GSK has launched a new website, APositiveLife.com, as an interactive resource for patients newly diagnosed with HIV, those receiving treatment, and caregivers. The site features video testimonials from real patients and caregivers sharing their stories in a positive light. It provides information on how HIV works, where to get help, financial assistance programs, managing side effects, related health issues, and questions for doctors. The goal is to make HIV understandable for a wide audience and provide an interesting, positive experience for people seeking information and support.
Magic Johnson spoke at an event hosted by Community Health of South Florida to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. He emphasized the importance of testing and protection. While treatment for HIV has improved his health, many people remain unaware of their status or are not taking proper precautions. Community Health of South Florida treats around 400 patients with HIV/AIDS through a coordinated care program that helps patients manage their condition.
The document discusses the opening of the new Share Center Free Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky. It provides background on how the clinic was established to fill a gap in healthcare for the underserved North Side community after the local health department closed. Medical students and the Muslim community worked together to set up the volunteer-run clinic, which provides primary care services two Saturdays a month. The clinic directors hope to expand services and address the cultural and linguistic needs of their diverse patient population.
Brands health and_wellness_your_health_yourselfAdCMO
This document discusses the trend toward personalized health and fitness tracking. It introduces Thiery, a 32-year-old man who purchases a fitness tracking device to help him train for a charity run. Wearable devices and mobile apps that track metrics like steps, stairs climbed, and sleep are growing in popularity. Studies show that seeing real-time personal data can motivate users to increase physical activity levels. While personalized tracking holds promise for improving health behaviors and outcomes, it also risks overwhelming or alienating users if not implemented properly.
The document summarizes Lakeland Health's efforts to address the prescription drug and heroin epidemic in Berrien County, Michigan. Lakeland Health has awarded a $20,000 grant to the "Voice Change Hope" coalition which is working with multiple community organizations to provide education on prescription drug and heroin addiction. The grant will support community conferences to raise awareness and find new ways to help those struggling with addiction. Lakeland Health is also examining how it prescribes opioid pain medications to patients in order to help address the epidemic.
This document provides a summary of a practical guide to HIV drug treatment. It begins by outlining how the guide can help people living with HIV understand how the virus makes them sick, how to monitor their health, when to start treatment, available treatment options, and how to make decisions confidently. While treatment options change frequently, the guide focuses on general issues and questions about treatment that do not change as quickly. It aims to serve as a practical resource to help ask the right questions of doctors and make informed choices, and directs readers to other up-to-date sources for specific drug information. Voices of people living with HIV are included throughout to share experiences and advice.
This document summarizes Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's longstanding commitment to partnering with community health centers to improve access to care for underserved communities. It provides an overview of BIDMC's affiliation with seven community health centers, the services they provide to nearly 90,000 patients annually, and examples of collaborative initiatives in areas such as medical education and research. It also gives a brief history of the community health center movement in the US and Massachusetts.
St. Mary's Medical Center conducted a community health needs assessment in 2015-2016 with other hospitals and public health departments to identify the significant health needs of the community. The assessment identified economic barriers to health, racial inequities, and seven health needs including psychosocial health, healthy eating, safety, access to services, housing instability, substance abuse, and physical activity. St. Mary's implementation strategy focuses on addressing healthy eating, physical activity, and access to services using their outpatient clinics, residency programs, community health services, and community grants. The strategy is aimed at improving health and reducing disease and death in the community.
Komen Central Indiana's 2014-2015 annual report summarizes the organization's activities and impact over the fiscal year. It provided nearly $850,000 in grants to 11 local breast health programs, serving over 25,000 people. It also contributed $344,000 to breast cancer research. The report describes several grantee programs and how they helped people access breast cancer services. It highlights Komen-funded research in Indiana and individual survivor stories. The organization expresses gratitude for the support that allows it to further its mission of saving lives and ending breast cancer.
Magic Johnson spoke at an event hosted by Community Health of South Florida to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. He emphasized the importance of testing and protection. While treatment for HIV has improved his health, many people remain unaware of their status or are not taking proper precautions. Community Health of South Florida treats around 400 patients with HIV/AIDS through a coordinated care program that helps patients manage their condition.
The document discusses the opening of the new Share Center Free Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky. It provides background on how the clinic was established to fill a gap in healthcare for the underserved North Side community after the local health department closed. Medical students and the Muslim community worked together to set up the volunteer-run clinic, which provides primary care services two Saturdays a month. The clinic directors hope to expand services and address the cultural and linguistic needs of their diverse patient population.
