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I've lived in AL, GA, LA & FL. The level of HIV health care varies widely from state to state. The UAB 1917 Clinic in Birmingham has amazing care, whereas the clinic here in Sarasota is basically milking Medicaid/Medicare. In Louisiana HIV care is through the parish charity hospitals. They are well underfunded. There are 157 counties in Georgia. Each County is ruled locally and therefore most have no HIV Services at all.
When you look at parts of the South that has a class system since the civil war and civil rights you would understand the South more and the supersitions in the dogama of powerful righlious groups, for again leaders like Joel Olsten steps out to point out HOMSEXUALITY is a sin to move the rights aganda,while as a Christian Man never have I heared him say any thing about AIDS or anything about the bible stating GOD can heal AIDS. We in the South are always pointing out to these Leaders to repent.
Appalling. Faced with overwhelming crisis and hard times, the author takes another swipe at States like NY that did their job properly in attempting to fight AIDS. So let me get this straight, money should be taken away from successful programs in the North and on the Coasts because the Southern States never invested in their own Health Depts? Hmm. How about Medicare For All Americans and we put an end to regional divisivness?
This article is interesting. I never really gave any thought to the impact HIV was having on the South. Although I'm aware that people don't like to talk about homosexuality or HIV AIDS in the African American community. It's quite difficult trying to convey a message of enlightenment when you have others using religion as a form of oppression. This is why I've been fighting to combat this ignorance, but the battle is trying.
American's are such idiots when it comes to their bodies and sex in general. Why? Because of patently religious attitudes toward sex (that are completely ridiculous by the way). The religious zealots in this country not only set the standard for education too low, they encourage ignorance in order to stay in control of their parishioners.
I have read the POZ Magazine before in a POZ Connections meeting here where I live. I am an HIV pos person and I couldn't even imagine not having some kind of medical coverage, Medicaid, that does cover all of my expenses. My one month supply of Atripla costs a staggering $1800.00. I have had more support than I could ever imagine. We have an organization here, Catholic Charities, where I first went who has helped me tremendously. I can give some moral support, but that is about all. Don'tgiveup
I am a native of Florida and grew up in Jacksonville Florida where the Jim Crow Laws in policy and action were invented. You see in the South their are lots of loving and caring people with southern charm, however when it comes to AIDS many are ready to condem to beat the HIV person down to bring up these old Jim Crow laws in secret with prayers. Yes poverty, poor education and lots of fear and condemnation. The sad part is a lot of this condemnation is from the Black Community to Black folks.
Dave B
I agree with the report of HIV care in the south. Only 1 doctor in my area to "treat" those of us with the disease and he is only available 2 MORNINGS a week, has very little knowledge of medications, and is reluctant to seek out resources so that those of us on irrational medical plans can actually afford them. You either make too little money to afford co-pays or you make too much to qualify for assistance programs. These are the reasons people go untreated or dont get tested at all.
February 1, 2011 • Aub. al