I had a busy week! Maybe it is because it's the holiday season but there are so many awareness events and races going on. I went to this event called the Margarita Ball over the weekend and I met someone that worked with Breast Cancer Awareness campaigning. He was passing out band aids with the pink ribbon on it, and it got my mind thinking. Why don’t we have band aids with the red ribbon? Especially because the way HIV is contracted I believe we could use the band aid to educate children about HIV. Maybe a campaign for HIV within the elementary schools could be passion out the band aids with the red ribbon. Just some thoughts I had.
Also, maybe it was just because I was not really paying attention but I completely forgot about the AIDS campaign GAP does. The funny thing is that when I lived in NYC, there was a GAP right next door. I walked by it every day and never took the time to really see what they were promoting. The red shirts were pretty much just a fashion statement.
The QOTW this week really made me think about this semester. I was shocked to see how many people have contracted HIV from the beginning of the semester. This just further proved how much we need to be getting involved and educating about how HIV is contracted!
DID YOU KNOW
Did you know that on July 28, 2009 Katy Pery put a on a (RED) concert where all the ticket precedes went to Africa to help HIV/AIDS patients. It is great to see artist getting involved in helping prevent HIV or any cancer or disease. Gap (RED)’s campaign started with the INSPI(RED) Gap T-shirt made in Africa. Half the profits from GAP sales go to The Global Fun to help women and children affected by AIDS in Africa.
http://www.gapinc.com/public/OurBrands/brands_gapred.shtml
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Blog #11
Wow. I have had quite a few weeks. I actually had to quit my job in order to deal with my 19 credit hours and graduation. I'm trying to get my resume together to send out to hospitals and offices to hopefully get a job after graduation in December. After doing the simulation and after thinking about how much I have on my plate right now that I had to quit my job, I could not IMAGINE really throwing HIV into the mix of my crazy life. This week I have learned that "Knowledge is Power" is not acceptable phrase anymore. Especially when it is not working. Many thought that if people were knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS the transmission would decrease. This has not happened yet. A reason I believe that Americans are so naive to HIV is because they were never educated about it at an early age. Our mines our sculpted at a very young age, and the things that we still value and think are important are the things we were required to take. If HIV/AIDS awareness was required to learn in middle school or high school, I think that more people would be interested and willing to have a opinion on the topic. When American's believe in something they are willing to voice their opinion. We need this to happen in order to slow the transmission rate.
I also believe in organization trying to promote awareness in HIV. I am excited to say that I am currently trying to pursue a job with the MAC AIDS organization. I have always admired non-profit organizations and now that I have become so passionate about finding a cure for HIV I don't attend to sit around and wait for someone else to do it.
DID YOU KNOW:
According to Avert.org, "It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS" (Avert.org, 2009). If this is the truth then WHY AREN'T WE TEACHING?? This day in age is unlike the past. Our young adults know more than most generations ever had. Yes, they are fragile minds, but they deserve to know the truth and what can happen. HIV/AIDS is a very serious issue that need to me addressed at a young age. That is why I believe it is important for young people to be required to learn about it. Also Avert.org says, "Young people get information about sex and sexuality from a wide range of sources including each other, through the media including advertising, television and magazines, as well as leaflets, books and websites (such as www.avert.org) which are intended to be sources of information about sex and sexuality. Some of this will be accurate and some inaccurate" (Avert.org, 2009). With saying this, why should we not educate the TRUTH about HIV/AIDS at a young age before they can hear any myths or discriminatory information.
I also believe in organization trying to promote awareness in HIV. I am excited to say that I am currently trying to pursue a job with the MAC AIDS organization. I have always admired non-profit organizations and now that I have become so passionate about finding a cure for HIV I don't attend to sit around and wait for someone else to do it.