Brands health and_wellness_your_health_yourselfAdCMO
This document discusses the trend toward personalized health and fitness tracking. It introduces Thiery, a 32-year-old man who purchases a fitness tracking device to help him train for a charity run. Wearable devices and mobile apps that track metrics like steps, stairs climbed, and sleep are growing in popularity. Studies show that seeing real-time personal data can motivate users to increase physical activity levels. While personalized tracking holds promise for improving health behaviors and outcomes, it also risks overwhelming or alienating users if not implemented properly.
The document summarizes Lakeland Health's efforts to address the prescription drug and heroin epidemic in Berrien County, Michigan. Lakeland Health has awarded a $20,000 grant to the "Voice Change Hope" coalition which is working with multiple community organizations to provide education on prescription drug and heroin addiction. The grant will support community conferences to raise awareness and find new ways to help those struggling with addiction. Lakeland Health is also examining how it prescribes opioid pain medications to patients in order to help address the epidemic.
This document provides a summary of a practical guide to HIV drug treatment. It begins by outlining how the guide can help people living with HIV understand how the virus makes them sick, how to monitor their health, when to start treatment, available treatment options, and how to make decisions confidently. While treatment options change frequently, the guide focuses on general issues and questions about treatment that do not change as quickly. It aims to serve as a practical resource to help ask the right questions of doctors and make informed choices, and directs readers to other up-to-date sources for specific drug information. Voices of people living with HIV are included throughout to share experiences and advice.
This document summarizes Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's longstanding commitment to partnering with community health centers to improve access to care for underserved communities. It provides an overview of BIDMC's affiliation with seven community health centers, the services they provide to nearly 90,000 patients annually, and examples of collaborative initiatives in areas such as medical education and research. It also gives a brief history of the community health center movement in the US and Massachusetts.
St. Mary's Medical Center conducted a community health needs assessment in 2015-2016 with other hospitals and public health departments to identify the significant health needs of the community. The assessment identified economic barriers to health, racial inequities, and seven health needs including psychosocial health, healthy eating, safety, access to services, housing instability, substance abuse, and physical activity. St. Mary's implementation strategy focuses on addressing healthy eating, physical activity, and access to services using their outpatient clinics, residency programs, community health services, and community grants. The strategy is aimed at improving health and reducing disease and death in the community.
Komen Central Indiana's 2014-2015 annual report summarizes the organization's activities and impact over the fiscal year. It provided nearly $850,000 in grants to 11 local breast health programs, serving over 25,000 people. It also contributed $344,000 to breast cancer research. The report describes several grantee programs and how they helped people access breast cancer services. It highlights Komen-funded research in Indiana and individual survivor stories. The organization expresses gratitude for the support that allows it to further its mission of saving lives and ending breast cancer.
Where's the hope? Dialogues for Solidarity - Session 4ReShape
This session explored current work experiences in HIV care from a specialist point of view and looked at how current conditions impacted related care providers. Reflecting on the changing nature of HIV care and the changing needs of people living with HIV, the session examined the policy implications of a fragmented system and the patients' perspective on HIV care.
The Care Providers session was expected to lay the groundwork for a future session on the failing Health Economy as a leading issue.
Copy of Responses for HIV Timeline for website.pptx.pdfssusercb26b4
This document summarizes information provided by various East Bay organizations about their HIV/AIDS programs. It includes the year each organization was founded or their HIV program started, current exciting projects, flagship programs or historical moments, and what staff love about their teams. The organizations provide a range of services including medical care, housing, mental health support, and community outreach with the shared goal of serving those living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Social Media Platforms for Cancer Patientssabdulaz
There are several social media platforms that provide support for cancer patients. MedHelp is a pioneer in online health communities, connecting patients with doctors and others who have similar conditions to find answers. PatientsLikeMe allows patients to share their health experiences to help themselves and other patients, and also partners with organizations focused on specific conditions. Cancer Hope Network matches cancer patients with trained volunteer survivors to provide free emotional support over the phone. I Had Cancer is a cancer support community that empowers people affected by cancer before, during and after their treatment through peer-to-peer support and connecting those in similar situations.
Welcome to Careif’s 10th anniversary newsletter.
Careif is an international mental health charity that works towards protecting and promoting mental health and resilience, to eliminate inequalities and strengthen social justice. Our principles include working creatively with humili-ty and dignity, and with balanced partnerships in order to ensure all cultures and societies play their part in our mission of protecting and promoting mental health and well‐being. We do this by respecting the traditions of all world soci-eties, whilst believing traditions can evolve, for even greater benefit to individ-uals and society.
