About AIDS

Last week the news media painted an increasingly discouraging picture of U.S. health care, specifically regarding the growing number of Americans who have no health insurance. Too often, these families and individuals are already on our society's margins: poor, un- or undereducated, struggling to stay on track and employed and well. One serious health complication and their entire lives are likely to be disrupted.

This is precisely who makes up the bulk of people with HIV/AIDS today. It describes the majority of clients and patients at AIDS Services of Austin, the CARE Program, Project Transitions, the Sansing HIV Dental Clinic, and other HIV/AIDS service providers in the Austin area. Our average client is age 30-35; is trying hard to remain employed and productive, if the HIV health roller coaster permits; and yet has no health insurance, even if he or she does have a job. Only one in four ASA clients is insured, which is about the norm nationwide.

Without the sensitive and resourceful service agencies that we have, most HIV-positive Austinites would find themselves out in the cold, perhaps literally. Fortunately, help is available. Ironically, however, as the HIV-infected population grows and as access to life-saving health care and medications becomes evermore challenging, public (i.e., government) funding is static or shrinking.

That's why it's more important than ever to get involved! The AIDS service providers in our community need your help: your volunteer time, your financial support, your encouragement.

There's no better opportunity to be part of the solution than AIDS Walk Austin on Oct. 19! Sign up today at www.aidswalkaustin.org, or call 452-WALK. Then, enlist your friends, family, and co-workers in the cause through donations to your fund. Who knows? If you generate enough $upport, you could win a free trip on Frontier Airlines for yourself and your special someone. Get a Walk Team together at work, and if you're $uccessful enough, y'all could win a party at Dave & Buster's.

Here's the chance to commit -- or recommit -- to the cause of HIV/AIDS care and prevention in Austin and Central Texas:' AIDS Walk Austin 2003! "Show some sole" -- step off today!

Sandy Bartlett

Community Education Coordinator, AIDS Services of Austin