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Thanks to a five-year, $286,000
grant awarded to AIDS Community Resources (ACR), HIV-positive residents can
receive extra help in eating more nutritiously. The Syracuse, NY-based agency
announced September 7 that it has received federal money directed to the New
York Department of Health’s AIDS Institute to fund “Nutrition Health Education
and Food and Meal Services for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS.”
This is a 15-county effort to
improve overall health and nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS. ACR
Executive Director Michael E. Crinnin stated that this was the last piece of an
overall effort to build up support services for poor people who do not have
access to nutritious foods. He stated that even for others who already have
that access, certain foods may not mix well with HIV/AIDS medications.
With this five-year grant, the
agency will be able to develop a food pantry with the capability of delivering
food packages specific to each person’s need in respective counties. The grant
also funds group educational sessions, nutritional assessments, and food
vouchers, at a maximum of $100 per month per person, according to Mr. Crinnin.
Two nutritionists have been hired
for this program. The goal is for people with HIV/AIDS to graduate from the
program with a better understanding and knowledge of how to live healthier with
their disease, states ACR’s Director of Support Services, Jeanette B.
O’Connor-Shanley. She also stated that good nutrition is important in building
a healthy immune system, and that the key to treatment is better nutrition and
good food. People living with HIV/AIDS do not have to become clients of other
ACR-related programs, but they must show proof of their diagnosis.
ACR also announced that beginning
with September the program includes group training sessions, personalized
fitness scripts, and nutrition information. The goal is participation in ACR's
First Frost AIDS Walk/Run on Oct. 14.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
