Forum - January/February 2011

Because early detection is key for disease management, treatment and improved life expectancy, knowing one’s HIV status is the first step. For those who test negative, it is important to continue avoiding risky behaviors. For those who test positive, it is essential to immediately seek treatment and be diligent about their health and wellness. Today, people who are diagnosed with HIV and are in treatment are expected to have a normal life expectancy.

Often, people don’t think of themselves or their partners as being at risk, so they don’t worry about using protection or getting tested. However, the CDC estimates that one in five people who are HIV positive don’t know it, and therefore recommends HIV testing for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64. Since testing is not done automatically when visiting your physician, you must ask to be tested during regular check-ups, or take advantage of free testing offered in communities nationwide.

In Chicago, there are more than 22,000 people with HIV or AIDS, with more than 1,000 new diagnoses each year. With such a high prevalence, association staffs are very likely to know someone — a colleague, friend or family member — who is infected with HIV. Jill Dispenza, director of HIV/AIDS/ STD Hotline and HIV Testing & Prevention at Chicago’s Center on Halsted, says associations should demonstrate their awareness and concern for their employees by posting online and in staff lounges information about HIV and STDs, as well as local hotlines, testing, support groups and volunteer opportunities.

are more manageable; some regimens include just one pill daily. These medications prevent the virus from replicat-ing, reducing the amount of virus in the body, improving immune function and quality of life, and lessening the risk of transmission to partners. Lower individual viral loads mean lower transmission rates across the community. Current research efforts also have expanded beyond treatment. Behavioral scientists now are examining how risk factors and behaviors contribute to infection rates and attitudes about HIV. In Vienna, Austria, last summer, the International AIDS Conference heard studies regarding the effectiveness of a new microbicide gel that could be used as a prophylaxis to reduce HIV transmission.

HIV treatment is expensive, some-
times generating out-of-pocket expenses
in the tens of thousands of dollars
annually. AIDS Drug Assistance Pro-
grams in each state can provide access
to critical, life-saving medications for
people with HIV/AIDS. Because of fed-
eral funding limitations and growing
demand, however, more than 4,500
people with HIV in nine states are on
a wait list. The Illinois ADAP serves
4,100 clients each month, accessing
an average of 141,100 prescriptions
annually. Pharmaceutical companies
also provide co-pay assistance that dras-
tically reduces out-of-pocket expenses,
which reduces financial stress and
improves adherence to medications.
Many association staff — some of whom
may meet income qualifications — may
not be aware of these options and could
benefit from financial assistance.

Reducing Stigma, Increasing Volunteerism The Center on AIDS and Community Health reports that since the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic more than 30 years ago, stigma associated with HIV

March 10
National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
May 18

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day

Care, Treatment and Research Although a cure or vaccine has yet to be developed, HIV research has evolved significantly since 1981. Today, physicians have six classes of more than 30 highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens to prescribe to their patients, which have less frequent daily dosages and lower toxicity. Treatment options