Family Support Group
The City of Austin Health and Human Services Department, HIV Services Unit,
and AIDS Services of Austin are pleased to announce the next Family Support
Group for families whose members are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The Family
Support Group will begin October 26 for seven weeks from 5:30-7pm. The
facilitators are Lois VanLaningham, LMSW/ACP, and Becca Hutchison, S.W. Intern.
When a family first learns that a loved one has been touched by HIV, they
experience a multitude of emotions: Anger, shock, disbelief, helplessness,
panic, and guilt are common to family members. The stigma associated with HIV
disease often results in family/social isolation. This group will offer a
confidential, safe place for family members to share their experiences and
feelings with people going through similar circumstances. Knowing that others
share your feelings makes them less frightening. This support group offers a
safe place in which open sharing, comfort, support, and assistance can occur.
The group is strictly confidential. There is no fee. To register for the group
please call Lois or Becca at 708-3500.
– Lois VanLaningham
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
This article appears in October 13 • 1995 and October 13 • 1995 (Cover).