Careif believes that knowledge should not only be available to those with wealth or those who live in urban and industrialised parts of the world. It considers knowledge sharing to be a basic human right, where this knowledge can change lives and help realise true human potential. Further-more there is substantial knowledge to be found in the less developed, rural and poorer areas of the world and this is valuable to the wellbeing of people in areas which are wealthier.
The newsletter has been produced on a voluntary basis by me, Erica Camus, a freelance journalist, and public speaker with schizo-affective. If you’d like to book me for editorial work, or for a talk please contact me on cromptonerica@hotmail.com.
Legacy Health led a collaboration of six health care organizations that invested $21.5 million to address housing, homelessness, and health care in their community by supporting 382 new housing units. The organizations did this because studies have shown that stable housing is important for good health, and achieving their mission of good health for the community requires adequate housing for those in need. The initiative provides housing for those challenged with addiction, behavioral health issues, or severe economic distress, and supports the community's health and economy by helping people improve their lives and become productive citizens.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health administers the county's Medical Examiner Program. The program investigates all sudden, unexpected, accidental, and violent deaths as required by Michigan law. It consists of a medical examiner, forensic pathologists, medical examiner investigators, and a medical examiner specialist. The report provides first-hand perspectives from a medical examiner investigator and outlines the roles of all personnel involved in investigating deaths and determining causes.
The Waterberg Welfare Society (WWS) is a grassroots organization in the Waterberg community that aims to empower individuals and families through various social programs. It operates three departments for education & awareness, treatment & care of HIV/AIDS patients, and skills development & empowerment of youth. WWS works closely with the South African government's National Development Plan and aims to one day transition ownership of programs to community members and organizations. The organization is led by CEO Lesiba Masibe and seeks to build partnerships, sustainability, and impactful advocacy programs while maintaining its community services.
http://intranet/custodian/phi
Please contact the Office of Compliance at
(714) 834-6753 or compliance@ochca.com with
any questions.
Good News! PHI Form Streamlined
continued from page 5
A tremendous need exists to engage hard-to-reach populations in HIV/AIDS care. That’s because numerous factors prevent people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)—especially disadvantaged and disproportionately affected populations—from engaging in care or remaining in care.
This Webcast introduces providers to several successful strategies for reaching the most vulnerable populations:
Howell Strauss, DMD, AIDS Care Group, discusses traditional street outreach, as well as his involvement with both the SPNS Oral Health Initiative and the SPNS Jail Initiative.
Lisa Hightow-Weidman, MD, MPH, Department of Infectious Diseases University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, shares best practices in social marketing outreach in the context of her work as a SPNS Young Men who Have Sex with Men of Color Initiative grantee.
Swope Health Services is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary healthcare and behavioral health services to low-income and medically underserved communities in the Kansas City area. The document outlines a marketing campaign called "Live Life to the Fullest" to increase awareness of Swope Health Services and boost its patient population. The campaign aims to change negative perceptions of Swope, promote preventative care, and build stronger relationships with current and new patients through tactics like a patient referral program, social media stories, and a community mural.
The annual report summarizes the activities of the Providence General Foundation in 2013. Key highlights include:
- The successful completion of the largest fundraising campaign in Snohomish County history to support the Marshall and Katherine Cymbaluk Medical Tower.
- Over $2 million in donor contributions were distributed to support initiatives like a new Center for Autism and an organ education program.
- Signature fundraising events like Festival of Trees and The Epicurean Affair saw record-breaking revenues.
- Partnerships with organizations like Premera Blue Cross helped strengthen the Foundation's impact on the community.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells, causing them to become sickle or crescent shaped rather than round. These abnormal cells do not last long in the bloodstream and can get stuck in blood vessels, preventing adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Left untreated, sickle cell anemia can lead to complications like organ failure or death. However, early detection through newborn screening allows for lifelong management that prevents many complications through medications, fluids, and blood transfusions. Disease InfoSearch provides information on sickle cell anemia and other genetic conditions to help newly diagnosed families understand their condition.
The Teen Smart Health Outreach/EOC Health Services clinic aims to empower low-income individuals and families through health services and education. Their mission is to "help people, change lives" by addressing health care access as a social justice issue and providing reproductive healthcare, counseling, and prevention education to teens and the community. The agency takes a culturally-competent approach to serving the uninsured, underinsured, low-income populations and individuals seeking confidential care.
This document provides information for HIV-positive Latinos on health, treatment, and living with HIV. It discusses how an HIV diagnosis can affect people emotionally and the importance of seeking support from community organizations. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care, continuing life goals and education, and accessing appropriate medical care and treatment options. The overall message is that while having HIV brings challenges, individuals are not alone and can take steps to maintain their health.