DID YOU KNOW:
According to Avert.org, "It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS" (Avert.org, 2009). If this is the truth then WHY AREN'T WE TEACHING?? This day in age is unlike the past. Our young adults know more than most generations ever had. Yes, they are fragile minds, but they deserve to know the truth and what can happen. HIV/AIDS is a very serious issue that need to me addressed at a young age. That is why I believe it is important for young people to be required to learn about it. Also Avert.org says, "Young people get information about sex and sexuality from a wide range of sources including each other, through the media including advertising, television and magazines, as well as leaflets, books and websites (such as www.avert.org) which are intended to be sources of information about sex and sexuality. Some of this will be accurate and some inaccurate" (Avert.org, 2009). With saying this, why should we not educate the TRUTH about HIV/AIDS at a young age before they can hear any myths or discriminatory information.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Blog #11
This week I am DRAINED!!!! This simulation took it out of me. Having to take 35 pills a day was not only inconvenient but hard. I hate swallowing things in the first place, but I really wanted to act like it was a matter of life or death. Whenever I told friends what I was doing they thought it was ridiculous, and to be honest when I first joined this class and looked at all the assignments, I thought the simulation was crazy. But after going through this class, and learning everything I have, I think it really forced me to live the life of an AIDS patient. Even with learning and reading about having HIV, no one can really understand what it's like to have it until they do. This simulation gave me a slight glimpse of what it would be like to have AIDS.
DID YOU KNOW:
One thing that I have realized through out this class, articles I've read, modules I've done is that our prevention methods have not really worked. New ideas are forming such as the needle exchanged program, but what will really work? The question was asked whether I thought having a microchip implanted in HIV+ patients to track their actions was ethical and I completely believe that it is against anything I believe in. Yes, it could help slow transmission rates, but what would be giving up for that, our freedom. The United States stands proud on our independence. According to Avert.org, "The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in 2004 that reviewed the effectiveness of needle exchange programmes in many countries, and whether they promoted or prolonged illicit drug use; the results produced convincing evidence that needle exchange programmes significantly reduce HIV infection, and no evidence that they encourage drug use" (Avert, 2009). The first time I heard of this program, I immediatly thought that is was not a good idea because it was promoting drug use. After doing some research on it, I think it is actually a good idea. One thing I have seen is that people that are going to do drugs will find a way. I will compare it to using a condom. Does giving out free condoms promote sex? I believe that offering free needle exchange will help the transmission of AIDS and will not encourage drug exchange, but promote safety.
Needle exchange and harm reduction. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: http://avert.org/needle-exchange.htm
DID YOU KNOW:
One thing that I have realized through out this class, articles I've read, modules I've done is that our prevention methods have not really worked. New ideas are forming such as the needle exchanged program, but what will really work? The question was asked whether I thought having a microchip implanted in HIV+ patients to track their actions was ethical and I completely believe that it is against anything I believe in. Yes, it could help slow transmission rates, but what would be giving up for that, our freedom. The United States stands proud on our independence. According to Avert.org, "The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report in 2004 that reviewed the effectiveness of needle exchange programmes in many countries, and whether they promoted or prolonged illicit drug use; the results produced convincing evidence that needle exchange programmes significantly reduce HIV infection, and no evidence that they encourage drug use" (Avert, 2009). The first time I heard of this program, I immediatly thought that is was not a good idea because it was promoting drug use. After doing some research on it, I think it is actually a good idea. One thing I have seen is that people that are going to do drugs will find a way. I will compare it to using a condom. Does giving out free condoms promote sex? I believe that offering free needle exchange will help the transmission of AIDS and will not encourage drug exchange, but promote safety.
Needle exchange and harm reduction. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: http://avert.org/needle-exchange.htm
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Blog # 9
As this semester comes to an end, I cannot believe all that I have accomplished in this class. Not just talking about the excessive amount of work, but all that I have learned. Thinking back, I wonder if I would have taken this class if I knew of the work load. This would have been a great class to take if I had a lighter load of classes, or even if some of the classes I were taking were electives. Since this was my one elective course, I do not know if I would have taken this again. Do not get me wrong, it is VERY informative and I learned a lot, but I found myself struggling repeatedly throughout the week to get everything done for this class, let alone my other 5 classes.
I think out of all the QOTW questions we have had this one was the hardest for me to answer. According to the book AIDS: The Biological Basis, "Without an animal model, researchers cannot predict whether an experimental vaccine might work on humans" (Weeks, 2010). I am not saying that I think Chimps deserve to die to help humans live, but I would rather have a cure to help the human race then to jeopardize the life of a human to find out more about HIV.
I think the hardest thing I've had to do this semester is the M&M simulation. Trying to take all these drugs in one day, remembering which ones to take at what time and if you have to take it with food is almost impossible. My first day I failed horribly. First off, I rarely eat 3 meals, and if I do its not morning, afternoon, and night. So trying to take certain drugs on an empty stomach, some right before I eat, and some with food was my biggest challenge. I did not have time to worry what people were thinking, because I was trying so hard to remember to take them period.
