Colorado AIDS Agency Gives Help on Multiple Fronts

Jeffrey is happy taking 12 pills a day. Just a few years ago, at the height of his battle with HIV, he was taking closer to 60 a day. He knew he wouldn't be able to pay for the medication, which can cost thousands of dollars. He contacted Colorado AIDS Project (CAP), which provided the food, housing and financial assistance he desperately needed. "It's very confidential, which is great," Jeffrey said. "They just call, everything's on a first-name basis, and you get to pick if you want a male or female caseworker." Jeffrey receives funding from CAP for two bottles of medicine that cost more than $1,300. He was depressed and suicidal in 1998 when he first learned he had HIV, and he made use of the support groups that are one of CAP's services.

Executive Director Deidre Maloney said the program's diversity comes from knowing that there are numerous issues attached to AIDS. CAP offers an insurance continuation program to assist clients in meeting premiums. In addition, it provides culture- and language-specific services, case management, medical equipment, education, legal assistance, massage and even pet care. "We have what we call triple-diagnosed clients -- that is they're not just living with HIV, they're also homeless and dealing with substance-abuse issues," Maloney said. "They may not be thinking about HIV first; they may just be thinking about their next meal."

Even the food bank operates specifically with an AIDS-patient slant, said Diana Cable, the bank's coordinator. It offers high-protein, low-fat food to help patients deal with the drugs that keep the virus at bay. Recent advances have created a false sense of safety, driving down awareness levels and funding for AIDS programs, Maloney said. "We're determined to be out there fighting as long as we need to, until we're not needed, despite the financial crunch. We're all trying to work ourselves out of a job."

Back to other CDC news for December 10, 2001

Previous Updates