UPWORDS Voices is a web-based virtual living quilt for people living and thriving with HIV & AIDS. Ben Barile who modeled UPWORDS Voices after the Southern AIDS Living Quilt, created a site in collaboration with Hudson River HealthCare initially to unite the HIV positive community in the NY counties of Ulster, Putnam, Westchester, Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, and Sullivan. The virtual living quilt serves as a tool to celebrate, empower, encourage and educate those directly impacted by HIV & AIDS. Through UPWORDS Voices, those infected and affected can embrace the importance of communicating their story to show the changing face of HIV & AIDS.  

Ben Barile has been living with HIV for over 19 years. While on the Dutchess County HIV Health Services Planning Counsel, he was inspired to create the UPWORDS Voices living quilt to connect individuals living with HIV. His goal for this virtual quilt is to attract all those who are affected, and provide a setting where they can easily share their experiences/stories – both good and bad.

Unfortunately, in 2012 there are still negative perceptions and stigma around HIV. Hopefully, the stories shared will educate people  about HIV, promote behavior that will reduce the risk of spreading HIV,  as well as encourage people to get an HIV test.