HIV/AIDS Working Group to Meeting January 28th

The DC Center invites all interested individuals and organizations to join us at the table for our first meeting of the Gay, Bi, and Trans HIV/AIDS Working Group.

The DC Center and SMYAL recently organized the HIV/AIDS Town Hall Listen, Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC.

Building on this effort, this working group will provide a place for us to come together and plan concrete steps to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay, bisexual, and transgender men in the District of Columbia.

Please join us Wednesday January 28th at 7:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th St NW Suite 350.

We've also set up a new e-mail list for this working group which you can join by clicking here.

WWC Announces Changes

Kaiser Daily provides a summary of this Article.

The deteriorating state of the economy will force Whitman-Walker Clinic to close or outsource some programs and lay off up to 45 employees by the end of the first quarter of 2009. A combination of declining revenues and an increase in new patients coming to the clinic for uncompensated health care led Whitman-Walker to take action. Many new patients lost their jobs and no longer have either the income or the health coverage to pay for care they need. Whitman-Walker Clinic of Northern Virginia will close by the end of the first quarter of 2009. All patients have the option to transition to the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center or Max Robinson Center. The Bridge Back program, a residential addictions treatment program, will also close by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Current patients whose course of treatment will end on or before Feb. 28 will be allowed to complete the program before it's closed. Other patients will be transitioned to other treatment programs in the community. While up to 20 administrative positions will be eliminated, some additional positions to generate revenue or to improve efficiency of operations will be created. The clinic expanded their grant requests to include more health care areas such as primary care and chronic disease management.

Washington Post Examines History of Whitman Walker Clinic

The Washington Post on Tuesday examined the history of Whitman Walker Clinic, which recently sold its property for $8 million to "beat back mounting debt," the Post reports, adding that the organization will continue to operate in a new, smaller space two blocks from the old location. The clinic currently serves about 10,000 clients, 3,400 of whom are living with HIV. According to the Post, the sale of the clinic's property "was just another real estate deal among many," and the move is a "kind of requiem" for the people who have been involved with the clinic.

Whitman-Walker purchased its former property in 1986 for $1.25 million. Jim Graham -- a lawyer who was Whitman-Walker's executive director for 14 years and currently is a district council member -- made the purchase to "launch a full scale defense for AIDS patients: medical, dental, psychological and legal services," the Post reports. Graham said, "You took great satisfaction in doing what you could do, but you knew the suffering was horrific. It affected everything you did." The Post reports that the clinic "desperately needed money" to provide services to people living with the virus, and "when other institutions wanted nothing to do with AIDS" then-Mayor Marion Barry and the Meyer Foundation were the earliest financial supporters of the clinic, in addition to the gay community, which covered almost half of the operating costs through donations.

According to the Post, the clinic had a staff of 34 with 700 volunteers by 1987 and was able to hire a full-time lawyer and open a food bank. The clinic in 1987 "could not provide the most elusive antidote: medicine to stop or cure the virus"; however, that same year treatment and prevention of pneumocystis pneumonia -- which is often fatal in people living with AIDS -- was found in aerosol pentamidine and Bactrim tablets, and the first FDA-approved antiretroviral drug -- zidovudine, also known as AZT -- was made available to people living with the virus.

According to the Post, the clinic began to apply for grant money totaling $3 million in 1991. About 10 years into the epidemic, the clinic had treated 2,600 clients, of which 1,600 had died. The Post reports that education about AIDS "had calmed some of the paranoia, but not all," and that "race was a tricky complication." Barbara Chin, a clinic staff member, said, "The white boys had gotten to the point where they said, 'I'm gay and to hell with you.' African-Americans were afraid that someone would label them HIV. This was their home town."

The Post reports that in the early 1990s, many of the clinic's clients were entering into clinical research trials in an attempt to increase their life expectancies. Patricia Hawkins, a psychologist and social worker with the clinic since 1984, said the participants "are the unsung heroes of the epidemic. It was all about the people who would come later. And they were right." By 1994, the clinic had purchased additional property and expanded its operations, and the clinic "that used to represent death adjusted to caring for people living long-term with HIV," according to the Post.

However, the clinic recently has experienced financial difficulties as the issue of HIV has become "more of a poverty issue," the Post reports. The clinic's staff has been reduced from 252 to 173 employees, with additional restructuring expected. Hawkins said that data scheduled to be released soon will show that HIV prevalence in the district is increasing. "I wake up every day fearing that a new, faster, more virulent form of this virus will hit us," Hawkins said.

-From Kaiser Daily Health Update

Read the article

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Heterosexuals in Washington DC

The new HIV/AIDS data reveals that heterosexual contact now leads as the risk factor for newly reported HIV cases. The new District of Columbia infection numbers are significantly higher than the national statistics.

Heterosexuals accounted for 37% of new HIV infections among adults and adolescents in the District, but comprised only 17% of new HIV infections among adults and adolescents in the United States in 2005.

Find out more. View the Squidoo HIV/AIDS and Heterosexuals Page

Recovery from Crystal Meth: One Man's Story

The DC Crystal Meth Working Group has released it's first video featuring Jimmy Garza talking about his recovery from crystal meth addiction.

This is a first in a series of videos the group will do with local gay, bisexual, and transgender men talking about health and wellness issues that impact our lives and our community.

If you are interested in telling your story, or assisting with the video project, please e-mail videoproject@thedccenter.org.

Watch our first video below or at www.letstalkaboutmeth.org.

The Basics: HIV/AIDS Microbicide Research

What is a Microbicide?

A microbicide is a product designed to prevent or greatly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during sexual activity. Many potential microbicides are now being tested, but none have been proven to be effective.

Virtually all of these products are 'topical' microbicides. A topical microbicide can take many forms, such as a foam, cream, or gel, which is applied directly to the vagina or rectum. It could also be a suppository (medication that is inserted into a body cavity like the vagina or rectum).

You may also hear people use the term 'oral' microbicide. This refers to a pill that could be taken (swallowed) to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STD's. Tenofovir, a drug that is now widely used in treatment of HIV and AIDS, is currently being tested for possible use as such a product that HIV-negative people could take regularly to reduce their risk of HIV infection.

A New Tool in the Prevention Toolbox

If a microbicide is discovered, it would be a welcome addition to current HIV prevention tools. It would not, however, replace other prevention tools like male condoms, female condoms, dental dams, or latex gloves. The proper and consistent use of a condom during intercourse is still your best bet for preventing HIV transmission, and that is unlikely to change even if a microbicide is found.

In fact, it's likely that the first microbicide (or HIV Vaccine) to be developed will only be partially effective. A partially effective microbicide doesn't sound very promising, but it could actually have a huge impact on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Experts suggest that over a three year period, a partially effective microbicide could prevent well over two million HIV infections worldwide. ¹

For those who consistently use condoms, a microbicide could be used as an added preventive measure. For those who, for whatever reason, do not always use condoms, a microbicide could be used alone to reduce risk of HIV transmission.

