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Mark VanZanten

Hi, I don't know who to write to actually, but I like your blogs, so I've decided you might be my best bet. I'm a member of a local, rural Consortia in Southeastern Ohio. We know that coming down the road there will be immense changes to the Ryan White and Hopwa rules, and we'd like to prepare ourselves for them, as well as place input of what is truly needed outside of America's metropolitan areas. In a geographical area that is about one-quarter the size of the entire State of Ohio, transportation issues are paramount for us. We have few medical providers, making travel a necessity for those needing treatment. This involves not only the need to pay increased fuel costs, but also at times the other hidden costs of owning an automobile, as well as the cost of the vehicle itself. Now is the time to talk to those who might bring transportation issues to our government representatives, as well as to those who could marry car-dealerships and the poor together to increase independence for everyone. We need more public transportation for those of us living in rural areas. Thinking out of the box for those of us dealing with access to care know that inter-county travel is imperative in achieving equal care. The States could spend money on mono-rails which would run between interstate highways, for instance, with a hub every 75 to 100 miles with a monorail "car" setting out from that hub in each direction every hour. Thus, everyone would be guaranteed close public transport even in the the most rural of places. Who can we talk to about things like this? Stigma is still a huge deal in rural America. Mental health is needed, but one usually decides to forego this because they "know" the therapist too well. "Neighbors" you know. I believe everyone who has the need for antiretrovirals should be receiving them, regardless of what State one lives in. We need complete Universal healthcare, which only makes sense in the long run...with prevention high on the list of importance. Housing, nutrition, and utilities are also of importance to those of us living longer due to the past successes with the Cocktail. Those of us who know must also be prepared to testify as to those who think that the Cocktail is nothing less than a miracle. Although a blessing, I'm sure my body would be in quite different shape without the wear and tear of highly toxic drugs and the virus which they are killing. I've rambled on and on...but getting down to the nitty-gritty...I'd like to know, is there a venue to discuss these issues? Thank you...

January 30, 2009