Comments on: San Francisco’s New Approach to HIV Prevention http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html HIV Policy & Programs. Research. New Media. Tue, 21 May 2013 20:39:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 By: David http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-9202 David Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:47:00 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-9202 We as the article and other commentators mentioned HIV infections are very commonly linked to drug usage. in fact absent mimd altering cemicals very few people would ever consider making the decisions that ledo to their infections. Why is then thats we push push and push educational prevention plans? Will we ever get arround to the root of this epidemic? Lets talk about shame and depression, the two groups most at risk I’m no the US are gay men and african american women who partner with men on the DL. Now examine the demonstrated links between shame and drug use. As a population, by the age of 18, gay men have dealt with more shame and suffered more psycological damage than any population since before the civil rights movement and unlike those souls strugling in 1960s most go through ith alone. Worst amongst many problems are kids abandoned by their families nearly 100% will struggle with dependancy at some point ino life. Black men are so ostracized by their already long suffering community thats their only choice is to act “straight” abdul fulfill their basic human need on the “DL” which brings black women into the cycle. If this nation is serious about solving the hiv/aids crisis we must focus on ending the misguided “war on drugs”; focus on mental health and well being of our citizens; and finally end government sanctioned discrimination against gay men and women and take step to portray them as good and decent people just like everyone else. When we health the damage we will end stop the drugs and begin to end the hiv/aids crisis.

]]> By: Paul W. Anderson, Ph.D. http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1101 Paul W. Anderson, Ph.D. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:47:15 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1101 I think the coasts have a tendency to out pace us Midwesterners with their more progressive attitudes which in turn seed and cultivate the acceptance of a problem that’s necessary to do something about it especially one as stigmatized as HIV.

How has San Francisco been able to reduce the stigma of HIV and get it into the category it belongs, namely a disease? My work with families around this issue often hinges on this one point.

]]> By: Consuelo Beck-Sagué, MD http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1066 Consuelo Beck-Sagué, MD Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:54:27 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1066 This is my first time at this blog, and I am just going to say I’m so very, very encouraged. Why isn’t this happening in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale? Why is getting tested in Miami still such a trip, with goofy consent forms and even “counseling” about the down sides of getting tested? But let me not start grouching… let’s leave it at what an encouraging blog!

]]> By: Former SF Resident http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1065 Former SF Resident Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:01:41 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1065 I don’t know whether I have to believe in this article. I just got back from SF and heard about the direction of monopolizing HIV service delivery by few large organizations and leaving smaller organizations who have a long history and relationships with communities and the vulnerable population. The current programming in SF specifically presents a huge gap of services especially to youth, women and other minority groups (like API which is 30% of the city population, as well as Native American). It would be best to consult The HIV Planning Council of the city would as to whether the statements presented here are reflective of what the council feels.

]]> By: Mike Culver http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1064 Mike Culver Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:16:14 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1064 I think it very wise to address the “drivers.” Particularly the use of euphorics and depressants needs to be examined. The risk,incidence of exposure are greatly increased when we’re in an altered state, when through chemicals we feel invincible or worse, nihilistic. Two out of three gay men are chemically dependent; the possibilities are dreadful. Fifty percent of my clients state they contracted the virus under the influence of drugs. Thankfully, half of those are in AA & NA.
Thank you for all your hard work,
Mike

]]> By: Jim Pickett http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1063 Jim Pickett Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:21:03 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1063 “The SFDPH now requires care programs to show that those who have been recently diagnosed with HIV and linked to care are on appropriate antiretrovirals (ARVs) and demonstrate a reduced viral load at 6 and 12 months after beginning treatment.”
While it is not mentioned in the above sentence or anywhere in the article, I hope SF’s 336-page 5-year prevention plan makes abundantly clear that an individual has a right to choose ART, and they have a right to NOT choose ART. I hope it is also clear that not all newly-diagnosed individuals are clinically indicated to begin ART.

]]> By: David Harold Pass, Pharmacy Director, Lee Arrendale State Prison, Alto,Ga. http://blog.aids.gov/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1062 David Harold Pass, Pharmacy Director, Lee Arrendale State Prison, Alto,Ga. Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:25:22 +0000 http://production.aidsblog.icfi.com/2011/03/san-franciscos-new-approach-to-hiv-prevention.html#comment-1062 Excellent and very useful information.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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