Women & Vaginal Microbicides

Male-to-female transmission of HIV and female-to-male transmission of HIV are not the same. Women are twice as likely as men to contract HIV from a single act of unprotected sex because of their biological differences. ² This is one reason women are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS.

In the United States women comprise a growing share of new AIDS cases each year. The proportion of AIDS cases among women has more than tripled since 1986 from 7% to 23% ³. In sub-Saharan Africa, women make up 57% of those living with HIV, and 75% of young people infected are women and girls. ⁴

New HIV prevention strategies for women are clearly needed. A microbicide is one such strategy. For millions of women around the world, negotiating condom use with a partner can be extremely difficult, if not impossible. A microbicide would help to address this by empowering women to take action and reduce their risk of HIV infection on their own.

Microbicides would not just benefit women, though. In theory, such a microbicide could also prevent HIV transmission from a woman to her male partner.

Rectal Microbicides

Less research has been done on rectal microbicides, than vaginal microbicides. Unfortunately, just because a microbicide works vaginally, does not mean it will also work rectally. There are many differences between the rectum and vagina which include:

• The vagina is an enclosed space, while the anus, rectum, and colon are continuous and open-ended.


• The vaginal epithelium (membrane tissue) is 40 cell layers thick, while the epithelium of the rectum is only 1 cell layer thick, and therefore more fragile.


• The human vagina is a moderately acidic environment, the rectum is not; Both have different ecologies. ⁵

What works as an effective vaginal microbicide, could actually be harmful if used rectally. We cannot make any assumptions. Clearly it will be important to test microbicides for safety in both environments and to educate consumers about the differences that may exist.

Rectal microbicide research will be crucial for gay, bisexual, and transgender men, but many others will benefit from this research as well. One study showed that among a group of women at high risk for becoming HIV positive, 32% had engaged in anal intercourse. ⁶

The State of Microbicide Research

Most microbicide research is funded by the public sector (like our federal government and other countries) and philanthropic organizations (like non-profit organizations). Pharmaceutical companies have traditionally shied away from microbicide out of concerns including the scientific feasibility, the demand for a microbicide, and the profit margins. ⁸ This, however, is starting to change.

70% of all United States funding for Microbicide research and development is through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH supports microbicide research in part, through the Microbicide Trials Network (http://www.mtnstopshiv.org/). ¹⁰

For more information on Microbicide Research

Alliance for Microbicide Development

8484 Georgia Ave, Suite 940, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 587-9690

www.microbicide.org

The Alliance for Microbicide Development is a global, non-profit organization whose sole mission is to speed the development of safe, effective, and affordable microbicides to prevent sexually transmitted infections, most critically HIV/AIDS.

Global Campaign for Microbicides (c/o PATH)

1800 K Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 822-0033

www.global-campaign.org

The Global Campaign for Microbicides is a broad-based, international effort to build support among policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public for increased investment into microbicides and other user-controlled prevention methods.

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1. Topical Microbicides, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, June, 2003 note: the Global Campaign for Microbicides, apparently looking at the same study (AIDS Volume 17:1227-1237, May 23, 2002) puts this number at 2.5 million.

2. The Global Coalition on Women and AIDS. Media Briefing Report. (Available on-line at http://womenandaids.unaids.org/themes/theme_7.html).

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, Year-End Editions, 1986, 1999

4. UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNIFEM. Women and HIV/AIDS: Confronting the Crisis, 2004.

5. These three bullet points are adapted from the presentation: Shake That Booty, No One Left Behind: Rectal Microbicides, LifeLube, and the Fight for the Next Generation HIV Prevention, Jim Picket, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, May 24th, 2005

6. Gross M, Holte SE, Marmor M, et al. Anal sex among HIV-seronegative women at high risk of HIV exposure. The HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study 2 Protocol Team, Journal of AIDS, 24(4):393-8,2000.

7. Shake That Booty, No One Left Behind: Rectal Microbicides, LifeLube, and the Fight for the Next Generation HIV Prevention, Jim Picket, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, May 24th, 2005

8. Preparing for Microbicide Access and Use, A Report by the Access Working Group of the Microbicide Initiative funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, 2000

9. Public and Philanthropic Investments, The Microbicide Quarterly, Alliance for Microbicide Development. January, February, March, 2005 v.3 no.1 page 18.

10. Public and Philanthropic Investments, The Microbicide Quarterly, Alliance for Microbicide Development. January, February, March, 2005 v.3 no.1 page 18.


Written by David Mariner, special thanks to Jim Pickett and Anna Forbes

Condom Distribution Program Public Health Analyst Position

The DC Condom Distribution Program in the DC Dept. of Health HIV/AIDS Administration aims to increase condom availability, education and safe sex materials in the District of Columbia. The goal is to reach 3 million free condoms per year. According to recent surveys, only about 1 in 4 residents use condoms on a semi-regular basis. Condoms are 95% effective in blocking transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

The Public Health Analyst will be a key member of the team to implement the program, including strategic planning to increase the number of venues in the city for condom distribution, developing new educational and promotional materials, coordinating procurement and supply chain management for condom purchases and distribution, analyzing budget trends, coordinating consultation with community partners, conducting site visits to community locations, developing and coordinating community promotional events, coordinating with other District agencies on condom availability, working with social marketing contractor on media and creative promotional material, and reviewing and updating agency web site.

Other tasks include the direction of other safe sex products: female condoms and dental dams. Special projects will cover youth-oriented condom supplies and distribution and researching and helping develop a new program on female condom distribution. For the position, there is a preference for someone having skills in the logistics of supplies, community outreach and familiarity with DC.

Specific responsibilities include:

Team member of the DC free condom and safe sex materials distribution program.

Liaison between HAA and distribution contractor, tracking orders and shipments, managing the database of condom program participants, monitoring condom partner quantities and conducting quality assurance checks.

Conduct community outreach to recruit traditional and non-traditional partners to maximize condom availability to reach the goals of the program.

Work with the HAA social marketing contractor and community partners on creative material and marketing strategies to change condom behavior.

Facilitate internal HAA team working on the program.

For more information about this position contact the HIV/AIDS Administration.

Community Members Discuss HIV/AIDS and Younger Gay Men

Community members gathered at the HRC Equality Center last Thursday for: Listen, Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC. The event was co-sponsored by The DC Center, The DC Crystal Meth Working Group, and SMYAL. It was a great opportunity to have a frank conversation about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in DC.

click here to see pictures from this event

In 2009, we plan to establish an HIV/AIDS Working Group at The DC Center modelled after the DC Crystal Meth Working Group, to continue to work on this very important issue.

In the meantime, here are some ways you can stay involved:

• Visit the Fight HIV in DC Website (www.fighthivindc.org) or join the yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fighthivindc) for regular updates on HIV in DC
  
  
• Show your support by joining the Fight HIV in DC groups on Facebook (click here) or MySpace (click here).
  