Weeks, Benjamin S., Alcamo, Edward I. (2010). AIDS: The Biological Basis (Fifth Edition). Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Did you Know
The URL , is of U.S. President Barack Obama making a speech of his signing into law an extension of the Ryan White CARE Act, "which provides critical funding to HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout the United States" (). In this speech, Obama addressed the current state of HIV in the United States spoke candidly about the current state of HIV in the U.S., and also "announced that the last vestige of the U.S.'s 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive people entering the country was about to vanish" (). This should go into effect in January 2010. The ban was suppose to be a prevention method, but the question that arises is how do you know whether a person entering our country is really HIV positive?
AIDSinfonet.(2009)."Obama Announces Ryan White CARE Act Reauthorization, Elimination of HIV Travel Ban". The Body: The complete HIV/AIDS Guide. http://www.thebody.com/content/govt/art54235.html
I think out of all the QOTW questions we have had this one was the hardest for me to answer. According to the book AIDS: The Biological Basis, "Without an animal model, researchers cannot predict whether an experimental vaccine might work on humans" (Weeks, 2010). I am not saying that I think Chimps deserve to die to help humans live, but I would rather have a cure to help the human race then to jeopardize the life of a human to find out more about HIV.
I think the hardest thing I've had to do this semester is the M&M simulation. Trying to take all these drugs in one day, remembering which ones to take at what time and if you have to take it with food is almost impossible. My first day I failed horribly. First off, I rarely eat 3 meals, and if I do its not morning, afternoon, and night. So trying to take certain drugs on an empty stomach, some right before I eat, and some with food was my biggest challenge. I did not have time to worry what people were thinking, because I was trying so hard to remember to take them period.
Weeks, Benjamin S., Alcamo, Edward I. (2010). AIDS: The Biological Basis (Fifth Edition). Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Did you Know
The URL , is of U.S. President Barack Obama making a speech of his signing into law an extension of the Ryan White CARE Act, "which provides critical funding to HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout the United States" (). In this speech, Obama addressed the current state of HIV in the United States spoke candidly about the current state of HIV in the U.S., and also "announced that the last vestige of the U.S.'s 22-year-old ban on HIV-positive people entering the country was about to vanish" (). This should go into effect in January 2010. The ban was suppose to be a prevention method, but the question that arises is how do you know whether a person entering our country is really HIV positive?
AIDSinfonet.(2009)."Obama Announces Ryan White CARE Act Reauthorization, Elimination of HIV Travel Ban". The Body: The complete HIV/AIDS Guide. http://www.thebody.com/content/govt/art54235.html
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Blog 7
As I thought more about the QOTW this week, I began reflecting on whether I would really want to be the cause for my sibling having HIV. The more I thought about it the harder I thought it would be for me to give them my kidney, or should I say trying to persuade them into taking it. If she was already hesitant about taking it, I do not know if I would want to try to talk her into it. It comes down me knowingly giving her HIV. Then on the other hand, I feel like not giving it to her would only add to the stigma of having HIV. By my refusal to give my organ because I am HIV positive, I’m showing my sister that I am an outcast that doesn't think deserves to live because I have HIV. My mind is boggled to really think about how this situation could play out.
Something else that I have learned in the last past week is how much this class has been beneficial to my other classes. For example, for my public health class we have a project coming up that we can pick any topic in public health. I choose to do the spread of AIDS as my topic and discuss how it is a public health issue that is affecting millions. Another example is for my Research class. We are to choose a topic to research and my research question is, “To what extent is U.S. Citizen aware or unaware of their ability to become infected with HIV/AIDS?” I broke down this question with sub problems which are the following: Knowledge of HIV Positive U.S. citizens, Trust in partners, trust in race, and trust in country. I feel that researching these different areas will come to a conclusion of the knowledge base in the United States about AIDS, and I plan to prove that with more education we can slow the spread of HIV.
I also choose to research this because I have developed a passion for the cure of AIDS during this semester. I do not know exactly when it happened, but I find myself looking for different information of the topic in my everyday life. I have not only shown this in my classes, but also in my internship. I am interning at the Florida Hospital in the Cancer Institute helping plan fundraising and awareness events. I find myself acquiring information about HIV/AIDS events that I can help with. I think my continuing knowledge for HIV has made me more passionate to help.
