HIV & Me: A Woman's Guide to Living With HIV: Step 3 - Getting Connected to Support

No woman should face an HIV diagnosis alone. So, whatever your reservations, make sure you connect with a community of HIV-positive people. It's a key step towards solving both the emotional and practical problems of living with HIV.

Knowing when you need help is vital. An HIV/AIDS organization can be a lifeline. Many HIV/AIDS organizations have case managers who can help you move forward on many of your health care issues.

You'll find most, if not all, of the following at HIV/AIDS organizations:

HIV support groups
Mental health and substance abuse counseling
Case managers who can connect you to government aid you may need, such as Medicaid, disability insurance or medication assistance
Expert information on HIV and nutrition, fitness and other issues
HIV treatment information and adherence workshops to help with taking HIV medications
HIV prevention counseling, safe sex workshops and free condoms

Most big cities have several HIV/AIDS organizations geared to meet the needs of different populations. For help in finding a local organization, go online to www.thebody.com/hotlines.html or call the CDC Healthline at 1-800-232-4636.

For additional information on finding support and information available for someone diagnosed with HIV, visit: www.thebody.com/justdiagnosed

"An HIV support group was really what kept me positive and focused on living with the disease, and not dying from it."

-- Pam Yelsky, diagnosed in 1992

As we've mentioned, HIV/AIDS organizations can provide a lot of help. There are even a growing number throughout the United States that specifically cater to the needs of HIV-positive women and offer a range of services.

Call the 24-hour CDC healthline at 1-800-232-4636 for referrals to organizations near you. No matter where you live, you can also call one of the organizations below to connect to other HIV-positive women and find services.

Women Alive (Los Angeles, CA)
The country's largest organization helping HIV-positive women. Their hotline is open 10 am – 6 pm (Pacific time) Monday – Friday
1-800-554-4876

WORLD (Oakland, CA)
One of the oldest organizations devoted to HIV-positive women. Great newsletter and yearly retreats.
1-510-986-0340

Chicago Women's AIDS Project
They have a wide array of services for HIV-positive women in Chicago.
1-773-271-2242

Women's Institute (New York, NY)
Services for women at GMHC, the largest HIV organization in NYC.
1-212-367-1365

Women at Risk (Culver City, CA)
They specialize in helping women in the Los Angeles area, but can offer resources to women throughout the U.S.
1-310-204-1046

Babes Network (Seattle, WA)
One of the oldest organizations helping HIV-positive women. Their hotline is open 10 am – 6 pm (Pacific time)
1-888-292-1912

Women and aids Network (New Jersey)
Their Warmline is open 9 am– 5 pm (Eastern time) Monday – Friday
1-800-747-1108

HIV Wisdom for older women
Help for HIV-infected older women.
1-816-421-5263

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