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Healthwise by L. Kolke

As indicated elsewhere in this paper, the Health Issues Task Force of Cleveland has been awarded grant of $19,064 from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The grant is to be used to fund AIDS education and support services in Greater Cleveland. We at HIT feel that a prime determinant of the award's going to Cleveland was our community's unique opportunity to reduce the spread of AIDS here before it reaches the serious levels experienced on both coasts.

This article will explain the 4 objectives and accompanying tactics that HIT plans to implement this year. Their ultimate success goes beyond issues of funding. They won't be worthwhile unless we support them as a community and use the forthcoming information in our lives to make

informed and responsible choices.

OBJECTIVE #1

TO INCREASE

THE AWARENESS OF AT-RISK GAY MEN WHO FREQUENT BARS AND BATH HOUSES ABOUT METHODS OF SAFE SEX.

Basically, HIT will coordinate a SAFE SEX EDUCATION program in the gay community. Our bottom line will be to communicate a positive and affirming

Gay Peoples Chronicle

message about safe sex through posters, informational brochures, meetings, and other events. We will encourage the use of condoms particularly at the Baths. The highlight will undoubtedly be a 'Mr. Play Safe' contest and party to be held at a local club. (Maybe you'll even compete and make all those workouts at the gym worthwhile!) All in all, we hope to make the idea of safe sex a positive one in our community.

OBJECTIVE #2 TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO LOCAL AIDS & AIDS-RELATED COMPLEX (ARC) PATIENTS.

Granted, our community has been fortunate so far. But there are more and more men in town who are ARC patients. They show some symptoms of AIDS but it is not certain whether these men will develop full cases or recover. The anxiety created by such a limbo state is definitely counterproductive to good physical and emotional health. And all gays (whether they have AIDS or not) have a need for nurturing and intimacy. HIT intends to develop educational and support groups to meet this objective.

OBJECTIVE #3 TO INCREASE THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF ANCILLARY HEALTH & COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY PERSONNEL CONCERNING AIDS SO THAT THEY MAY BETTER WORK

WITH AIDS & ARC PATIENTS.

We've all heard the stories of people with AIDS being refused proper medical treatment and morticians refusing to embalm gay men mainly because of ignorance and irrational fears about AIDS. This objective is to educate further those parts of the health care and social service systems AIDS patients have to deal with (usually when they are to sick to fight discrimination.) HIT intends to work through professional organizations, publications, and in-service training programs to accomplish this objective.

OBJECTIVE #4 TO INCREASE THE KNOWLEDGE OF BLACK AND 'CLOSETED' GAYS ABOUT AIDS.

Oftentimes, Cleveland's gay community displays the same racial polarization as its straight counterpart.. Also, given our city's conservative nature, there are many gays who are not 'out' and don't frequent gay establishments or join gay organizations. HIT

recognizes that both of these groups are typically outside of 'mainstream' gay life and require special educational efforts about AIDS. HIT intends to publicize the State of Ohio 1-800 AIDS Hotline and to disseminate information to traditional radio, T.V. and print media about AIDS. We will also provide information to the 'Call and Post' and other media

Health Task Force Sponsors Test Talk

Over the past month, local blood banks and those around the country have begun to test donated blood for evidence to exposure to the suspected AIDS virus, HTLV III. The test does not actually test for the virus itself. Instead, it tests for the presence of antibodies to the virus found in the blood.

Since the test was announced by Margaret Heckler, Secretary for Health and Human Services, approximately two months ago, several questions have arisen as to the reliability and accuracy of the test. Many gay leaders across the

men

country are urging gay not to take the test due to a variety of factors including possible

inaccuracies with the test and the fact that the test cannot predict whether a person has or will develop AIDS.

Others, including some gay physicians, are urging those in high risk groups (which include sexually active gay men) to take the test with the hope that showing evidence of exposure will modify their lifestyles to include safer sex activities and to pay closer attention to their general health.

The Health Issues Task

Force (HIT) is sponsoring a discussion dealing with many of the questions surrounding this test. It will be held on Thursday May 23 at 8:00 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral. Participating in the discussion will be representatives of the gay and medical communities as well as a representative of a local blood bank. The discussion is open to the public and free of charge. Trinity Cathedral is located in downtown Cleveland on the corner of East 22nd Street and Euclid Avenue. Those attending can enter the Cathedral through the rear entrance located off Prospect Avenue.

May 1, 1985

specifically targeted to Blacks. Speakers will be available to groups such as BWMT, the Black Medical Association, and the Black Ministerial Association.

We hope the community shares HIT'S pride and excitement in receiving these monies. Keep your 'eye out' for more information about our programs and help us to 'spread the word."

L. Kolke is Secretary and Trustee of the Health Issues Task Force.

Feds Fund

AIDS Test,

Ask At-Risks

To Avoid

By BUCK HARRIS

Fearing that gay men may flood blood donor centers to have the HTLV-III test performed, the Federal Government has provided funds to set up alternate testing sites for them. The Ohio Department of Health is working with eight city health departments in implementing this program. These alternate testing sites are expected to be operational by mid-May.

Many of us working in the AIDS field believe that the $12,500,000 allocated for this project would be better spent on AIDS research and prevention.

The message from public health officials to highrisk individuals is, "We are setting up alternate test sites but we are urging you not to take the test because we don't know what to tell you if you have a positive test."

That's a mixed message that does little to install faith in public health. The Honorable Margaret Heckler, Secretary of Health and Human Services, is to take credit for this one.