Aids or Hiv

If you are living with HIV or AIDS, you need many kinds of support -- medical, emotional, psychological, and, yes, financial. Your doctor, your local health and social services departments, your local AIDS service organization, and your local library can aid you in finding all kinds of help:

answers to your questions about HIV and AIDS

doctors, insurance, and help in making health care decisions

food, housing, and transportation

planning to meet financial and daily needs

support groups for you and your loved ones

home nursing care

help in legal matters, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims

confidential help in applying for Social Security disability benefits

You also can get information on these things from the CDC National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-2437.

Many people living with HIV feel better if they can talk with other people who also have HIV. Here are some ways to find others with HIV:

Contact your local AIDS service organization. Look under "AIDS" or "Social Service Organizations" in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

Contact a local hospital, church, or American Red Cross chapter for referrals.

Read HIV newsletters or magazines.

Join support groups or Internet forums.

Volunteer to help others with HIV.

Be an HIV educator or public speaker, or work on a newsletter.

Attend social events to meet other people who have HIV.

Thousands of people are living with HIV, and AIDS, today. Many are leading full, happy, and productive lives. You can too if you work with your doctor and others and take the steps outlined in this booklet to stay healthy.