  
• Join us February 11th at Be Bar for our first-ever Fight HIV in DC Benefit Event. 10% of the proceeds from the night will benefit our HIV/AIDS outreach, education, and advocacy efforts. For more information about this event click here.
  
  
• Consider volunteering for Figh HIV in DC by blogging or coming into our office at The DC Center once a week to voluneer

Thanks to everyone who helped to make this event a success!

Be Charitable: Fight HIV in DC

Join us for our first ever Fight HIV in DC benefit event.

Stop by Be Bar on Sunday on February 8th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM for drinks and fun. Ten percent of the proceeds for the night will benefit Fight HIV in DC outreach, education, and advocacy efforts.

We'll also be taking $5 donations at the door and raffle off some great prizes (if you have a raffle prize you would like to donate, please send an e-mail here)

Be Bar is located at 1318 9th Street NW DC 20001.

To RSVP for this event on facebook, click here.

Hope DC Holiday Social

Hope DC will hold their annual holiday party will take place Saturday, December 13th at 8:00 PM. To get more details, call (202) 466-5783.

Hope DC, a group for HIV positive gay men and their supporters in DC, organizes monthly social events in our area. For more information, visit www.hopedc.org.

Beyond Bread Focuses on HIV/AIDS in DC

Beyond Bread, the official blog of Bread for the City, Bread for the City, will mark World AIDS Day by blogging daily about HIV/AIDS this week. Be sure to check out their blog at:

http://breadforthecity.blogspot.com

DC Fights Back Calls for an End to the HIV/AIDS Housing Waiting List

Calling attention to the hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS on waiting lists for housing in the District of Columbia, DC Fights Back staged a demonstration on World AIDS Day.

People living with HIV/AIDS and advocates picketed at the DC Branch office of the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, and erected tents labeled 'AIDS Housing' to call attention to the issue.

See pictures from this event here.

DC Fights Back (DCFB) is an all-volunteer network of people living with HIV/AIDS and their allies working to engage themselves and the community in every aspect of HIV advocacy for District residents and to end stigma to ensure the best possible treatment and care for those living with HIV/AIDS and implement the best possible science-based HIV prevention for everybody. Find out more at www.dcfightsback.org.

DC World AIDS Day 2008: December 1st

December 1st is World AIDS Day. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day serves to focus global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Observance of this day provides an opportunity for governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community organizations and individuals to demonstrate the importance of the fight against HIV/AIDS.

2008 DC World AIDS Day Events

Whitman-Walker Candlelight Vigil
Monday, December 1st
For details: click here.

Songs for Life DC World AIDS Day Concert
Monday, December 1st
For details: click here.

Demonstration for Housing for People Living with HIV/AIDS in DC
Monday, December 1st
For details: click here.

Listen: Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC
Thursday, December 4th
For details: click here.

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• For information about 2007 World AIDS Day Events, click here
• For information about 2006 World AIDS Day Events, click here

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With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS since 1981, December 1st serves to remind everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. With an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV- positive individuals living in the U.S., and approximately 40,000 new infections occurring every year, the U.S., like other nations around the world is deeply affected by HIV/AIDS.


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Listen: This Thursday!

Join us December 4th for Listen: Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC

HIV and AIDS cases among young men who have sex with men ages 13-24 from 2002 to 2007 were double that of all previous cases since tracking began in 1983 up to 200. Despite these increases, only half of all young adults under 25 are aware of their HIV status or have actively sought an HIV Test.

How can we best support young gay, bisexual, and transgender men who are HIV positive? How do we fight the secrecy and the stigma? How do we prevent new infections? Join us for a frank conversation with a panel of gay, bi, and trans men in their twenties as we tackle these important questions.

Thursday, December 4th
7:00 PM
HRC Equality Center
1640 Rhode Island Ave NW

Moderated by Zack Rosen, The New Gay
Opening Remarks: Tyrone Hanely, SMYAL
Closing Remarks: Brian Watson, Ryan White Planning Council

> download the flyer for this event
> RSVP on Facebook
> RSVP on MySpace

Sponsored by the DC Crystal Meth Working Group, The DC Center, and SMYAL. This program is funded in whole or in part, by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health.

Ron Simmons Profiled in Metro Weekly

MetroWeekly has a great interview with Us Helping Us executive Diretor Ron Simmons:

This year, 2008, marks two bittersweet 20-year anniversaries: World AIDS Day, first observed Dec. 1, 1988, and Us Helping Us, People Into Living Inc., incorporated the same year.

A local nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and treating HIV/AIDS among black gay men, UHU just marked its anniversary with a gala on Nov. 21, while the world prepares for World AIDS Day ceremonies with sadness and hope. Treatments have improved, but infection rates remain alarming. And, yes, people still die of AIDS-related illnesses.

If anyone embodies the emotions that infuse discussions of HIV and AIDS, it's Ron Simmons, who has headed UHU since 1992 -- almost as long as he's lived the reality of being HIV-infected himself. Mostly, he laughs. Not for levity's sake, but because his humanity is seemingly unconquerable. He's certainly not afraid to follow laughter with tears.

But with Simmons, it's always the hope that wins out.

continue reading this article in Metro Weekly.

Whitman-Walker World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil

Whitman-Walker Clinic will observe World AIDS Day with a new location for its annual candlelight vigil at Bethlehem Baptist Church at 2458 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE, beginning at 5:30 pm on Monday, Dec. 1. Family and Medical Counseling Services will join Whitman-Walker as a partner in this year’s vigil.

“Anacostia is an epicenter for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the District of Columbia with HIV rates that rival sub-Saharan Africa,” said Donald Blanchon, chief executive officer of Whitman-Walker Clinic. “We hope that holding the vigil there will draw attention to the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Anacostia and inspire members of the community to get involved in the fight against the disease. We encourage the entire community to join us on Dec. 1 to honor those we have lost to this epidemic, to remember those who continue to live with the disease, and to commit to bring about a future free of HIV/AIDS.”

For information on additional World AIDS Day Events in DC, click here

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Children in the District of Columbia

Despite extensive efforts and improvements nationally in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in children, the District of Columbia continues to have disproportionately high numbers of HIV/AIDS cases among children less than 13 years of age.

Over the past five years, the District had 56 children under 13 years old diagnosed with either HIV or AIDS. In 2005, the District accounted for nine percent of all pediatric AIDS cases in the United States.

Find out more. View the Squidoo Page on HIV/AIDS and Children in the District of Columbia.

American University Dance Marathon

The American University Dance Marathon is a student-run fundraising event that seeks to unite our campus around a common cause: the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS.

Last year, at the first ever DM, AUDM raised $20,632.37 for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation!

This year the marathon is a twelve-hour event held November 21-22.

Dancers play games, hear speakers, dance, and stay on their feet for the entire event to show support for children with HIV/AIDS and represent the challenges that these children face.

