passes the Ryan White CARE Act, providing emergency funding for cities devastated by AIDS. Face to Face moves their headquarters to Santa Rosa after a flood in Guerneville destroys the office, expands prevention programs, and starts a Speakers’ Bureau training people living with HIV to educate the public.   

1992: Face to Face opens Henry House, California’s first licensed residential care facility for people with AIDS, offering compassionate end-of-life care. The organization’s annual budget surpasses $1 million, allowing it to serve hundreds of clients in need.   

1995: Sonoma County receives federal Ryan White funding for the first time, enhancing services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Face to Face forms the first Gay Latino HIV support group and starts a teen outreach program, focusing on marginalized communities.   

1996: Protease inhibitors revolutionize HIV treatment, significantly reducing AIDS-related deaths. Face to Face begins adapting its programs to support clients living longer, healthier lives by adding life skills coaching and support for re-entering the workforce.   

1998: Government funding cuts lead to staff furloughs and layoffs at Face to Face. Despite setbacks, the organization launches the MANfest outreach program, reaching over 650 gay men with prevention messages and providing vital support to the community. 

2000s: Global Awareness and Local Innovations 

 

2000: Face to Face introduces peer-based education and outreach programs for migrant farmworkers, addressing the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population. The Positive Women’s Group is established to provide specialized support for women living with HIV.   

2006: The first one-a-day pill for HIV treatment is approved, simplifying regimens. Face to Face transitions its emotional support volunteer program to a peer coaching model, empowering clients to achieve life goals and greater independence.   

2009: Face to Face begins providing rapid HIV testing in the community. 

2010: Travel ban on HIV-positive individuals entering the U.S. is lifted. Face to Face helps transition HIV care from county management to community health centers and Kaiser Permanente, ensuring 100% of its clients are relinked to care. F2F spearheads the formation of the HIV Service Providers Coalition to foster collaboration and continuity of services across Sonoma County.   

2011-2012: FDA approves PrEP, a daily pill to prevent HIV in those at risk. Face to Face becomes a local leader in promoting PrEP access and usage, integrating it into its prevention programming and providing consultations for clients. 

 

2010s: Policy Shifts and Expanding Services 

 

2015: Congress lifts restrictions on funding for needle exchange programs, allowing Face to Face to launch its syringe exchange and overdose prevention program, quickly becoming the most preferred program in the county. The organization responds to the dual crises of HIV and opioid use by offering harm reduction services, naloxone distribution, and overdose prevention education.   

2017: “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U) is globally endorsed, reducing stigma around HIV transmission. Face to Face incorporates U=U into its educational programs, helping clients and the broader community understand the impact of effective HIV treatment.   

The Tubbs Fire devastates Santa Rosa, affecting hundreds of Face to Face clients. The organization provides emergency housing and financial resources to displaced individuals. The aftermath saw an increase in demand for housing assistance, emergency funds, and mental health support as clients and their families coped with displacement and trauma. 

2019: Rick Dean retires as the Executive Director after 32 years of service. Sara Brewer is hired as the next ED. 

The Kinkade Fire prompted the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people, including large parts of Santa Rosa and surrounding communities, and caused widespread power outages as PG&E initiated preventive power shut-offs to mitigate additional fire risk. The repeated cycle of fire disasters, including the devastating Tubbs Fire in 2017, created a sense of ongoing trauma and anxiety among residents.  

 

2020s: Responding to Emerging Crises and Expanding Impact 

 

2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Face to Face quickly pivots to remote operations, launching virtual a virtual PrEP program with access to free medication, mail-in HIV testing kits, and expanded harm reduction services. The organization partners with local health organizations to support COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts.   

2021-2022: Face to Face intensifies its outreach and service delivery to address rising overdose rates in Sonoma County, expanding its syringe exchange and naloxone/fentanyl test strip distribution programs, and incorporating smoking supplies. Face to Face begins fundraising for an outreach van to meet the needs of the community.  

2023: Face to Face hits the road with a new EV Mobile Van, scaling up to provide services remotely and reaching 17 locations throughout Sonoma County. The mobile unit increases access to syringe exchange, HIV testing, and harm reduction resources for underserved populations. We begin implementing on-site drug checking services with fentanyl and xylazine test strips. 

Recognizing the severe mental health crisis impacting the community, Face to Face launches a comprehensive bilingual mental health program designed to address the unmet mental health needs of its clients. The program includes therapy and counseling services tailored to LGBTQ+ individuals and people who use drugs, offering culturally appropriate care and reducing barriers to access for non-English speakers. This expansion underscores Face to Face’s holistic approach to community health and wellness, integrating mental health support with existing HIV and harm reduction services. 

2024: Face to Face completes a major rebranding project with Mission Minded, updating its mission, values, and visual identity to reflect its expanded focus on HIV, mental health, and overdose prevention. 

 

Key Contributions to the Community and Beyond 

 

Through its history, Face to Face has been a pioneer in Sonoma County, not only supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS but also leading harm reduction initiatives, advocating for healthcare policy changes, and providing critical mental health and prevention services. From supporting early grassroots efforts to being a leader in holistic community health, Face to Face remains steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift those most affected by the intersection of HIV, substance use, and mental health challenges.