GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

November 28, 2003

HIV services are available 'out in the country'

by Gail D. Anderson

Numbers seem to count. When you think about HIV and AIDS, there is a tendency to think about cities with high numbers of cases. We sometimes forget that HIV is rural as well as urban. That is, unless you happen to be the one living in a rural area.

There are many individuals living “out in the country" who need services for HIV prevention and care. Individuals need to know where to go, what's available, and how to access resources. It can be scary: people may feel that others will know "my business" if too many questions are asked.

Question: Where does a person in Pierpont, Ohio go for services? (Answer at the end of this article.)

Where to go?

Testing services are available in 74 counties considered to be rural through the Rural AIDS Advisory Group. The testing is done either through blood draw or the Orasure test. Both methods are extremely reliable. Testing at these sites can be done either anonymously or confidentially, and results take one to two weeks depending on the county where service was received.

For example, there is testing available in Lake, Ashtabula and Lorain counties. To get information on nearby sites, call 877742-3664. Information about prevention services can be obtained through the same number. Also, always remember that local health departments can be a valuable resource for information.

What's available?

Services are available throughout the entire state of Ohio. In rural areas the same types of services (medical/medicine, case management, emergency assistance, etc.) are available, though they may be harder to find. The delivery system may differ, in that the client may have to travel to see his or her case manager. However, in many cases the case manager will travel to see the client in his or her home, and meetings can occur over the phone. Case managers are a highly knowledgeable and caring group of individuals. They are aware of services available to clients, where located, and how to access them in the areas they serve.

For Title I service information in Northeast Ohio call 216-348-3986. Call the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland (216-

621-0766) to get linked to Title II services in Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lorain, and Medina counties. If you live outside of these areas, call the AIDS Client Resources Section at the Ohio Department of Health at 800-777-4775.

Remember the question in the beginning of the article? The Pierpont resident may call the Lake County General Health District (800-899-LAKE ext.2437 or 440-350-2437). Whether it was for testing or care, they'd have the right number. (For those geographically challenged, Pierpont is in northern Ashtabula County and a marvelous place to visit.)

Gail D. Anderson, LSW, is the HIV coordinator of the Lake County General Health District, serving Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga counties.

World AIDS Day 2003

"Commemorate, Educate, Remember"

Sunday, November 30, 3:00 pm

Trinity Episcopal Church

326 Madison Street, Covington, KY

Sponsoring Organizations: Faith Communities HIV/AIDS Outreach; AIDS Volunteers of NKY; AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati; Northern KY Health Dept; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Interfaith Clergy Network

Telephone: 859-431-1786

621-AIDS

SEX LIKE ART IS NOT ALWAYS SAFE.

For information on testing, safer sex materials and programs, call 216-621-AIDS. This is a confidential call.

To send an Art Action AIDS electronic postcard, please visit www.visualaids.org.

EXPRESS YOURSELF. PROTECT YOURSELE Art Action AIDS:Nannette Bedway