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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE AUGUST 1, 1997

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Tell us how to make HIV services easier to get

by Bob Candage

Cleveland-One thing that both consumers and providers of HIV services in Cleveland agree on is that the current process of receiving and providing needed services is fragmented, repetitive, and often frustrating. There are dozens of agencies and hospitals, with hundreds of employees, addressing a multitude of needs, cach from a slightly different perspective.

While everyone is doing their best to help, we sometimes find ourselves at cross

purposes, or providing more than enough of one thing and not enough of another. The end result may be that that some people do not get what they need when they need it most. One example of this is the comment, "I spend too much time answering the same silly questions at too many places, only to find out I need to be somewhere else answering the same silly questions." Sound familiar?

Recognizing this problem is the first step to solving it, and the AIDS Taskforce of Cleveland has recently been awarded a

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grant through the Ohio Department of Health that funds my new position as provider network coordinator.

My name is Bob Candage and I am a Masters-level licensed social worker. Some of you may remember me as I was a case manager back in the days when we were known as HIT, the Health Issues Taskforce. I am pleased to be back, and eager to get this job rolling.

In order to do this and do it right, the first step is to ensure that the people receiving services have the opportunity to provide information. Then that information needs to be incorporated into any actions taken. In order

at

Taskforce on Wednesday, August 13, 5:30 p.m. I would like for you to: First, let me know what your needs are. Second, learn about and become part of the "Net-

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TASKFORCE

OF GREATER CLEVELAND

to do that I need the help of all who receive

HIV services in greater Cleveland.

To that end, please consider this an open invitation to come on down to the

work Solution," and third, begin to get to know me as I get reacquainted with the HIVpositive community.

You do not have to be a client of the Taskforce to be heard. If you receive any HIVrelated service in Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, or Ashtabula counties, your voice is needed. All of these counties are included in the grant project. Your voice is critical to the success of this effort to provide easier access to more efficient service.

If you are unable to attend this forum, but have something you want to say about service provision in the fivecounty area, call me at 216-621-0766 ext. 240. Together we can make life a little easier!

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