Us Helping Us is a nonprofit organization committed to improving health and well-being of Black gay men and reducing HIV/AIDS impact in the Black community. It began as a self-help group for HIV+ Black gay men and has expanded to serve gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men and women, transgender persons, and youth. Services include mental health, HIV testing, health screenings, case management, support groups, and HIV prevention. Opportunities exist to expand volunteer programs, attract physician volunteers, pursue new funding sources, and strengthen collaborations to further serve clients.
Support the common ground health clinic 2012Coleenm
The Common Ground Health Clinic in New Orleans has been providing quality healthcare to the community since 2005. It started as a volunteer-run clinic and has expanded services over time. The clinic now provides primary care, medical interpreting, herbal medicine, health education and more on a sliding scale. It also addresses social determinants of health through community programs and partnerships. As more people struggle to afford healthcare, clinics like Common Ground that serve the uninsured are needed more than ever. The document encourages supporting the clinic through donations, fundraising events, social media promotion or visiting their website to learn more.
Faith Leaders Skill Building Institute Tool Box (Final)Toni Marshall
This document provides an overview of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and the role of the Black Church in addressing the epidemic from a social justice perspective. Some key points:
- Black people are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and experience higher rates of infection, lower rates of knowledge of their status, less access to treatment, and higher mortality compared to other groups.
- There are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in the Black community, such as it only affecting gay men or being a non-issue now, that contribute to the epidemic.
- The NAACP aims to address HIV/AIDS as a social justice issue by collaborating with the Black Church, an institution that has historically supported
Where's the hope? Dialogues for Solidarity - Session 4ReShape
This session explored current work experiences in HIV care from a specialist point of view and looked at how current conditions impacted related care providers. Reflecting on the changing nature of HIV care and the changing needs of people living with HIV, the session examined the policy implications of a fragmented system and the patients' perspective on HIV care.
The Care Providers session was expected to lay the groundwork for a future session on the failing Health Economy as a leading issue.
Copy of Responses for HIV Timeline for website.pptx.pdfssusercb26b4
This document summarizes information provided by various East Bay organizations about their HIV/AIDS programs. It includes the year each organization was founded or their HIV program started, current exciting projects, flagship programs or historical moments, and what staff love about their teams. The organizations provide a range of services including medical care, housing, mental health support, and community outreach with the shared goal of serving those living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Social Media Platforms for Cancer Patientssabdulaz
There are several social media platforms that provide support for cancer patients. MedHelp is a pioneer in online health communities, connecting patients with doctors and others who have similar conditions to find answers. PatientsLikeMe allows patients to share their health experiences to help themselves and other patients, and also partners with organizations focused on specific conditions. Cancer Hope Network matches cancer patients with trained volunteer survivors to provide free emotional support over the phone. I Had Cancer is a cancer support community that empowers people affected by cancer before, during and after their treatment through peer-to-peer support and connecting those in similar situations.
Welcome to Careif’s 10th anniversary newsletter.
Careif is an international mental health charity that works towards protecting and promoting mental health and resilience, to eliminate inequalities and strengthen social justice. Our principles include working creatively with humili-ty and dignity, and with balanced partnerships in order to ensure all cultures and societies play their part in our mission of protecting and promoting mental health and well‐being. We do this by respecting the traditions of all world soci-eties, whilst believing traditions can evolve, for even greater benefit to individ-uals and society.
Careif believes that knowledge should not only be available to those with wealth or those who live in urban and industrialised parts of the world. It considers knowledge sharing to be a basic human right, where this knowledge can change lives and help realise true human potential. Further-more there is substantial knowledge to be found in the less developed, rural and poorer areas of the world and this is valuable to the wellbeing of people in areas which are wealthier.
The newsletter has been produced on a voluntary basis by me, Erica Camus, a freelance journalist, and public speaker with schizo-affective. If you’d like to book me for editorial work, or for a talk please contact me on cromptonerica@hotmail.com.
Legacy Health led a collaboration of six health care organizations that invested $21.5 million to address housing, homelessness, and health care in their community by supporting 382 new housing units. The organizations did this because studies have shown that stable housing is important for good health, and achieving their mission of good health for the community requires adequate housing for those in need. The initiative provides housing for those challenged with addiction, behavioral health issues, or severe economic distress, and supports the community's health and economy by helping people improve their lives and become productive citizens.
