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AIDS and Substance Abuse Speakers Network (ASASN) Records

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0041

Scope and Content

The organizational records of ASASN consist of books, VHS tapes, presentation slides, oversized posters, an unbound scrapbook, plaques, and various documents detailing the purpose and impact of the AIDS and Substance Abuse Speakers Network within the communities surrounding Atlanta.

Dates

  • 1990-2004

Creator

Restrictions on Access

Open to all users; no restrictions

User Restrictions

As stipulated by U.S. copyright laws

Biographical Note

The AIDS and Substance Abuse Speakers Network (ASASN) was founded in 1990 by Lee Kearney while she was living in Cobb County. In 1983, Kearney began volunteer work in the area of substance abuse and in 1989 she became a counselor for the Anchor Hospital/Talbott-Marsh Recovery Campus in Atlanta. Her interest in helping the AIDS community came about because her son, Kevin Kearney, suffered with AIDS and substance abuse. She began to volunteer with AID Atlanta as a speaker in 1987, which led her to found ASASN, a nonprofit organization, in 1990. Kearney earned a master's degree in psychology in 1991 at UWG. For the first three years of the organization's existence, it was based out of Kearney's home. The organization would gradually attract many speakers who had been affected by HIV/AIDS and/or drug abuse. In 1993, the year Kevin Kearney died, the ASASN obtained its first grant and opened an office in Atlanta on West Peachtree Street.

The purpose of ASASN was to obtain speakers connected with HIV/AIDS and/or drug abuse and have them speak to the public about their personal experiences, as well as provide facts on risky behaviors in order to further the prevention of the AIDS epidemic. ASASN talks were conducted at multiple schools, universities, and clinics across the north Georgia area, as well as regional locations. Audiences included various groups ranging from middle school students to current addicts seeking counseling. Through their involvement within the community, many people would be educated on risky behaviors and the likelihood of contacting the HIV/AIDS epidemic or other sexually transmitted illnesses. ASASN was involved in the AIDS community in Atlanta, participating in World AIDS Day, the AIDS Walk, the Jim Howell Park Project, and the Braves "Stepping Up to the Plate with PWA's."

By 2010, Kearney had published a book about her experiences with her son's illness and death, and her work with the organization. At that time, she disbanded ASASN. Kearney lives in Waleska, Georgia.

Extent

5.19 Linear feet (9 boxes, 2 tubes, and 1 OV folder)

Language

English

Overview

The AIDS and Substance Abuse Speakers Network (ASASN) was a non-profit organization formed in 1990 to provide a network of speakers to publicize issues surrounding AIDS and substance abuse and disbanded in 2010. Its founder, Lee Kearney, lost her son, Kevin, to AIDS in 1993.

Arrangement

Organized in four series: 1. Manuscripts; 2. Audio Visual Media; 3. Artifacts; 4. Books.

Provenance

Collection donated by Lee Kearney, President and Founder of the AIDS and Substance Abuse Network, in February 2011 and April 2013. Kearney donated a small addition to the records in November 2013.

Processed By

Processed by Candice Larson, 2013.

Title
Guide to the AIDS and Substance Abuse Speakers Network (ASASN) records, 1990-2004 MS-0041
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Written by Candice Larson, 2013.
Date
© 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Description is in English
Sponsor
Finding aid converted with funds from a UWG FY14 Presidential Assistance Grant.

Repository Details

Part of the University of West Georgia Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Special Collections, Ingram Library
University of West Georgia
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton GA 30118-2000 United States