There are an estimated 40,000 new HIV infections in the United States each year, the majority of them in people under the age of 25. In Washington, DC, the rate of infection is staggeringly high. About 1 in 20 Washingtonians are HIV positive. Globally, approximately 39.5 million people are infected with HIV and 2.3 million of those are children. AUDM is dedicated to bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide in the fight against pediatric AIDS, because every child deserves a lifetime.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's mision "seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs." The funds raised from Dance Marathon will go directly to the Foundation.

Dance Marathon is part of the Women's Initiative HIV/AIDS Taskforce and the final event of AU's AIDS Awareness week, November 17th to 22nd.

The 2008 marathon will include live music and speakers from organizations dedicated to the fight against AIDS. And of course, there will be lots of food for all our dedicated dancers.

We need your help to make this dance a complete success! So get ready, AU, for an amazing night of fun for a great cause!

"Carpe DM - Seize the Dance!"

http://www.danceforkids.kintera.org/american

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and People Fifty and Older in the District of Columbia

HIV is a virus that does not discriminate by age. Nearly one in 10 District residents aged 55 and older have HIV or AIDS. Reaching 55 years old does not make a person immune to the disease.

From 2001-2006, 245 new cases of HIV were reported among District residents aged 55 and older. There was an overall increase of 21% in newly reported HIV cases over that period of time.

Find out more. View the Squidoo Page on HIV/AIDS over Fifty

Demonstration for Housing for People Living with AIDS in DC!

Hundreds of people living with HIV/AIDS are on waiting lists for housing in DC. Join DC Fights Back and demand action from HUD and from the DC Government!

Did you know?

* HIV infection rates are 13-16 times higher among people without stable housing.

* People who found stable housing reduced their risky activities by 50 percent.

* Stable housing allows people with HIV to keep medicine schedules reducing viral loads and the risk of HIV transmission.

Demonstrate for Housing for People Living with AIDS in DC!

World AIDS Day
Monday December 1st
Meet at 825 N. Capitol Street, NE
(Union Station Metro)

Pre-Meeting: Monday November 24th, 7:00 PM, St. Stephens Church, 16th & Newton, NW (Columbia Heights).

For more information visit: www.dcfightsback.org or e-mail matthew@riseup.net, or call (202)486-2488.

Sponsored by: DC Fights Back, the Campaign to End AIDS, Metro Washington Public Health Association, AMSA, Student Global AIDS Campaign.

click here to download the flyer for this event

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Gay and Bisexual Men in the District of Columbia

In the District of Columbia, HIV/AIDS has had a significant impact on adult and adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM), with little progress in new infections. The number of newly reported MSM attributed HIV cases has remained relatively stable from 2001-2006 (146 to 113 cases). The number of newly reported AIDS cases attributed to MSM was also relatively stable from 2001 to 2006 (197 to 190 cases).

Find out more. Read the Squidoo page on HIV/AIDS and Gay Men in the District of Columbia.

Alpha Drugs Hosts Forum on Hepatitis C

The DC Center and Alpha Drugs invite you to attend Survival Forum V: "Hepatitis C in the Nation's Capital: Hepatitis C and HIV Coinfection- Managing Drug Side Effects to Improve Patient Outcomes", on Wednesday, November 19th, in the Philips Ballroom of the Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St. NW, Washington.

The lecture will be presented by Michael Pistole, M.D., an HCV/HIV specialist.

Admission is free, and a free dinner will be served. Registration is from 6.30 to 7.30 PM, and dinner and the lecture are from 7.30 to 9.00 PM.

To RSVP and for information, contact leigh@alphadrugs.com.

SMYAL Opens Search for New Executive Director

The Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL), based in Washington, DC. is seeking an Executive Director to lead a mission-driven organization which supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth throughout metropolitan Washington, DC

SMYAL is the only Washington, DDC metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ youth.

To find out more and read the full job announcement click here to download a pdf file.

DC Different Drummer World AIDS Day Concert

DC City Council Members Jim Graham and David Catania invite you to join them for the inaugural DCDD fundraiser concert on World AIDS Day, Monday, December 1st, 8pm at the Harman Center, 610 F Street NW.

The Concert will feature the Capitol Pride Symphonic Band under the direction of Joe Bello and DC Swing!, directed by Chris Raitzyk. DCDD Clarinet Quartet La Reeda Loca will perform prior to the concert at a VIP reception.

The concert will benefit Whitman-Walker Clinic, Us Helping Us, and Metro Teen AIDS.

The program will include Sousa's The Thunderer, Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams from the film Saving Private Ryan, Shenandoah and Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst. Featured in the program will be flute soloist David Lonkevich playing Concertino for Flute solo and band by Chaminade and vocal soloist Steven Wilson singing You Raise Me Up. Tickets are available directly from the Harman Box Office.

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Youth in the District of Columbia

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the District of Columbia among youth is growing at an alarming rate. Roughly one out of every 100 young people ages 13 to 24 in the District is HIV infected or has full-blown AIDS. HIV infection rates among District young people tripled for the period 200 to 2005 compared to the previous five years. Yet, a District-wide health survey shows that only half of young people have been tested for HIV.

Find out more. View the Squidoo page on HIV/AIDS among Youth in the District of Columbia.

The Basics: HIV Prevention Vaccine Research

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a medical product designed to stimulate your body's immune system in order to prevent or control an infection. An effective preventive vaccine trains your immune system to fight off a particular microorganism so that it can't establish a serious infection or make you sick.

What is the difference between a preventive HIV vaccine and a therapeutic HIV vaccine?

Therapeutic HIV vaccines are designed to control HIV infection in people who are already HIV positive (see Therapeutic HIV Vaccines Fact Sheet). Preventive HIV vaccines are designed to protect HIV negative people from becoming infected or getting sick. This fact sheet focuses on preventive HIV vaccines.

Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent HIV, researchers are developing and testing potential HIV vaccines. The goal is to develop a vaccine that can protect people from HIV infection, or at least lessen the chance of getting HIV or AIDS should a person be exposed to the virus.

How does a preventive vaccine work?

When your body encounters a microorganism, your immune system mounts an attack on the invader. After the microorganism is defeated, your immune system continues to "remember" how to quickly beat the invader should it try to infect you again. A vaccine is designed to resemble a real microorganism. The vaccine trains your immune system to recognize and attack the real microorganism should you ever encounter it. If you've received an effective vaccine, your immune system will "remember" how to quickly attack and defeat a particular microorganism for many years.

Can an HIV vaccine give me HIV or AIDS?

The experimental HIV vaccines currently being studied in clinical trials do not contain any "real" HIV, and therefore cannot cause HIV or AIDS. However, some HIV vaccines in trials could prompt your body to produce antibodies against HIV. These HIV antibodies could cause you to test "positive" on a standard HIV test, even if you don't actually have HIV. Other tests are available that can distinguish between vaccinated and infected people. For more information about this issue, please visit http://www.hvtn.org/science/volunteerfaqs.html (click on "Will I test HIV-positive as a result of the vaccine?").

