Hi Doc, My roomate and bestfreind was just diagnosed with HIV. He is heterosexual, and was one of the happiest people I have ever known. He has just began to slip into deep depression. He has not received any medication, counceling etc.... Mostly due to the fact that he is completely broke, and this is new to both of us. If you have a # or some kind of info to help. Please we live in San Diego and anywhere to start would help. Thanx Hector

Dear Hector,

I do not have any numbers for organizations in San Diego, but I know they exist. Since you live in San Diego go to Hellcrest and walk into any of the gay oriented stores there and pick up one of the free gay newspapers. These will have advertisements or notices about AIDS service organizations in San Diego. Though these organizations advertise in gay publications they are NOT gay specific groups. They were created to help any person diagnosed with HIV adjust to living with HIV. They will know the best AIDS medical and mental health services in San Diego and have specialists on staff to help your room mate get medical help and professional counseling that does not cost alot of money or anything. They will also help him enroll in all the programs for people with HIV that will enable him to get publicly financed services. This is the best way to begin. Your roomate will need both regular medical care as well as the support of other people living with the disease and perhaps professional mental health services to adjust to this situation. Michael Shernoff, MSW