Did You Know
According to Avert.org, sex education is “the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The belief is that if students are aware of sex and the consequences that can come from it they well make informed decisions and protect themselves from “abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The problem with sex education is the vast differences in the belief to have premarital sex. A person’s individual belief on the subject can alter how much information him or her believes should be revealed to children about sex. Some believe giving more information about sex to young adults will probe them to have sex earlier. Advert.org suggest that, “rather than trying to deter or frighten young people away from having sex, effective sex education includes work on attitudes and beliefs, coupled with skills development, that enables young people to choose whether or not to have a sexual relationship taking into account the potential risks of any sexual activity” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). In reality, young adults are having sex and allowing them the information to have safe sex or choose themselves to have limited partners because of the risk will lower the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Sex Education that Works. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
Something else that I have learned in the last past week is how much this class has been beneficial to my other classes. For example, for my public health class we have a project coming up that we can pick any topic in public health. I choose to do the spread of AIDS as my topic and discuss how it is a public health issue that is affecting millions. Another example is for my Research class. We are to choose a topic to research and my research question is, “To what extent is U.S. Citizen aware or unaware of their ability to become infected with HIV/AIDS?” I broke down this question with sub problems which are the following: Knowledge of HIV Positive U.S. citizens, Trust in partners, trust in race, and trust in country. I feel that researching these different areas will come to a conclusion of the knowledge base in the United States about AIDS, and I plan to prove that with more education we can slow the spread of HIV.
I also choose to research this because I have developed a passion for the cure of AIDS during this semester. I do not know exactly when it happened, but I find myself looking for different information of the topic in my everyday life. I have not only shown this in my classes, but also in my internship. I am interning at the Florida Hospital in the Cancer Institute helping plan fundraising and awareness events. I find myself acquiring information about HIV/AIDS events that I can help with. I think my continuing knowledge for HIV has made me more passionate to help.
Did You Know
According to Avert.org, sex education is “the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The belief is that if students are aware of sex and the consequences that can come from it they well make informed decisions and protect themselves from “abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The problem with sex education is the vast differences in the belief to have premarital sex. A person’s individual belief on the subject can alter how much information him or her believes should be revealed to children about sex. Some believe giving more information about sex to young adults will probe them to have sex earlier. Advert.org suggest that, “rather than trying to deter or frighten young people away from having sex, effective sex education includes work on attitudes and beliefs, coupled with skills development, that enables young people to choose whether or not to have a sexual relationship taking into account the potential risks of any sexual activity” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). In reality, young adults are having sex and allowing them the information to have safe sex or choose themselves to have limited partners because of the risk will lower the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Sex Education that Works. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Blog 6
In my blog this week I want to talk about the issue of our QOTW and whether I would want my son or daughter to go to a party that I knew HIV+ children would be at. I would never hold my children back from going for a couple important reasons. The first is because I would not want to teach my children that those HIV+ children are any different them. I would want them to treat every peer the same regardless of race, gender, sex, or health condition. Second, I would want to use the opportunity to teach my children about HIV and how it is really contracted. I would teach them that you cannot get HIV from shaking someone’s hand or giving someone a hug. You cannot get HIV by drinking after someone or getting coughed on.
In the movies we watched (AIDS in America, Common Threads, and Silverlake Life) we were taught of the stigma that came along with having HIV. These individuals were mocked and treated unkindly because many people were uneducated about HIV. Even our presidents were unaware of the seriousness of its spread. I believe the first step in helping cure HIV is getting awareness of it out to the public. Rallies and benefit events are great ways to do this.
I actually had my friend that turned out HIV+ watch Common Threads with me. It saddened me to hear that she had NEVER of these event to recognize people that have died of AIDS. I saw tears roll down her eyes because she felt that she might one day be on a panel. I reassured her that we would fight this, and she would be a survivor. Comfort and companionship is definitely something HIV+ individuals are looking for. I feel so blessed to be able to inform her daily of things I’m learning, because she has told me repeatedly how much it has helped her through this.
Did You Know
“When a mother has HIV, the dangers of not breastfeeding must be balanced against the risk of HIV transmission (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” Thinking about this is one way to prevent the spread of HIV. According the Advert.org, deciding to not breastfeed if you have HIV outweighs the consequences of breastfeeding and maybe infecting your child with HIV (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009). “Among women who are infected with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral treatment or other interventions, breastfeeding for two or more years can double the rate of mother-to-child transmission to around 40% (the rest of the transmission occurs during pregnancy, labour and delivery) (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” This is a serious matter. Breastfeeding when you knowingly have HIV is extremely dangerous for your child.