What are the different types of vaccine?

There are three main types of vaccines that are being studied for the prevention of HIV infection and AIDS:

• Subunit vaccines, also known as "component" or "protein" vaccines, contain only individual parts of HIV, rather than the whole virus. Instead of collecting these parts from the virus itself, the HIV subunits are made in the laboratory using genetic engineering techniques. These man-made subunits alone—without the rest of the virus—can prompt the body to produce an anti-HIV immune response, although that response may be too weak to actually protect against future HIV infection.

• Recombinant vector vaccines take advantage of non-HIV viruses that either don't cause disease in humans or have been deliberately weakened so that they can't cause disease. These weakened (attenuated) viruses are used as vectors, or carriers, to deliver copies of HIV genes into the cells of the body. Once inside cells, the body uses the instructions carried in the copies of HIV genes to produce HIV proteins. As with subunit vaccines, these HIV proteins can stimulate an anti-HIV immune response. Most of the recombinant vector vaccines for HIV deliver several HIV genes (but not the complete set) and may therefore create a stronger immune response. Some of the virus vectors being studied for HIV vaccines include ALVAC (a canarypox virus), MVA (a type of cowpox virus), VEE (a virus that normally infects horses), and adenovirus-5 (a human virus that doesn't usually cause serious disease) based vectors.

• DNA vaccines also introduce HIV genes into the body. Unlike recombinant vector vaccines, DNA vaccines do not rely on a virus vector. Instead, "naked" DNA containing HIV genes is injected directly into the body. Cells take up this DNA and use it to produce HIV proteins. As with subunit and recombinant vector vaccines, the HIV proteins trigger the body to produce an immune response against HIV.

Again, none of these vaccines contain real HIV or anything else that could cause HIV infection or AIDS.

What is a prime-boost vaccination strategy?

A single type of HIV vaccine may be used alone, or it may be used in combination with another type of HIV vaccine. One approach to combined HIV vaccination is called the prime-boost strategy. In this approach, administration of one type of HIV vaccine (such as a DNA vaccine) is followed by later administration of a second type of HIV vaccine (such as a recombinant vector vaccine). The goal of this approach is to stimulate different parts of the immune system and enhance the body's overall immune response to HIV.

How can I participate in a vaccine clinical trial?

Clinical trial volunteers are tremendously important in the effort to develop a preventive HIV vaccine. To find an HIV vaccine trial near you, contact AIDSinfo toll-free at 1–800–448–0440 to speak to an Information Specialist, who will help you locate trials in your area. You can also locate research sites using the AIDSinfo Vaccine Web page at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/Vaccines/.

Enrolling in a clinical trial isn’t the only way to help the HIV vaccine effort—there are other ways to participate. Consider serving on an HIV vaccine Community Advisory Board.Get involved with outreach and community education programs. Lobby your elected officials to support HIV vaccine research and development. Or volunteer in other HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support efforts—all are valuable ways to contribute.

For more information about HIV vaccines:

http://www.vrc.nih.gov/VRC/
http://www.hvtn.org/
Or contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information Specialist at 1–800–448–0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.

Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:

Antibody: a protein produced by the body's immune system that recognizes and fights infectious organisms and other foreign substances that enter the body. Each antibody is specific to a particular piece of an infectious organism or other foreign substance.

Clinical trial: a scientifically designed study testing the safety and effectiveness of a medication or other treatment in human volunteers.

Gene: a short segment of DNA or RNA that acts as a blueprint for building a specific protein.

Genetic engineering: a laboratory technique that can produce custom-made proteins for use as drugs and vaccines.

Microorganisms: small life forms that can be seen only through a microscope, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi.

Vector: a harmless virus or bacteria used as a vaccine carrier to deliver pieces of a disease-causing organism (such as HIV) into the body's cells.

A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Reviewed May 2006

LISTEN:

Join us December 4th for Listen: Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and The HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC

The Department of Health estimates that since 2001, young men who have sex with men ages 13-24 in the District of Columbia experienced a 900% increase of reported HIV infection compared to the previous five year period. Despite these increases, only half of all young adults under 25 are aware of their HIV status or have actively sought an HIV Test.

How can we best support young gay, bisexual, and transgender men who are HIV positive? How do we fight the secrecy and the stigma? How do we prevent new infections? Join us for a frank conversation with a panel of gay, bi, and trans men in their twenties as we tackle these important questions.

Thursday, December 4th
7:00 PM
HRC Equality Center
1640 Rhode Island Ave NW

Moderated by Zack Rosen, The New Gay
Opening Remarks: Tyrone Hanely, SMYAL
Closing Remarks: Brian Watson, Ryan White Planning Council

Sponsored by the DC Crystal Meth Working Group, The DC Center, and SMYAL. This program is funded in whole or in part, by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health.

At-Large City Council Candidates on HIV/AIDS

On Saturday October 25th, Fight HIV in DC was a co-sponsor of an HIV/AIDS Forum with At-Large City Council Candidates. Participants included Carol Schwartz, Michael Brown, Mark Long, David Schwartzman, Patrick Mara, and Kwame Brown.

All the candidates agreed that with 1 in 20 people in the District living with HIV or AIDS, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a top priority. We asked the city council candidates to briefly tell us what they would do to address HIV/AIDS in the District. Their unedited responses are collected in the youtube video below. Take time to learn about all the candidates, and please be sure to vote on November 4th.

Spotlight: HIV/AIDs and Women in DC

In the District of Columbia, women accounted for approximately one-third of all newly reported HIV/AIDS cases from 2001-2006. Black women accounted for the majority - 9 out of 10 - of all reported HIV/AIDS cases among women from 2001-2006.

Find out more. To view the squidoo page on Women and HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia, click here.

March 10th marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day which seeks to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of women and girls. For more information on National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, click here.

The Basics: Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Research

What is a vaccine?

A vaccine is a medical product designed to stimulate your body's immune system in order to prevent or control an infection. An effective vaccine trains your immune
system to fight a particular microorganism so that it can't make you sick.

Although there are currently no vaccines to prevent or treat HIV, researchers are developing and testing potential HIV vaccines. HIV vaccines designed to prevent HIV infection in HIV negative people are called preventive vaccines (see Preventive HIV Vaccines Fact Sheet). HIV vaccines designed to help control HIV infection in people who are already HIV positive are called therapeutic vaccines. This fact sheet focuses on therapeutic HIV vaccines.

What is a therapeutic HIV vaccine?

A therapeutic HIV vaccine (also known as a treatment vaccine) is a vaccine used in the treatment of an HIV infected person. Therapeutic HIV vaccines are designed to boost the body's immune response to HIV in order to better control the infection. Currently, there are no therapeutic HIV vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, therapeutic HIV vaccines are being tested in clinical trials to find out if they are safe and effective in treating people with HIV.

