Document 2458
 DOCN  M94A2458
 TI    Linking care and prevention: a drop in CTR run by PHIV.
 DT    9412
 AU    Lovati R; Brambilla M; Serpelloni G; Donini S; Turrini G; Austin D;
       Frighetto R; Cooperativa Azalea, Verona, Italy.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):30 (abstract no. 095D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370117
 AB    ISSUE: People living with HIV can and should provide service to
       themselves and the community at large by promoting a better
       understanding of what it means to have HIV while assisting in developing
       more effective care. By working for themselves, people with HIV can work
       towards creating more effective prevention campaigns. DESCRIPTION: The
       authors established a concrete work plan which would allow PHIV to focus
       on an objective other than personal elaboration of positive serostatus.
       A PHIV who had opted for visibility promoted media coverage of issues
       linked to AIDS and solicited contact with other PHIV. A small local
       network of PHIV emerged with the assistance of counsellors from the HIV
       unit who referred motivated clients. The group coalesced around a
       proposal to initiate a drop-in center through which PHIV could offer
       direct support and service to PHIV/AIDS. The HIV unit acted as a liaison
       with authorities gaining access to a large apartment owned by the
       municipality. The PHIV network initiated a collaborative arrangement
       with an NGO providing home care and utilised volunteers for diverse
       activities: hotline, self-help and advocacy were chosen as the initial
       work areas. PHIV network and HIV unit joined forces to bring together
       media professionals who dedicate air-time and space to the activities of
       the drop in center and allow PHIV to speak directly on issues related to
       AIDS. These professionals are now being enlisted to assist in the
       production of a newsletter to reach the community at large. Meanwhile
       the group of PHIV have begun feeling more confident in exploring amongst
       themselves personal agendas. CONCLUSIONS: The unfamiliarity of many
       Italians with self-help experience makes it difficult to attract PHIV
       for group encounters. It may be more productive to have charismatic
       individuals promote goal focused activities. The involvement of public
       health institutions allow for easier referral and increased credibility.
       The awareness of real needs of PHIV which ensues from such collaboration
       allows health workers to design more effective services leading to
       higher client satisfaction, lower staff burn-out and more effective
       prevention. With time, a self-help group evolves which permits more
       client-centered work and elaboration of AIDS impact on those attending.
 DE    Counseling  Home Care Services/MANPOWER  Human  HIV
       Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*PSYCHOLOGY  Italy  Preventive Health
       Services/ORGANIZATION & ADMIN  Public Relations  *Self-Help
       Groups/ORGANIZATION & ADMIN  *Social Support  Voluntary Workers  MEETING
       ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).