Arizona: AIDS Group Suspends Alternative-Care Service

The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation in Tucson has temporarily suspended its complementary therapies and alternative health care program due to a funding shortfall. SAAF offered the services to low-income people fighting the side effects of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy, said Michele Bart, the foundation's director of development.

SAAF contracted with licensed providers to offer HIV/AIDS patients services, including naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, and vitamins and nutritional supplements, Bart said. The program cost about $80,000 annually to operate, she said.

SAAF has struggled to keep the program open since it stopped receiving federal funding about four years ago, Bart said. Private donors have helped, though total contributions have declined over the last few years, she said. While the foundation has had to cut the number of program clients during the last several years, this is the first time SAAF has suspended it. The program was serving 30 clients when it was halted.

Foundation officials are hoping Sunday's AIDSWalk Tucson will raise enough money to help continue the program. SAAF needs about $200,000 to help other strapped programs in addition to the complementary services, Bart said.

The 21st annual AIDSWalk Tucson is Oct. 11 at the University of Arizona Mall. For more information, telephone 520-791-WALK (9255) or visit www.aidswalktucson.org.

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