Researchers hope that if therapeutic vaccines are able to strengthen the body's natural anti-HIV immune response, people with HIV will not have to rely exclusively on the antiretroviral drugs now used to treat HIV infection. Currently, antiretroviral drugs must be taken for life, and some cause serious side effects. All experimental therapeutic HIV vaccines are in very early stages of research, and no therapeutic vaccine is anticipated to be available to the general public for many years, if at all.

Will a therapeutic HIV vaccine be able to cure HIV?

Probably not. If therapeutic vaccines are effective, they may be able to help keep HIV infection under control. However, most researchers do not think therapeutic HIV vaccines will be able to completely eliminate HIV infection, because the virus hides in certain cells of the body where it can last for decades.

Will a therapeutic vaccine rule out the need for antiretroviral drugs?

Even an effective therapeutic HIV vaccine probably won't be able to replace antiretroviral drugs entirely. At best, a therapeutic HIV vaccine may help control HIV infection and keep people healthy while minimizing the need for antiretroviral drugs.

Who is eligible to receive a therapeutic vaccine?

Therapeutic vaccines are designed specifically for HIV positive people who have healthy immune systems. Therapeutic vaccine recipients must have strong immune systems for the vaccine to generate an effective anti-HIV immune response. Clinical trials of therapeutic vaccines are recruiting volunteers with CD4 counts greater than 250 cells/mm³, and most studies require a CD4 count greater than 350 cells/mm³. People with weaker immune systems may be unable to produce a good immune response to a therapeutic HIV vaccine, and are therefore not eligible for these trials. Most trials require that therapeutic vaccine recipients continue taking antiretroviral drugs during the study.

What are the side effects of therapeutic vaccines?

Because testing is ongoing, not all of the side effects of therapeutic vaccines are known. However, side effects observed so far in clinical trials have been similar to the side effects that occur with FDA-approved vaccines. These side effects include:

• Soreness, swelling, redness, or pain at the site of injection
• Mild flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle pain or weakness, nausea, headache, and dizziness)

I am interested in participating in a therapeutic HIV vaccine trial. How do I find a study near me?

Contact AIDSinfo toll-free at 1–800–448–0440 to speak to a Health Information Specialist, who will help you locate therapeutic vaccine trials in your area. You
can also locate research sites using the AIDSinfo Vaccine Web page at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/Vaccines On the left side of the screen, under "Therapeutic AIDS Vaccine Trials," click "New and Recruiting Trials" for a complete list of currently recruiting therapeutic HIV Vaccine studies.

Enrolling in a clinical trial isn’t the only way to help the therapeutic HIV vaccine effort—there are other ways to participate. Consider serving on an Institutional Review Board overseeing therapeutic HIV vaccine trials. Lobby your elected officials to support therapeutic HIV vaccine research and development. Or volunteer in other HIV/AIDS treatment and support efforts—all are valuable ways to contribute.

For more information about HIV vaccines:
Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information Specialist at 1–800–448–0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.

Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:

Antiretroviral: a medication that interferes with replication of retroviruses. HIV is a retrovirus. CD4 Count: CD4 cells, also called T cells or CD4⁺ T cells, are white blood cells that fight infection. HIV destroys CD4 cells, making it harder for your body to fight infections. A CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood.

Clinical trial: a scientifically designed study testing the safety and effectiveness of a medication or other treatment in human volunteers.

Microorganisms: small life forms that can be seen only through a microscope, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi.

A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Facts on Smoking & HIV

The DC Center has released a new fact sheet on Smoking and HIV/AIDS. The fact sheet is available at www.OutToQuit.org. You can also click here to download the fact sheet. The following is the summary statement from the fact sheet:

The DC Department of Health estimates that one in twenty DC residents is living with HIV or AIDS. That number is even higher among older District residents and other at-risk populations.

With proper treatment, many people living with HIV/AIDS in the District are living longer, more productive lives, but smoking poses a great threat to their long-term health and well-being.

We’ve known for a long time how dangerous smoking and second hand smoke are for the entire community. The American Cancer Society reports that “each year about 438,000 people in the United States die from illnesses related to cigarette smoking. Cigarettes kill more Americans than alcohol, car accidents, suicide, AIDS, homicide, and illegal drugs combined.”

The impact of smoking is far greater, however, for people living with HIV/AIDS. Smoking weakens the immune system, and makes it even harder to fight off opportunistic infections associated with HIV. Smoking also increases the risk of HIV-associated malignancies and other cancers found among people living with HIV/AIDS. Further, HIV positive individuals who are at greater risk for heart disease because of lypodystrophy, significantly compound that risk by smoking.
Smoking cessation services are a crucial component of long term HIV/AIDS care. Residents of the District of Columbia can access free support to quit smoking by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. DC residents who call this number can get free smoking cessation aids like nicotine gum or patches.

Want to get all the facts? download the fact sheet here.

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and African Americans in Washington DC

One of the striking featurs of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the District of Columbia is the disproportionate impact of the disease by race and ethnicity. Although African Americans comprised 57% of District residents in 2006, they accounted for 81% of all new reports of HIV cases and all living AIDS cases.

Find out more. To see the squidoo page on HIV/AIDS and African Americans in Washington, DC click here

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day (NBHAAD). This annual observance day was created to raise awareness among African Americans about HIV/AIDS and its devastating impact on African American communities. To find out more about Natioal Blck HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, click here.

Local HIV/AIDS Advocates Featured in CBS News Story

Local HIV/AIDS Advocates are featured in this CBS News article on HIV/AIDS and the Presidential Candidates. Below is an excerpt of the transcript followed by a video clip of the full article

The CDC estimates that one in 20 people living in Washington, D.C., is HIV positive. Astoundingly, in the capital of the world's wealthiest country, the incidence of HIV/AIDS is two-and-a-half times that of Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti, one of the world's poorest countries.

C. Russell, 31, is HIV-positive, having been diagnosed nine years ago after having unprotected sex.

"Eighty percent of the HIV cases in this city - your city - are in blacks," Gupta said.

"They are," Russell said.

"What is going on here?" Gupta said.

"Apathy in our community. Apathy possibly maybe from the government," he said. "People not going and getting tested and getting treatment once they're diagnosed."

Luckily, Russell's been able to keep the virus at bay, without the need for medication. But if he did get sick, care and treatment costs over his lifetime could easily top $275,000.

"If it came to that, I'd want to know that I'd be taken care of. I'd want to know that I'd be able to get health care," he said.

But it's not just men.

The incidence rate for black women like Danielle, who is 42 and HIV-positive, is nearly 15 times that of whites - making AIDS a leading killer of African-American women ages 25 to 34.

Danielle contracted HIV through sexual intercourse 15 years ago, and passed the virus onto one of her five children during pregnancy.

