If you or somebody you know is HIV positive, has been forced to flee the Gulf Coast area because of Hurricane Katrina, and is near the Houston area, a clinic in Houston may be able to help you get access to HIV medications or medical care. The Montrose Clinic, which is located in Houston, is working with health officials to ensure that everyone who needs HIV medical services can get it.

Montrose has set up an emergency hotline for Gulf Coast refugees to call: 713-830-3047. If someone isn't there to answer the phone and provide immediate help, you'll be asked to leave a message, and someone will return your call as quickly as possible.

If you're in the Houston area, you can also just walk right into the clinic; no appointment is necessary, and the clinic will stay open throughout Labor Day weekend (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Monday; 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday). The clinic is located at 215 Westheimer in Houston.

For more information, please visit this Web page: www.montroseclinic.org/WhatsNew/whatsnew.htm