Business Wire - Thursday, February 25, 1999
The largest and most comprehensive HIV/AIDS service provider in Orange County, the AIDS Services Foundation, reported that client deaths have declined from 247 in 1995 to 58 in 1998. Because of this trend, HIV/AIDS service providers are being forced to expand their services and develop new programs for those who need help rebuilding their lives and sustaining their health.
It's clear that the new anti-HIV medications have had a profound impact, but these are complex regimens, which could last for an indefinite period of time. These regimens typically involve three or more medications taken two to three times a day with and without food. Many of those that are infected have a low rate of adherence to the treatment protocols. Lack of adherence to the medication can quickly result in viral resistance and ultimately treatment failures that endanger the individual and the public health.
A recent national survey found that 43 percent of patients admit to not taking their HIV medications as prescribed. Nearly all of them (93 percent) understood that taking anti-HIV drugs properly would prolong their lives.
With more than 2,000 HIV-infected people in Orange County, there are no public funds to educate people with HIV about their treatment options. However, over the next two years, ASF will implement a new program to increase participants' understanding of treatment options thanks to a $33,000 grant from the Irvine Health Foundation (IHF).
"With additional help from the Irvine Health Foundation, we are confident we can create a well-tested and significant resource for HIV-treating physicians and their patients in Orange County," said Priscilla Munro, ASF executive director.
The SMART -- Strategies to Maximize Antiretroviral Therapy -- program will offer small classes and individual counseling in English and Spanish to patients to improve their ability to partner with their physicians and promote more consistent adherence to treatment. Services will be available without charge to all HIV-infected people in Orange County who are considering or taking anti-HIV medications.
Since its founding in 1985, ASF has been providing education, advocacy and early case management services available to everyone in Orange County with HIV.
The Irvine Health Foundation is a non-profit, grantmaking foundation whose goal is to improve the health -- consisting of physical, mental and emotional well being -- of Orange County residents.
The Foundation is focused on promoting health and wellness, ensuring the availability of accessible, quality health-related services, working in the area of health policy and supporting research designed to develop new knowledge in areas related to health. For more information on IHF, visit its Web site at www.ihf.org.
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CONTACT: Irvine Health Foundation, Irvine Ed Kacic, 949/253-2959
990225
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