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health administers the county's Medical Examiner Program. The program investigates all sudden, unexpected, accidental, and violent deaths as required by Michigan law. It consists of a medical examiner, forensic pathologists, medical examiner investigators, and a medical examiner specialist. The report provides first-hand perspectives from a medical examiner investigator and outlines the roles of all personnel involved in investigating deaths and determining causes.
The Waterberg Welfare Society (WWS) is a grassroots organization in the Waterberg community that aims to empower individuals and families through various social programs. It operates three departments for education & awareness, treatment & care of HIV/AIDS patients, and skills development & empowerment of youth. WWS works closely with the South African government's National Development Plan and aims to one day transition ownership of programs to community members and organizations. The organization is led by CEO Lesiba Masibe and seeks to build partnerships, sustainability, and impactful advocacy programs while maintaining its community services.
http://intranet/custodian/phi
Please contact the Office of Compliance at
(714) 834-6753 or compliance@ochca.com with
any questions.
Good News! PHI Form Streamlined
continued from page 5
A tremendous need exists to engage hard-to-reach populations in HIV/AIDS care. That’s because numerous factors prevent people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)—especially disadvantaged and disproportionately affected populations—from engaging in care or remaining in care.
This Webcast introduces providers to several successful strategies for reaching the most vulnerable populations:
Howell Strauss, DMD, AIDS Care Group, discusses traditional street outreach, as well as his involvement with both the SPNS Oral Health Initiative and the SPNS Jail Initiative.
Lisa Hightow-Weidman, MD, MPH, Department of Infectious Diseases University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, shares best practices in social marketing outreach in the context of her work as a SPNS Young Men who Have Sex with Men of Color Initiative grantee.
Swope Health Services is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary healthcare and behavioral health services to low-income and medically underserved communities in the Kansas City area. The document outlines a marketing campaign called "Live Life to the Fullest" to increase awareness of Swope Health Services and boost its patient population. The campaign aims to change negative perceptions of Swope, promote preventative care, and build stronger relationships with current and new patients through tactics like a patient referral program, social media stories, and a community mural.
The annual report summarizes the activities of the Providence General Foundation in 2013. Key highlights include:
- The successful completion of the largest fundraising campaign in Snohomish County history to support the Marshall and Katherine Cymbaluk Medical Tower.
- Over $2 million in donor contributions were distributed to support initiatives like a new Center for Autism and an organ education program.
- Signature fundraising events like Festival of Trees and The Epicurean Affair saw record-breaking revenues.
- Partnerships with organizations like Premera Blue Cross helped strengthen the Foundation's impact on the community.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells, causing them to become sickle or crescent shaped rather than round. These abnormal cells do not last long in the bloodstream and can get stuck in blood vessels, preventing adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. Left untreated, sickle cell anemia can lead to complications like organ failure or death. However, early detection through newborn screening allows for lifelong management that prevents many complications through medications, fluids, and blood transfusions. Disease InfoSearch provides information on sickle cell anemia and other genetic conditions to help newly diagnosed families understand their condition.
The Teen Smart Health Outreach/EOC Health Services clinic aims to empower low-income individuals and families through health services and education. Their mission is to "help people, change lives" by addressing health care access as a social justice issue and providing reproductive healthcare, counseling, and prevention education to teens and the community. The agency takes a culturally-competent approach to serving the uninsured, underinsured, low-income populations and individuals seeking confidential care.
This document provides information for HIV-positive Latinos on health, treatment, and living with HIV. It discusses how an HIV diagnosis can affect people emotionally and the importance of seeking support from community organizations. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care, continuing life goals and education, and accessing appropriate medical care and treatment options. The overall message is that while having HIV brings challenges, individuals are not alone and can take steps to maintain their health.
Us Helping Us is a nonprofit organization committed to improving health and well-being of Black gay men and reducing HIV/AIDS impact in the Black community. It began as a self-help group for HIV+ Black gay men and has expanded to serve gay/bisexual men, heterosexual men and women, transgender persons, and youth. Services include mental health, HIV testing, health screenings, case management, support groups, and HIV prevention. Opportunities exist to expand volunteer programs, attract physician volunteers, pursue new funding sources, and strengthen collaborations to further serve clients.
Support the common ground health clinic 2012Coleenm
The Common Ground Health Clinic in New Orleans has been providing quality healthcare to the community since 2005. It started as a volunteer-run clinic and has expanded services over time. The clinic now provides primary care, medical interpreting, herbal medicine, health education and more on a sliding scale. It also addresses social determinants of health through community programs and partnerships. As more people struggle to afford healthcare, clinics like Common Ground that serve the uninsured are needed more than ever. The document encourages supporting the clinic through donations, fundraising events, social media promotion or visiting their website to learn more.
