Learning About and Living With HIV/AIDS
Since the world first became acquainted with AIDS more than 20 years ago, the research and literature available about the subject has grown in leaps and bounds. Just try typing “AIDS” into any search engine and you’ll be bombarded with thousands upon thousands of hits. By asking more specific questions about the subject, you can start using the Web to learn how to successfully live with the disease, talk to someone about HIV/AIDS, or get involved in activism organizations.
Expand All Guide SectionsHIV/AIDS: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
If you or a friend or family member has recently been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, you probably have ... read more »
Living With HIV
Now that you know you are HIV positive, your medical care will become one of the most important ... read more »
Talking to Children About HIV and AIDS
It can be difficult to talk to kids about HIV and AIDS. You might be asking yourself: How do I ... read more »
HIV/AIDS Rights
People living with HIV/AIDS still encounter discrimination today: in the workplace, in healthcare institutions, from insurance agencies, and from society in general. Know your rights and find support groups to help you if you are a victim of discrimination, or help prepare your workplace to accommodate employees with HIV/AIDS.
Dulcinea's Insight
- High medical costs and an inability to maintain employment due to illness can place particular strain on a person with HIV when it comes to keeping housing, or obtaining and maintaining insurance. Government Web sites (which have a “.gov” at the end of the Web address) or housing coalition Web sites can tell you what resources are available if you are experiencing housing and insurance problems.
- If you’re an employer or a person with HIV who wants to make sure your office is compliant with established policies and practices, government Web sites are another good bet to find the latest information on workplace standards.
Dulcinea's Picks
For information about HIV/AIDS in the workplace …
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
page of the U.S. Department of Justice Web site provides a comprehensive review of the ADA. Contact information to speak with an ADA specialist is available by clicking the “ADA Information Line” link. Businesses can access information about the Act by clicking the “ADA Business Connection” link.
BRTA/LRTA (Business Responds to AIDS/Labor Responds to AIDS)
provides tools for managers to implement HIV/AIDS awareness programs in their workplaces. Download the “Labor Leader’s Kit” to access all the resources you need to create a comprehensive HIV/AIDS workplace program. The site downloads are in PDF format.
To deal with matters of discrimination …
Human Rights Watch
discusses human rights violations in the treatment of women with HIV/AIDS. The link at the bottom of the page, “Human Rights Watch Work on Women and HIV/AIDS,” provides some news stories about HIV/AIDS work with women, but some of the stories are not current, or focus more on sexual abuse and reproductive health than on HIV/AIDS.
The National Women's Health Information Center
bills itself as the “Federal Government Source for Women’s Health Information.” Links to work force information, health insurance rights, and other federal and non-government information sources for those living with HIV/AIDS are offered here.
If you have questions about insurance coverage, medical privacy, and other benefits …
Social Security For People Living With HIV/AIDS
explains that if you have HIV/AIDS and are unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. The various benefits are explained along with how to file for benefits, and speed up your claim. A link is also provided to apply for benefits online.
Access to Health Insurance/Resources for Care (AHIRC)
provides a database of health care insurance options for the self-employed, low-income workers, the under-insured, and the uninsured who require medical care. By clicking on a map of the U.S., you can look at options in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
America’s Health Insurance Plans
contains articles relevant to those with HIV and AIDS. If you click on the “Issues and Advocacy” link and then “Our Issues,” you can access subjects such as “Confidentiality of Medical Records,” “Coverage Mandates,” “Medicaid,” and “Rising Health Care Costs.” This site is very easy to navigate.
If you are looking for housing …
The National AIDS Housing Coalition
supports legislative efforts and policy initiatives to help people with HIV/AIDS access safe, affordable housing. Learn about the HOPWA program, which stands for “Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.” Make sure to use the “Resources” option to find links to other organizations addressing HIV/AIDS and housing issues.
The AIDS Housing Corporation
facilitates the creation of safe, affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS in all six New England states. The AIDS Housing Corporation is the founder of the National AIDS Housing Coalition.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
provides more information about the difficulties related to housing situations for HIV/AIDS patients. The “Statewide HIV/AIDS Housing Information” link under Local Resources takes you to a useful map where you can click on a particular state and find HOPWA grant resources on a state-by-state basis.
HIV/AIDS Help
HIV/AIDS affects people in a multitude of ways; perhaps you’ve lost someone to the illness, ... read more »
HIV/AIDS Resources for Teenagers
If you have HIV or are concerned about how you can get HIV, the Internet can be a great place to ... read more »
World HIV/AIDS Issues
HIV/AIDS is a global disease that affects millions of people and brings to light an array of ... read more »
AIDS Awareness
There is a general agreement that AIDS education and awareness are some of the best ways to prevent ... read more »
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