Also did you know that Japan is trying to support prevention of HIV/AIDS by offering free HIV testing yet only 50,000 people annual are getting tested (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS, 2004).One of the reasons for low HIV testing rates is the limited office hours of local health centers, which are open only during daytime hours and weekdays and require appointments (Japan’s Response to the Spread of
HIV/AIDS, 2009).” This problem is also in a lot of other countries, including the United States.
ADD ON:
The law concerning HIV confidentiality in Japan is under the National Guidelines for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare that states, “Respect for Human Rights: Protect the basic human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and their rights to privacy and confidentiality. Coordinate efforts between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Justice to abolish discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. On the medical front, provide treatment based on informed consent and respect for the individual (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS,2004).” Therefore, Japan has great concentration on making sure HIV/AIDS patients have complete confidentiality in regards to their condition.
HIV and breastfeeding. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS (2004). Japan Center for International Exchange Tokyo: The Japan Center for International Exchange. Retrieved on October 14, 2009 from http://www.jcie.or.jp/thinknet/pdfs/hiv.pdf
In the movies we watched (AIDS in America, Common Threads, and Silverlake Life) we were taught of the stigma that came along with having HIV. These individuals were mocked and treated unkindly because many people were uneducated about HIV. Even our presidents were unaware of the seriousness of its spread. I believe the first step in helping cure HIV is getting awareness of it out to the public. Rallies and benefit events are great ways to do this.
I actually had my friend that turned out HIV+ watch Common Threads with me. It saddened me to hear that she had NEVER of these event to recognize people that have died of AIDS. I saw tears roll down her eyes because she felt that she might one day be on a panel. I reassured her that we would fight this, and she would be a survivor. Comfort and companionship is definitely something HIV+ individuals are looking for. I feel so blessed to be able to inform her daily of things I’m learning, because she has told me repeatedly how much it has helped her through this.
Did You Know
“When a mother has HIV, the dangers of not breastfeeding must be balanced against the risk of HIV transmission (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” Thinking about this is one way to prevent the spread of HIV. According the Advert.org, deciding to not breastfeed if you have HIV outweighs the consequences of breastfeeding and maybe infecting your child with HIV (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009). “Among women who are infected with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral treatment or other interventions, breastfeeding for two or more years can double the rate of mother-to-child transmission to around 40% (the rest of the transmission occurs during pregnancy, labour and delivery) (HIV and breastfeeding, 2009).” This is a serious matter. Breastfeeding when you knowingly have HIV is extremely dangerous for your child.
Also did you know that Japan is trying to support prevention of HIV/AIDS by offering free HIV testing yet only 50,000 people annual are getting tested (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS, 2004).One of the reasons for low HIV testing rates is the limited office hours of local health centers, which are open only during daytime hours and weekdays and require appointments (Japan’s Response to the Spread of
HIV/AIDS, 2009).” This problem is also in a lot of other countries, including the United States.
ADD ON:
The law concerning HIV confidentiality in Japan is under the National Guidelines for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care issued by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare that states, “Respect for Human Rights: Protect the basic human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS and their rights to privacy and confidentiality. Coordinate efforts between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Justice to abolish discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. On the medical front, provide treatment based on informed consent and respect for the individual (Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS,2004).” Therefore, Japan has great concentration on making sure HIV/AIDS patients have complete confidentiality in regards to their condition.
HIV and breastfeeding. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
Japan’s Response to the Spread of HIV/AIDS (2004). Japan Center for International Exchange Tokyo: The Japan Center for International Exchange. Retrieved on October 14, 2009 from http://www.jcie.or.jp/thinknet/pdfs/hiv.pdf
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Blog #5
According to the movie Aids, “many continue to think that the disease would only infect gay men, and HIV user’s but in late 1981 there was a report in a children’s hospital in San Francisco that discovered it in a baby.” This baby required a lot of blood transfusion and would show symptoms that were called the gay syndrome. After collecting the blood donors they found one man that had died of AIDS. So the disease had infected the baby through a donor, it was not only gay men and drug user’s at this point. The reason I bring this up is because in churches it was being preached that the people that were being infected with AIDS deserve it because they were disobeying God with their actions. This disgusted me! As republican and Christian, I could never think of blaming a person contracting HIV because of their action, which is complete judgment. I do not know their situation or how they even really got infected. I have to right to say that they “deserve to die.”
