Punk’d up for health

Who says punk rock is good for nothin’? A bunch of punks are pairing up with the Triad Health Project to host an all-ages benefit show on May 2 at 915 Skate Park on Lee Street in Greensboro.

The Triad Health Project, a non-profit aimed at stamping out the AIDS epidemic, has teamed up with local bands in an effort to raise money for the project’s annual Dining For Friends benefit.

Bands that have stepped up to the plate include hardcore punks from Marion, No Honor Lost; The Space-O-Nots, a “ghetto tech” group from Greensboro; and Live Through, a Greensboro-based quartet who blasts on in the vein of 90s punk. Ben Parker is the bridge between the Triad Health Project and the upcoming show. Parker plays the double role of being both Live Through singer and Triad Health Project employee.

In March, 2009, the HIV infection rate in Washington, DC hit three percent, a rate higher than that of West Africa. HIV/AIDS is a real problem in the United States, and efforts made by the Triad Health Project are aimed at a solution.

Starting in 1986 as a grassroots organization, the Triad Health Project has grown dramatically in the two decades since. According to their MySpace, members have served over 2,000 people in an effort to “provide emotional and practical support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, to their loved ones, and to those at risk for HIV/AIDS.”

The project provides transportation to medical appointments, treatment information, fellowship, and assistance to members of the community affected by the disease. Additionally, the Triad Health Project implements education strategies within risk groups and the community at large.

Currently without the project’s help, over 600 area residents living with HIV/AIDS would go otherwise unassisted. Of those 600, 474 are living below the poverty level. In its attempt to thwart the disease, the project also provides free weekly test screenings at the Greensboro clinic, monthly testing at the High Point clinic, and also tests annually at college campuses, bars, and other locations throughout the year.

The Triad Health Project, according to their website, is “one of the largest AIDS service organizations in NC.” Members strongly “believe in meeting our community where they gather.” Punks gather at skate parks, so a show at 915 seems fairly appropriate.

As a major fund source for the Triad Health Project, the Dining For Friends benefit is a much-anticipated annual event. Dinner hosts invite guests, and exchange culinary treats for small donations. Apart from dinner and delightful discourse, the donation also includes an invitation to the “gala Dessert Finale” beginning at 9 p.m. at the Greensboro coliseum.

According to the Dining for Friends website, it all “started in 1990 by a group of concerned Guilford County residents just as the full impact of the AIDS epidemic was being felt in the area.” Now, nearly two decades later, the event has grown to include hundreds of hosts and thousands of guests.

If fine dining sounds more appealing than punk rock, the major Dining For Friends event will be on May 16. More information about hosting or attending can be check out the website at www.triadhealthproject.com.

Unfortunately, programs like the Triad Health Project can’t run on dreams and good intentions. They need support. In order to garnish that support, three bands are putting on a show. The show is technically free, but donations are strongly encouraged. Come out to 915 Skate Park on May 2 around 7 p.m. and help out the community.