I remember Ian

 

I will never forget the day I went to visit my good friend at a New York City hospital.  I was told what room he was in but upon getting there I could not find him.  I called the nurse to ask where he had been moved.  There were 4 people in that particular room where he was supposed to be.  I insisted he must have been moved because he was not there. 

The nurse did not say a word and just took me by the hand and led me to the last bed near the window. Then she called out his name.  When he opened his eyes I was paralized with an overwhelming sadness.  I had passed him by several times and did not recognize him.  Ian died two days after I saw him.  He was one of the funniest and most positive people I knew. Ian died in 1990 of AIDS related Pneumonia. 

Today, more than two dozen anti-HIV drugs are on the market and if taken in proper combination can dramatically improve the lives of those suffering from HIV related disease.  Although significant progress has been made in research we must not get too comfortable.  Around the world 2.7 million people were infected with AIDS in 2007 and globally 33 million people are living with HIV infection, most in the developing world.

Remember there are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS:

• Get tested for HIV
• Practice safe methods to prevent HIV
• Decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
• Provide support to those living with HIV/AIDS
• Get involved with an AIDS organization in your community.

Additional Resources
AIDS.gov: the gateway to Federal domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, research information.
PEPFAR.gov: the official website of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

worldaidscampaign.org: brochures and information about events worldwide.

To find an HIV Testing location near you, send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) or visit www.hivtest.org.