Faith Leaders Skill Building Institute Tool Box (Final)Toni Marshall
This document provides an overview of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and the role of the Black Church in addressing the epidemic from a social justice perspective. Some key points:
- Black people are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS and experience higher rates of infection, lower rates of knowledge of their status, less access to treatment, and higher mortality compared to other groups.
- There are many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS in the Black community, such as it only affecting gay men or being a non-issue now, that contribute to the epidemic.
- The NAACP aims to address HIV/AIDS as a social justice issue by collaborating with the Black Church, an institution that has historically supported
Faith Leaders Skill Building Institute Tool Box (Final)
Postive News 1st Ed - 2007
1. We have just launched a new Web site for patients newly
diagnosed with HIV, those currently receiving treatment, and
caregivers. APositiveLife.com is an interactive, informative
resource that cuts through the science to make HIV understandable
to a wide audience. “We wanted to create a site that’s not just
facts, but an interesting, positive experience for people seeking
information and support,” explains Kate DeBruin, manager of
GSK’s HIV Scientific Communications.
The site offers fascinating video testimonials from real patients
and caregivers who tell their stories with a positive perspective.
Among those you’ll meet are:
Helen, a patient who was diagnosed in 1987.
“When I was first diagnosed, I wanted to run, I
wanted to dig a hole and pull the dirt in over
me. But immediately I knew I want to live…I
chose learning all that I could about this dis-
ease so that I can be proactive in
conjunction with managing my health.”
Rodney, a patient diagnosed in 1991.
“The worst punishment to a man here on
earth is to live without hope. I’m here to
offer you that hope. You can live a full,
happy life.”
David, a caregiver whose
brother died from an AIDS-related
illness and whose wife is HIV+.
“I have a personal connection with the virus…
At the time I met my wife we didn’t know she
was HIV-positive. When I look at my wife, I see
the woman that I love, I don’t see HIV.”
GSK
National
ASO
Day, March
20
APositiveLife.com includes:
• how HIV works
• where to get help
• financial programs available for patients
• managing side effects
• co-morbidities
• questions to ask one’s doctor
Introducing APositiveLife.com
We hope this site will provide you another
useful source of information and support for
you and your clients.
Issue
1::Spring
2007
.. .
2. Welcome to the first issue
of Positive News, a quarterly
newsletter for the staff of
AIDS service organizations. In this and every issue we will
highlight an organization’s project or program we consider
a “best practice” in the hope that spreading good news
about what’s working in one community will trigger ideas
you can use in your own. We will also share helpful
resources and relevant events.
Positive News is one of the educational resources we
have created as part of our new program, A Positive Life.
Others include patient education programs; ASO staff
education materials and tools; and the Web site,
APositiveLife.com.
The GSK HIV Clinical Specialists who visit you are interested
in finding ways to continue providing educational
resources and tools for patients and caregivers – and
that is my goal, as well.
As I work with ASOs across the country,
I’m motivated by your passion and creativity.
I especially enjoy learning about the
educational programs and services you
provide. It’s evident that you’re making a difference in
your community through your support of those affected
or infected by HIV.
We hope you will find Positive News a useful source of
new ideas and inspiration. If you have any suggestions
for topics you would like us to cover, or want to offer
feedback on what you’ve read, please send me an email
at PositiveNews@gsk.com.
GSK Celebrates ASOs
Why are we focusing our attention on ASOs? Working with ASOs
brings us closer to the patients. Dedicating time to work with and
understand the needs of the compassionate people who work in
ASOs helps remind us we still have important work to do.
We chose March 20th to honor GSK’s longstanding commitment
to the HIV community. Twenty years ago on this day the FDA
approved the first drug we developed as a treatment for HIV.
“Back then, nobody thought it could be done – but we knew we
had to try,” recalls Marty St. Clair, one of the scientists who
volunteered for the drug-discovery team that was racing against
a frightening, little-understood disease. “If we hadn’t taken that
first step, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Although HIV treatment has come a long way since, we believe it’s important that we periodically reflect on what it
was like at the beginning of the epidemic in the US, when our company offered the first ray of hope to those who
had been diagnosed with a disease they considered a death sentence. Since then, GSK has developed more medicines
to treat HIV than any other company. And Marty is still in the lab, working with the next generation of scientists who
are dedicating their careers to improving the lives of HIV patients.
