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Susan F. Wesley, LISW and Kevin Diamond, LSW, CCDC I
AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati
2183 C.ntrA1 Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
(513 ) 421-2437
Uncertainty still remains the number one constant for those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. Many lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS since the early 1980's and maybe even earlier into the 50'n and 60's. The impact of HIV/AIDS has been known and/or felt at every stage of development. A young woman, pregnant for the first time, learns of HIV during prenatal care because of mandatory testing. A son telling his parents about being HIV infected, having never admitted to using injectable drugs, A child living with HIV often knows no other life except the daily routine of medication and frequent doctor visits. Expanding life spans have adolescents, infected as children, looking at issues of sexuality and possible future parenting. A professional has to quit work due to repeated absences and a need for medical coverage that is often not a benefit of part-time work. A patient given a prognosis of less than a year suddenly finds treatment has lowered their viral load to undetectable and are now looking at the possibility of an extended life expectancy; a terminal diagnosis has been re-classified as chronic. And the patient that had to give up housekeeping and move to a long term care facility is now capable of living in the community again. Early retirement and disability have been a way of life for many AIDS patients. Because of Protease Inhibitors and a return of health and increased energy, work may again be possible.
How can we as workers/helpers best assist clients who face these life challenges? The psychosocial consequences of living with HIV/AIDS or being involved with someone living with HIV/AIDS will be examined. It is our hope to give those attending the workshop some knowledge of what it is like and what some of the special issues are for those infected/affected by HIV and AIDS. For many clients it is not the number one issue in their lives. Poverty, substance abuse, housing, just to name a few are of more importance. The HIV/AIDS just exacerbates all of the above.
"Often the test of courage is not to die, but to live...."
Vittorio Alfieri
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