Dating back as far as the 1800s, HIV/AIDS has taken the lives of millions of people around the world. Once labeled as one of the deadliest diseases, dedicated health professionals all over the globe have worked hard to remove this title. While there’s still no cure, as a result of modern medicine, HIV/AIDS is no longer considered certain death.
Below are a few basic HIV/AIDS resources for anyone affected by this life-altering virus:
Finding Proper Care
- In the United States, there are multiple HIV/AIDS care services. These services include medical care, housing assistance, and mental health services.
- The Ryan White and Global HIV/AIDS program acts as an HIV medical care provider. They help those living with the disease by delivering access to proper medical care. This includes medications and other essential treatments that one may not be able to afford otherwise.
- The HIV/AIDS hotline is a toll-free number that’s operated by agencies that can determine what type of care you may be eligible for. They can also put you in contact with the respective care provider(s).
- The Affordable Care Act was put in place to ensure that Americans have stable and affordable health insurance. To better meet this objective, they expanded coverage for people living with HIV/AIDS. Since coverage varies by state, take time to look into the ACA to find out what’s available to you.
- You may qualify for disability and receive social security if the symptoms of the disease prevent you from working. If you’re on Medicare, this government program may also offer assistance and care after diagnosis.
- If you travel, you’ll want to become familiar with the CDC’s Yellow Book. This resource is comprised of information about international travel, available clinics, notices, and recommendations for vaccinations.
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) is a federal program that responds to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Through this program, the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) awards grants to communities, states, and nonprofits that work to help low-income individuals impacted by the disease.
- The federal government also offers multiple employment resources that provide HIV/AIDS victims with new opportunities or help returning to the job held prior to diagnosis.
- The National Institute of Mental Health has endless information regarding the causes and symptoms of common mental disorders associated with HIV/AIDS. Along with a brief overview of each disorder, they also offer treatment and therapy options.
If you know of someone who has been recently diagnosed, the following HIV/AIDS resources below can help you navigate through this difficult time.
- The National AIDS Manual is full of information regarding everything about HIV/AIDS. They also have booklets and fact sheets available for download.
- Avert has updated statistics regarding the effects of HIV/AIDS around the world. They also offer professional resources and a newsletter to keep you up-to-date on what’s happening within the HIV/AIDS community.
- The Office of AIDS Research coordinates all the components of HIV/AIDS research with the National Institutes of Health. They also sponsor World AIDS Day (December 1), which is an international observance giving people around the world a chance to unite and show support to those affected by the disease.
