Posts
Native American populations are
seeing an increase in HIV and AIDS, as many Native groups lack disease
prevention information. To reverse that trend, Arizona authorities are urging
Navajo residents to get tested and become educated about the spread of HIV. Dr.
Paul Bloomquist of the Indian Health Services declares that, “One in five
people don't know they have HIV infection, and the only way that they can
prevent transmission to others and get well or prevent themselves from getting
sick is to get tested and know their status.”
Obstacles, such as traditional
taboos in speaking of death or sex, are prevalent. To overcome those
challenges, Indian officials are incorporating traditional medicine in the
treatment of HIV and AIDS. In the Four Corners region, one medical center is
reducing Navaho HIV transmissions and offering culturally competent care and
treatment. Medicine men at the Indian Medical Center in Gallup, New Mexico,
visit hospital rooms offering ancient prayers, healing herbs for drinking, and
blessings. The Indian Health Service encourages dual treatment—modern medicine
and traditional Navajo healing—so that patients are more receptive of treatment
and continue to receive care.
The following organizations offer
information on HIV/AIDS: National Native American AIDS Prevention Center:
1-720-382-2244; AIDS Treatment Data Network: 1-800-734-7104; HIV Health
InfoLine: 1-866-HIV-INFO; National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO; National
Association of People with AIDS Hotline: 1-240-247-0880; and the National
Prevention Information Network: 1-800-458-5231.
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!