"A lot of people are in the mindset that well, because we have medication we can take, it's OK if I become HIV positive," she said.

But Danielle has no health insurance. So she'll be in trouble should she ever develop AIDS.

"You couldn't get all the medications that you need, you couldn't get the sub-specialty care that you need. What would happen to someone like you?" Gupta said.

"I'd probably get sicker. And possibly even die," she said.

The Basics: Starting Anti-HIV Medications

I am HIV positive. Do I need to take anti-HIV medications?

You do not necessarily need to take anti-HIV (also called antiretroviral) medications just because you are HIV positive. You and your doctor will determine the best time to start treatment. When to take anti-HIV medications depends on your overall health, the amount of virus in your blood (viral load), and how well your immune system is working.

How will I know when to start anti-HIV medications?

You should start treatment if:
• you are experiencing severe symptoms of HIV infection or have been diagnosed with AIDS
• your CD4 count is 350 cells/mm³ or less (especially if 200 cells/mm³ or less)
• you are pregnant
• you have HIV-related kidney disease
• you are being treated for hepatitis B

If anti-HIV medications can help me stay healthy, why wait to start treatment?
Once you begin treatment, you may need to continue taking anti-HIV medications for the rest of your life.

Although newer anti-HIV medications are easier to take, starting treatment usually means a significant adjustment in your lifestyle. Some anti-HIV medications need to be taken several times a day at specific times and may require a change in the foods you eat, when you eat meals, and when you take other medications.

In addition to their desired effects, anti-HIV medications may have negative side effects, some of which are serious. If the virus is not suppressed completely, drug
resistance can develop. Side effects and drug resistance may limit your future treatment options.

What treatment is right for me?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides HIV treatment guidelines to doctors and patients. These guidelines recommend that you take a
combination of three or more medications from different classes (see Approved Medications to Treat HIV Infection Fact Sheet) in a regimen called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The guidelines list "preferred" HAART regimens. However, your regimen should be tailored to your needs. Factors to consider in selecting a treatment regimen include:

• your drug resistance testing results
• number of pills
• how often the pills must be taken
• if pills can be taken with or without food
• how the medications interact with one another
• other medications you take
• other diseases or conditions
• pregnancy

For more information:

Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information Specialist at 1–800–448–0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.

Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the most severe form of HIV infection. HIV infected patients are diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3 or if they develop an AIDS-defining illness (an illness that is very unusual in someone who is not HIV positive).

Antiretroviral: a medication that interferes with replication of retroviruses. HIV is a retrovirus. CD4 count: CD4 cells, also called T cells or CD4⁺ T cells, are white blood cells that fight infection. HIV destroys CD4 cells, making it harder for your body to fight infections. A CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood.

Drug resistance testing: A laboratory test to determine if an individual's HIV strain is resistant to any anti-HIV medications. HIV can mutate (change form), resulting in HIV that cannot be controlled with certain medications.

Viral load: the amount of HIV in a sample of blood.

A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This information is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).

DC Crystal Meth Working Group Raises Awareness about Crystal Meth and HIV Among Latinos in Washington DC

The DC Crystal Meth Working Group is hoping to raise awareness about the prevalence of crystal meth and HIV within the Latino community by unveiling a new website and outreach materials, the group announced today.

To commemorate National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, which is October 15, the DC Crystal Meth Working Group is debuting a Spanish version of its website. The site contains basic information about crystal meth, its effects and where to go to seek treatment or harm reduction services. The new Spanish language site can be found at www.hablemosdelcristal.org.

“This new website is part of our ongoing efforts to reach out to the Latino community,” said Michael Sessa, chairperson of the DC Crystal Meth Working Group. “We are still learning the extent of crystal meth use within this population, but to the extent that there may be use at all, we want to provide resources and referrals.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latino Americans and African-Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. Crystal meth use has been tied to an increase in HIV rates among some populations.

In addition to the new website, the DC Crystal Meth Working Group has transcribed its brochure and palm card into Spanish to reach more people within the community. On September 28, the group participated in Fiesta DC, a Latino cultural festival in Adams Morgan.

The DC Crystal Meth Working Group consists of individual members of the local community and local organizations dedicated to providing information and resources that help people make informed choices about crystal meth. The group also collects data about crystal meth use and provides referral information for treatment and recovery. To learn more about the group visit www.letstalkaboutmeth.org.

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug Use in Washington DC

Injection drug use (IDU remains a significant risk factor for HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia. Though there has been a decline in the number of new HIV/AIDS cases attributed to IDU, the number of persons living with HIV/AIDS because of IDU has increased from 2001 to 2006. Also, IDU impacts black District disproportionately to other racial and ethnic groups.

Find out more. To see the squidoo page on HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug Use in Washington, DC click here

The Basics: Seeing an HIV Doctor

I am HIV positive. What kind of doctor do I need?

Your doctor (or other health care provider) should be experienced in treating HIV and AIDS. You may want to see an infectious disease specialist. You will need to work closely with your doctor to make informed decisions about your treatment, so it is important to find a doctor with whom you are comfortable.

What can I expect at the doctor's office?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your health, life style, conduct a physical exam, and order blood tests. This is a good time to ask your doctor questions. Write
down any questions you have and take them with you to your appointment.

Women should have a pregnancy test (see HIV During Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, and After Birth Fact Sheet series) and a gynecologic examination with Pap smear.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You should ask your doctor about:
• Risks and benefits of HIV treatment
• Other diseases you may be at risk for
• How your lifestyle will change with HIV infection
• How you can avoid transmitting HIV to others
• How you can achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle

What tests will my doctor order?

It is very important to have a CD4 count and a viral load
test done at your first doctor's visit. You should also have
drug resistance testing. The results will provide a
baseline measurement for future tests.

• CD4count – CD4 cells, also called CD4+ T cells or CD4 lymphocytes, are a type of white blood cell that fights infection. HIV destroys CD4 cells, weakening your body's immune system. A CD4 count is the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood.

• Viral load test – A viral load test measures the amount of HIV in a sample of blood. This test shows how well your immune system is controlling the virus. The two viral load tests commonly used for HIV are:
    • HIV RNA amplification (RT-PCR) test
    • Branched chain DNA (bDNA) test

• Drug resistance testing – Drug resistance testing determines if an individual's HIV strain is resistant to any anti-HIV medications. HIV can mutate (change form), resulting in HIV that cannot be controlled with certain medications.

To ensure accurate results, viral load testing should be done at two different times, by the same laboratory, using the same type of test. The results of different types of tests may differ.

Your doctor may also order:
• Complete blood count
• Bloodchemistryprofile(including liver and kidney function tests)
• Tests for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Tests for other infections, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, or toxoplasmosis

Am I ready to begin HIV treatment?

