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HIV & Me: A Guide to Living With HIV for Hispanics
Step 3: Getting Connected to Support
As we mentioned, nobody should face an HIV diagnosis alone. So, whatever your reservations, make sure you connect with other 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 such 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, safer 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 Health Line at 1-800-232-4636.

For online information for anyone just diagnosed with HIV, visit: www.thebody.com/justdiagnosed.

Rubén Echeverría Hernández

"One of my friends who was sick told me to go to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. I knew that I could learn a lot over there ... focus on getting healthy and learning about medications. That's why I'm still there, almost every day. They have different classes. Right now I'm taking a class on HIV medications."

-- Rubén Echeverría Hernández, diagnosed in 2002



This article was provided by TheBody.com. It is a part of the publication HIV and Me.
 
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