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Meet Your Neighbor: Jennifer Morss
By Callie Thomas
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
The work of Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, which centers on the history of women, has been described as a tribute to the silent work of ordinary people. Resident Jennifer Morss not only relates to the author’s observation, but is an active proponent of conveying the idea that anyone can make a difference.
In 1999, a television special on HIV/AIDS was the influencing factor that motivated Morss to get involved. “I learned of individuals with HIV, dying alone in hospital beds without any friends and family around them,” she said. “At that moment, I decided to become involved and affect change in the treatment of HIV positive individuals by working to decrease HIV related stigma and discrimination.” She completed HIV educators training through the American Red Cross and volunteered as an HIV Prevention Educator in detention and drug recovery facilities.
“While I loved working as a volunteer, I still had not met anyone who was HIV positive, nor was there the feeling that the work was ultimately diminishing the existing stigma for these individuals,” says Morss, who eventually moved to Las Vegas in 2001 and began working at AFAN (Aid for AIDS of Nevada) as the Project UpFront coordinator. Since that time, she has held a range of positions including Director of Programs, Director of Operations and Associate Director. Morss currently holds the position of Executive Director for AFAN. She has described her work as “life changing.”
AFAN advocates for both adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The group works to reduce HIV infection through prevention education to eliminate fear, prejudice and the stigma associated with the disease. Project UpFront incorporates a group of HIV positive speakers that communicate prevention messages throughout the community. The program targets students and community agencies working with high risk youth and young adults. The interactive program features a panel of presentations where HIV positive individuals tell their personal stories about living with HIV/AIDS and answers questions about their lives and past risk behaviors. “The amazing, talented and courageous individuals of the Project UpFront program taught me many things about appreciating life and taking time to enjoy the journey–life lessons that impact me to this day.”
Perhaps one of the most important AFAN events in which Jennifer has been involved is the annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas. She has been involved with the planning and execution of the event for the past nine years. Morss has witnessed the event’s growth from less than 1,000 walkers to more than 8,500 walkers. The event raised more than $500,000 last April. “I am forever humbled by the overwhelming support we’ve received for this event, and I’ve enjoyed planning every single walk.”
In addition to her duties as Executive Director of AFAN, Jennifer has also served as the Vice President of the Southern Nevada Coalition of HIV/AIDS Service Providers for the last six years. “I’m passionate about advocacy,” she said. “I chose to participate with the organization because of their strong advocacy efforts for people surviving with HIV/AIDS.”
Jennifer Morss is honored to do what she can for the HIV community of Southern Nevada. She aspires to see the day when a cure and a vaccine for HIV are realized and when she will never lose another friend to the HIV disease. She is also looking forward to graduating from the Master’s of Health Communications Program from Boston University. All the while, in whatever capacity Morss is working, she motivates others to lend a helping hand. “When people ask me ‘how do I make a difference?’ my answer is GET INVOLVED. Whatever your passion is, find a way to get involved, because together we make a difference.”