GSK’s national ASO Day is an exclamation of our commitment to the community you serve. We hope our annual
celebration will encourage you to take time to reflect on the remarkable journey that has shifted the focus of HIV
treatment and education from saving lives to helping patients manage a chronic disease.
OUR MISSION
Establish effective partnerships with AIDS Service
Organizations to educate, empower, and inspire
HIV community members. Provide relevant tools
and opportunities that encourage community
members to actively participate in and take
responsibility for their health.
GSK scientist Marty St. Clair – who raises and
shows llamas when she’s not in the lab – livens
up the AIDS Walk in Raleigh, NC, every year
with “Team Llama.”
Maja Hall
ASO Market Development Manager
GlaxoSmithKline
One on OneONE ON ONE
3. sitive Resourcessitive Resourcessitive Resourcessitive Resourcessitive Resources
Positive ResourcesPositive ResourcesPositive ResourcesPositive ResourcesPositive Resources
Those who don’t understand the HIV
epidemic, and who is most at risk,
are sometimes surprised that GSK
employees call on healthcare
providers in prisons. I manage four
Correctional Account Managers
who work with prisons and AIDS
service organizations to help
ensure continuity of care for
HIV patients. Some of you
are already familiar with us;
if you aren’t, I hope you will
consider us a resource if you
need guidance in working with
correctional facilities and/or
ex-offenders.
Our collaboration with ASOs is
a natural extension of our work
in prisons. Early on we recognized
there was a giant disconnect
between the healthcare patients
receive in correctional facilities and
what happens when they return to
the community. Many receive the best
healthcare of their lives while they are
incarcerated. Upon release their therapy
can become interrupted when they’re
focused on finding housing, food,
and employment. ASOs play an
important role in reaching out to
inmates who are going to be released
into the community to ensure they
continue treatment.
One program we have developed in
collaboration with ASOs is Reach
One, Teach One, which allows HIV+
peer educators to teach other
inmates the importance of taking
responsibility for managing
their disease. Local
ASOs train the peer
educators and we
help with speakers
and other resources.
In New York City we
coordinated with the
NYDOC, the NYDOH, and
The Bridge Project to
develop a visitor’s guide
of available services for
prisoners at the city’s
largest jail facility, Rikers Island. We
worked with the jail and the Depart-
ment of Health to steer HIV+ prisoners
to appropriate post-release assistance.
How can we help you? If your ASO
is trying to create programs to reach
out to inmates or newly released
ex-offenders, we can offer guidance
in planning and, in many cases, with
contacts at prisons. We have clinical
educators who can speak to these
groups. And we have a desire to
ensure that these patients and their
families receive the treatment and
education they deserve. To learn more,
please contact us through the Clinical
Specialist who calls on your ASO.
Positive News GSK National ASO Day, March 20 Spring 2007
Providing Services to Prisoners
1
Doug Wood
Director,
Correctional HIV Sales
GlaxoSmithKline
Nearly 80% of all HIV patients
have medical coverage for HIV
drug resistance testing.
Genotype and phenotype test-
ing is covered by Medicare,
Medicaid, and the top 50 private
plans. (Medicaid coverage of
resistance testing is not, however,
available in Mississippi). ADAP
coverage of resistance testing is
available, but varies by state. To
learn more, call the PhenoAID
Hotline: 877.436.6243 or go to
www.MonogramHIV.com.
Grants.gov allows organizations
to electronically find and apply
for more than $400 billion in
federal grants. According to
their Web site: “There are over
1,000 grant programs offered
by all federal grant making
agencies. The US Department
of Health and Human Services
is proud to be the managing
partner for Grants.gov, an
initiative that is having an
unparalleled impact on the
grant community.” To learn
more, go to www.grants.gov.
Positive
TIPSTIPS
2
4. Worth Sharing
Worth Sharing will be a regular feature of Positive News. In each issue we
will highlight a notable ASO program or service we believe is worth sharing
with you. We hope you’ll find these articles interesting and inspiring.
Some people go through a long period
of denial and grief after learning they are
HIV+. “Many aren’t emotionally ready to
take those next steps, but it’s important to
get them into treatment to minimize the
challenges that result from delayed care
and lack of social support,” says Neena
Smith-Bankhead, AID Atlanta’s director
of Education and Volunteer Services.
Determined to find a way to bridge the
gap between diagnosis and acceptance,
AID Atlanta researched the information
and support needs of newly diagnosed
individuals. They conducted focus groups with people who had lived
with HIV for over two years, and with the newly diagnosed; and
they surveyed key contacts in healthcare, mental health, and social
service organizations.