Once you begin taking anti-HIV medications, you may need to continue taking them for the rest of your life. Deciding when or if to begin treatment depends on your health (see Starting Anti-HIV Medications Fact Sheet) and your readiness to follow a treatment regimen that may be complicated. You and your doctor should discuss your readiness to begin treatment as well as strategies to help you follow your treatment regimen (see What is Treatment Adherence and Adhering to a Regimen Fact Sheets).

If my doctor and I decide to delay treatment, will I need to have my CD4 count and viral load tested again?

Yes. HIV infected people who have not started anti-HIV medications should have a viral load test every 3 to 4 months and a CD4 count every 3 to 6 months. You and your doctor will use the test results to monitor your infection and to decide when to start treatment.

For more information:

Contact your doctor or an AIDSinfo Health Information Specialist at 1–800–448–0440 or http://aidsinfo.nih.gov.

Terms Used in This Fact Sheet:

Baseline: an initial measurement (such as CD4 count or viral load) made before starting therapy and used as a reference point to monitor your HIV infection.

Kidney function tests: blood and urine tests that determine if your kidneys are working properly.

Liver function tests (LFTs): tests that measure the blood levels of liver enzymes (proteins made and used by the liver) to determine if your liver is working properly.

A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This information is based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in HIV-1-Infected Adults and Adolescents (available at http://aidsinfo.nih.gov).

New Poll Shows DC Parents Overwhelmingly Support HIV and Sex Education

A recent city-wide poll, sponsored by MTA and the DC Healthy Youth Coalition, demonstrates that parents in the District overwhelmingly want their children to receive comprehensive sex and HIV prevention education in school. The Zogby International Poll, which sampled 652 DC parents showed that parents were nearly unanimous (98%) in their concern about the rates of HIV and STDs in Washington DC. Almost all (93%) of the parents polled think that preventing HIV and unintended pregnancies begins with comprehensive sex education that includes information on refraining from sex.

While the majority of parents support comprehensive sex education, the District of Columbia still accepts abstinence-only until marriage funding. There is no scientific evidence that abstinence-only-until-marriage programs—those that censor information about contraception—are effective in preventing HIV or teen pregnancy. Further, these messags are damaging to gay and lesbian youth.

A total of 22 states have rejected abstinence-only until marriage funding. While numerous youth organizations in DC have asked Mayor Adrian Fenty to reject this money, he has not yet done so.

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and the Latino Community in Washington DC

HIV/AIDS impacts everyone in the District of Columbia, including the Latino Community. In 2006, Latinos comprised 8.2 percent of the District of Columbia population, and 4.9 percent of HIV/AIDS cases. Of course, this number may not show the entire picture because some latinos, particularly those in immigrant populations, may be less likely to get tested for HIV/AIDS.

Find out more about HIV/AIDS in the Latino Community. View the Squidoo page HIV/AIDS and Latinos in the District of Columbia.

October 15th is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, a day to talk about HIV/AIDS in the Latino Community. find out more.

Community Dialogue on HIV/AIDS with at-large City Council Candidates

Fight HIV in DC is proud to co-sponsor a Community Dialogue on HIV/AIDS with at-large City Council Candidates, taking place Saturday, Oct 25th at 1:00 PM at Greater DC Cares, 1725 I Street, NW.

The forum is co-sponsored by DC Fights Back, The DC Center, The Metropolitan Washington Public Health Association, and Metro Teen AIDS.

Join us for this important conversation on HIV/AIDS in the District of Columbia and learn more about what the at-large City Council Candidates think about HIV/AIDS.

2008 AIDS Walk Washington: Tell Your Story

Share your story from AIDS Walk 2008. Here's how:

Flickr If you have a flicr account, it's easy to add your AIDS Walk Washington photos to our AIDS Walk Washington Flickr Group. It's free and easy to set up a flickr account, but if you prefer you can just e-mail me your flickr pics and I'll post them to the group for you.

YouTube You can also send me your videos, and I'll add them to our Fight HIV in DC You Tube Page

BloggerIf you'd like, you could also send me a blog post about AIDS Walk DC and I'll post it on the site.

This Sunday: HIV/AIDS over Fifty

The DC Center Elder Think Tank is proud to present the second program in our fall series, HIV/AIDS Over 50. Please join us Sunday October 5th, at The DC Center, 1111 14th Street NW Suite 350, starting at 2:00 PM.

HIV is a virus that does not discriminate. Nearly one in 10 District residents aged 55 and older have HIV or AIDS. From 2001-2006, 245 new cases of HIV were reported among District residents aged 55 and older. There was an overall increase of 21% in newly report cases over that period of time.

• Dr. Shannon Hader, DC Department of Health HIV/AIDS Administration, will discuss HIV prevention issues for those 50 and older.
• Dr. Linda Green, Prince George’s Hospital Center, will discuss HIV/AIDS treatment for those 50 and older.

These presentations will be followed by questions and discussion. Please join us and be part of this conversation. This event is free and open to the public.

download the flyer for this event

DC Condom Rationing ALERT!

I've been a volunteer with Brother Help Thyself for over 13 years and our organization has had a condom distribution/safe sex education program since before I got involved with the organization. For the last several years, I've been actively involved in the ordering and distribution of condoms for Brother Help Thyself. That involved me ordering 30 cases every 2-4 months. We bought them in bulk and distributed them at cost to the bars and clubs in the city where men go to meet men for sex. Once the District announced that they would provide them free of cost, none of the businesses wanted to pay for them, so I am trying to get them from the district.

Today, I was told that they are not prepared to deal with the volume of 6,000-8,000 condoms a week. I find this hard to believe. My organization, with an annual budget of maybe $150,000 and no paid staff managed for years to fulfill the community needs and never say "we have no condoms." And yet the the DC government with paid staff and much greater resources advertises free condom distribution and can't fulfill its commitment. Is rationing condoms any way to prevent HIV?

Report Faults District's HIV/AIDS Awareness

Kaiser Daily offers this summary of a Washington Post Article

The District government improved its performance in battling HIV/AIDS, but the mayor needs to strengthen DC's public awareness campaign to combat the epidemic, according to DC Appleseed's HIV/AIDS in the Nation's Capital (Report Card No. 4: January 2008 to September 2008). Appleseed portrays a government that's just beginning to grapple with the scope of the crisis. It credits the District for making progress in needle exchange programs, expanded testing, and education efforts in schools. The government created a top leadership team at the DC HIV/AIDS Administration and expanded testing programs in city jails.

Appleseed urged Mayor Adrian Fenty to embark on a campaign -- in the African American and Latino faith-based communities -- to reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Most new AIDS cases in DC are found in older people who may have been spreading the disease for years. Appleseed is waiting for new statistics to determine whether past efforts had any impact.

Improvements since the third report card, which was issued in December 2007, include several grade changes: routine HIV testing went from a B-plus to an A-minus, syringe exchange services also went from B-plus to A-minus, substance abuse treatment went from C-plus to B, and AIDS education in DCPS went from D to C.