People were also saying the screening blood donors were being discriminatory, that was a huge public health disaster. This reminds of the QOTW we had about if we were in a foreign country and needed an immediate blood transfer to stay alive would you do it. Of course, I was hesitant about saying that I would take the transfer not knowing if the blood was safe but if it was my only choice I would. But to say that we do not have the right to know the condition of the blood given to us is absurd. It took 2 more years until a safe guard was put in, and it should have never took that long.
I also watched the movie “AIDS in America,” and was deeply touched and moved by this movie. I learned so much of the ignorance and stigma in the world towards HIV/AIDS patients. The one person I was shocked to learn had a huge impact in the AIDS community was Bono. When Senator Jesse Helms met Bono, he was moved. Bono spoke of a chapter in Matthew how Christ was there for those who needed him, and he said “I want to give you a blessing.” He respected what Bono was telling him, and he then changed his position and became an advocate for HIV funding. Bono’s foundation of beliefs were on God, and believed everyone deserved to be treated the same. He saw the AIDS epidemic as a great concern to the world that was being ignored and took it in his hands to educate the world.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know the extent to which our country and even our Presidents were in denial of HIV/AIDS prevention?
From the beginning, President Ronald Regan’s beliefs were cut taxes and reduces the size of government. “These will be our first priority and on these principles there will be no compromise.” Secretary of Health and Human Services, Margartet Heckler, was looking to the scientists to set her priorities on AIDS. CDC had been severely hurt by the budget cuts Ronald Regan had put in place. She did not believe that AIDS was problem money could solve, but only scientist. President Reagan was known for acting like AIDS was not even there. When he finally agreed to speak at American Foundation for AIDS Research, he knew very little about it. Parvin was chosen to write the speech and was shocked to see how disengaged he was on the subject. He decided that he needed to speak to the Surgeon General, to get informed on AIDS. He then started being counterproductive when he started talking about testing and denying entry to immigrants. This was his only speech on AIDS. This lack of knowledge hurt our country, because if U.S. citizens had been more aware they might have been able to prevent the astounding increase of cases.
People were also saying the screening blood donors were being discriminatory, that was a huge public health disaster. This reminds of the QOTW we had about if we were in a foreign country and needed an immediate blood transfer to stay alive would you do it. Of course, I was hesitant about saying that I would take the transfer not knowing if the blood was safe but if it was my only choice I would. But to say that we do not have the right to know the condition of the blood given to us is absurd. It took 2 more years until a safe guard was put in, and it should have never took that long.
I also watched the movie “AIDS in America,” and was deeply touched and moved by this movie. I learned so much of the ignorance and stigma in the world towards HIV/AIDS patients. The one person I was shocked to learn had a huge impact in the AIDS community was Bono. When Senator Jesse Helms met Bono, he was moved. Bono spoke of a chapter in Matthew how Christ was there for those who needed him, and he said “I want to give you a blessing.” He respected what Bono was telling him, and he then changed his position and became an advocate for HIV funding. Bono’s foundation of beliefs were on God, and believed everyone deserved to be treated the same. He saw the AIDS epidemic as a great concern to the world that was being ignored and took it in his hands to educate the world.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know the extent to which our country and even our Presidents were in denial of HIV/AIDS prevention?
From the beginning, President Ronald Regan’s beliefs were cut taxes and reduces the size of government. “These will be our first priority and on these principles there will be no compromise.” Secretary of Health and Human Services, Margartet Heckler, was looking to the scientists to set her priorities on AIDS. CDC had been severely hurt by the budget cuts Ronald Regan had put in place. She did not believe that AIDS was problem money could solve, but only scientist. President Reagan was known for acting like AIDS was not even there. When he finally agreed to speak at American Foundation for AIDS Research, he knew very little about it. Parvin was chosen to write the speech and was shocked to see how disengaged he was on the subject. He decided that he needed to speak to the Surgeon General, to get informed on AIDS. He then started being counterproductive when he started talking about testing and denying entry to immigrants. This was his only speech on AIDS. This lack of knowledge hurt our country, because if U.S. citizens had been more aware they might have been able to prevent the astounding increase of cases.
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