Discovery, the program that resulted from their research, creates an
environment that encourages and fosters active involvement of
group participants through role plays, group discussions, panel
presentations, and skills development. “The goal is to have people
learn how to access resources and connect with people who are
going through a similar situation,” Neena explains. “It’s an educational
group, but it’s also a support session.” To ensure effective interaction,
group size is limited to 12 participants.
Michael Seabolt, AID Atlanta’s manager of Information Services, leads
the Discovery groups. He believes HIV+ volunteers who co-facilitate
Discovery sessions are critical to the success of the program.
“Sometimes it’s so overwhelming, people can’t imagine how they’re
going to live a normal life with this disease,” he comments. “These
volunteers, who have been through all of that and are living happily
and successfully, are great role models. The participants can see
evidence that there is life after HIV – and quality life.”
Discovery is not a support group in the traditional sense. It’s an
educational group that meets in a supportive environment. But
bonds definitely develop over the six weeks – which led to the
creation of an alumni group that meets once a quarter. Michael
recruits his co-facilitators from the dedicated Discovery alumni.
“The feedback I’ve received from this program has been very positive,”
says Michael. “People say it’s a rewarding experience for them.
The real value is that it jump-starts the process of integrating
HIV into their lives in a healthy, functional way.”
How Discovery
Evolves
Discovery consists of six program
modules. Here is a summary of
each session:
1. Orientation Introduction to
group process, overview of
program objectives and meeting
schedule, challenges faced by
people living with HIV, strategies
to cope with the discovery crisis.
2. HIV/AIDS Basics Overview of
immune system, disease progression,
opportunistic infections, and
lab tests; introduction to
treatment basics.
3. Mental Health and Stress
Management Presentation of
mental health maintenance
strategies, the four stress
management competencies,
support resources for mental
health services, demonstration
of relaxation techniques.
4. Relationships and Sexual Health
Identifying and categorizing
relationships, responsible sex
practices, sexual compulsivity and
managing triggers, condoms or
abstinence, reinfection/
superinfection.
5. Disclosure The decision to tell,
reasons to keep silent, legal issues
related to disclosure, communication
strategies for the disclosure process.
6. Living Well Understanding
nutrition, alternative/complementary
therapies, general health
considerations.
AID Atlanta
Founded in 1982, AID Atlanta is the Southeast’s
largest AIDS service organization. There are approximately 27,000
people who are living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia; current CDC statistics
rank the state as fifth in the nation in the number of reported AIDS
cases. The clinic at AID Atlanta tests approximately 400 people a
month; 3-5% test positive for HIV. AID Atlanta offers a broad spectrum
of education, prevention, and support programs, including the
Georgia AIDS & STD Infoline. To learn more, go to AIDAtlanta.org.
Does your ASO have a program
you’d like to tell others about?
If so, please send us an email at
PositiveNews@gsk.com, and put
“worth sharing” in the subject line.
Positive News GSK National ASO Day, March 20 Spring 2007
Guiding Newly
Diagnosed Patients
Through Discovery
5. We have just launched a new Web site for patients newly
diagnosed with HIV, those currently receiving treatment, and
caregivers. APositiveLife.com is an interactive, informative
resource that cuts through the science to make HIV understandable
to a wide audience. “We wanted to create a site that’s not just
facts, but an interesting, positive experience for people seeking
information and support,” explains Kate DeBruin, manager of
GSK’s HIV Scientific Communications.
The site offers fascinating video testimonials from real patients
and caregivers who tell their stories with a positive perspective.
Among those you’ll meet are:
Helen, a patient who was diagnosed in 1987.
“When I was first diagnosed, I wanted to run, I
wanted to dig a hole and pull the dirt in over
me. But immediately I knew I want to live…I
chose learning all that I could about this dis-
ease so that I can be proactive in
conjunction with managing my health.”
Rodney, a patient diagnosed in 1991.
“The worst punishment to a man here on
earth is to live without hope. I’m here to
offer you that hope. You can live a full,
happy life.”
David, a caregiver whose
brother died from an AIDS-related
illness and whose wife is HIV+.
“I have a personal connection with the virus…
At the time I met my wife we didn’t know she
was HIV-positive. When I look at my wife, I see
the woman that I love, I don’t see HIV.”
GSK
National
ASO
Day, March
20
APositiveLife.com includes:
• how HIV works
• where to get help
• financial programs available for patients
• managing side effects
• co-morbidities
• questions to ask one’s doctor
Introducing APositiveLife.com
We hope this site will provide you another
useful source of information and support for
you and your clients.
Issue
1::Spring
2007
.. .