----HIV/AIDS meeting is scheduled for 1 pm, every fourth Monday of the month @ West Alabama Chapter House.
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HIV/AIDS EDUCATION COURSES
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SARAH McPHERSON at 205-758-3608 or 1-800-516-3387, sarah.mcpherson@redcrossal.org
*HIV/AIDS STARTER FACTS CLASS---Provides individuals with a knowledge base on HIV and AIDS and skills in separating facts from misinformation and opinions. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. COURSE FEE: $25.00 NEXT CLASS: Self-Study or Class scheduled on request.
*AFRICAN AMERICAN HIV INSTRUCTOR CLASS----Teaches how to give public presentations within the African American community, how to respond appropriately to questions asked, and how to feel comfortable talking about sensitive subjects on HIV/AIDS. Also, this course teaches you how to be non-judgemental and culturally sensitive. Prerequisite is Starter Facts and FIT. ****This course does not allow you to teach Starter Facts. COURSE FEE: $180 ($160 if already an instructor)
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
NEXT CLASS: March 24-26, 2010 (Wed-Fri), 8am-5pm
*Holiday Inn Express next door to Chapter House has rooms (continental breakfast included) for discounted rate of $94 per night. Call 205-464-4000 for reservation.*
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HIV/AIDS Programs for Youth include:
- Act Smart
- The Party
- The Rhythm of the Talking Drums
The Family Caregiving Program includes a 1 hour module on "Caring for a Loved One with HIV/AIDS"
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AIDS is one of the leading causes of death among Americans ages 25 to 44. Many people currently living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, did not believe that they were at risk. HIV is serious, but HIV infection can be prevented.
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS--acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The virus spreads from person to person through blood-to-blood and sexual contact (ie. having sex or sharing needles, or mother with HIV--during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding). Although treatments for HIV infections and AIDS-related illnesses have greatly improved, there is no cure, and these infections may eventually lead to death.
People infected with HIV may look and feel healthy for a long time. They can still infect others. But HIV is not spread through everyday casual contact. You cannot get HIV from: handshakes, hugs, coughs or sneezes, sweat or tears, mosquitoes or other insects, pets, eating food prepared by someone else, or being around an infected person. You cannot get HIV from using: swimming pools, bathrooms, toilet seats, phones or computers, straws, spoons or cups, or drinking fountains.
When symptoms do appear, they can be like those of many common illnesses and may include enlarged lymph glands, fever, weight loss and diarrhea. When people develop AIDS, they may get illnesses that healthy people can usually resist. Only a test can tell if someone is infected with HIV. Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.
You can protect yourself and others from HIV. Have sex with only one partner who is not infected, who has sex only with you and who does not share needles or syringes. Avoid contact with your partner's blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. Use latex (or polyurethane) condoms consistently and correctly during sex. Use water-based lubricant to reduce the risk of condom breakage. Use a dental dam during oral sex. People who inject drugs should use new, sterile equipment each time they inject and clean needles and syringes with bleach and water prior to injecting.
In the United States, every piece of equipment (needles, tubing, containers) used to draw blood is brand new and sterile. It is used only once and then discarded. You cannot get HIV from giving blood.
The chances of getting HIV from blood transfusion in the United States are now extremely low. Since 1985, all donated blood and plasma has been tested for signs of HIV -- the tests are now more than 99% accurate. If signs of the virus are found in donated blood, the blood is destroyed.
Current HIV-antibody testing is more than 99% accurate. However, it can take up to three months after the person becomes infected before antibodies can be detected by a test.
There is no vaccine for HIV or a cure for AIDS. Some medicines are now available to help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. If you think that you may be infected, seek counseling, testing and treatment. And, set an example for others. Remember, you can't get HIV from being a friend.
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**NATIONAL HIV/AIDS AWARENESS**
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (February)
National Sexual Responsibility Week (February)
Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March)
National Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March)
**Includes American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian
HIV Vaccine Awareness Day (May)
National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (May)
National HIV Testing Day (June)
National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (October)
World AIDS Day (December)