Topic

Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation

The Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation was a community-based organization in Corpus Christi dedicated to addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS across the Coastal Bend region. Emerging during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the foundation played a critical role in providing education, support, and advocacy at a time when resources were limited and stigma was widespread.The organization focused on public health outreach, including HIV prevention education, testing awareness, and the distribution of essential information to at-risk populations. In addition to prevention efforts, it served as a support system for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, offering guidance, connection to care, and a sense of community during an often isolating period.Like many grassroots organizations formed in response to the epidemic, the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation operated within a broader network of local advocates, healthcare providers, and volunteers. Its work helped bridge gaps in services and brought visibility to an issue that was frequently misunderstood or ignored, particularly in more conservative regions.Beyond its direct services, the foundation contributed to reducing stigma and fostering compassion, helping shift public perception over time. Whether through educational initiatives, community events, or quiet one-on-one support, its impact was felt across countless lives in the region.Today, the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation stands as part of the historical foundation of HIV/AIDS response efforts in South Texas. Its legacy reflects a period of urgency, resilience, and community-driven care that continues to influence public health and LGBTQIA+ advocacy work in Corpus Christi and beyond.

1 highlight from 1 interview
Donna Blaze Johnson

Donna Blaze Johnson

Life from 1970s to Early 2000s

32:31–36:24

Donna describes returning to Corpus in 2001 to find The Hidden Door expanded, meeting old friends like Chris (Aaron Davis), and learning about the Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation founded by her friend Tommy Landrum.