Current Issues

INVISIBLE CITIZENS?

HIV/AIDS

When I was an undergraduate at The University of Connecticut , I read Michael Harrington's "The Other America ." It was a book, which outlined how those in poverty became invisible citizens. Today we might call them people on the margin. The more things change, the more they remain the same!

At the recent HIV/AIDS Training Conference (sponsored by Phila. City Administration and GNY Division), I listened to a presentation by Lt. Colonel Herb Rader, MD, FACS. I was amazed at what the Army has done and is doing to identify and give hope to these people on the margin. Dr. Rader said of the Army, "We are at work in many cities to locate individuals on the margin, to find ways to communicate with them, and to motivate behavior change." We are bringing the message of hope in Zimbabwe , South Africa , Australia , India , Indonesia , Bangladesh , Brazil , Malawi , China , Russia , and England and in many parts of the United States . He reminded us that our goal is ".to look at the 'assets' in every community, and to come alongside those in community through facilities and programs already in place.." WE CAN DO THIS!

The Health Education and Leadership Project, Atlanta Georgia , reminds us that HIV is a preventable disease, and education is a powerful weapon. The AIDS crisis is not over and currently there is no HIV vaccine available. Current methods to combat HIV/AIDS are not reaching those we need to reach. The statistic of 1 HIV infection occurring every 13 minutes has not changed in a decade.

Certainly the staggering statistics for women and HIV/AIDS is motivation alone for us to become involved.

•  The face of HIV/AIDS is becoming more rural and female

•  Between 1985 and 1999 the percent of women with AIDS has tripled.

•  African American and Hispanic Women make up less than ¼ of all U.S. Women but account for ¾ of AIDS cases.

•  Women in the U.S. account for 18% of adult/adolescent AIDS cases.

•  Women in PA are more likely to be living with AIDS than women nationally.

•  Teen girls represent 56% of reported youth HIV/AIDS cases.

(Office of HIV/AIDS Policy , US Department of Health and Human Services)

Perhaps the first step is to learn about HIV/AIDS and then seek relationship with those in our communities to work on solutions to the HIV/AIDS crisis. This is something that we all can be a part of! WE CAN DO THIS!

In an article outlining the community's response to a women's son when he got AIDS, the author shares, ".to be the channel of God's unconditional love can ease the suffering of HIV-AIDS."

Major Florence Townsend

Assistant Social Services Secretary