HIV / AIDS: INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) have been recognized since the early 1980's. Fortunately, there are many resources available to the public that provide information about these devastating illnesses.

The National STD and AIDS Hotlines at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437 are available 24-hours a day to answer questions related to AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 am and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

For information on the treatments available for HIV and AIDS, contact the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service at (800) 448-0440. Information about AIDS clinical trials can be obtained by calling the national hotline service at (800) 874-2572 between the hours of noon and 5 PM eastern time. Comprehensive information about prevention, treatment, guidelines, and clinical trials is available on the Internet at www.AIDSinfo.nih.gov.

Public and university libraries have HIV and AIDS information. Many journals dealing with HIV and AIDS are primarily aimed at healthcare providers. A popular magazine for the public called POZ has stories by and about people living with HIV. It is free to any person who is HIV positive and cannot afford the modest subscription fee. For more information about subscribing to POZ, call (800) 973-2376 or visit their website at www.poz.com.

The National Association of People with AIDS is a national advocate for people with HIV/AIDS in regard to policy decisions that affect their lives. For more information call 202-898-0418, or visit their website at www.napwa.org.

Many cities have AIDS service organizations and providers that are listed in the Yellow Pages under "AIDS Information and Treatment." Also, in many areas, the United Way runs information and referral services that can refer you to local HIV-related services.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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