Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire - November 30, 1995
Starting with local health departments and battling AIDS with programs developed at the community level, Jones, an associate professor emeritus of nursing at Ball State University, says people can take control of the spread of HIV infection, provided they will make the effort. She details her approach in her new book, "HIV/AIDS: What to Do About It" ($11.50, International Thomson Publishing, call 800-354-9706).
"Most people become involved when someone they know becomes infected with the virus. Don't wait for that to happen. The toll from AIDS, the financial cost and the human cost, is something we cannot afford," says Jones, who has specialized over the past nine years in prevention of the spread of HIV infection and care of people already infected with the virus.
Jones says local health departments have a major role to play. They should be committed to what is needed for the health of the community, rather than to what is politically expedient.
"Sometimes they need your help to break down restrictions that have been placed on them, especially in smaller communities. The too-frequent response, 'We don't have a problem here,' no longer holds," she says. Educate youth, she says. "Lack of knowledge costs money and lives.
"Thousands of teenagers unknowingly become infected with STDs or acquire HIV infection, and often they pass these infections on to their babies." She emphasized the importance of a school-community partnership for a sound HIV/AIDS education program in the schools.
In her book, Jones offers "A Community HIV Prevention Checklist," concrete things that can be done to help prevent the spread of the disease in any community. The list, Jones says, can be used to see what strides the community has already taken and to determine what yet needs to be done.
"Grass roots efforts have been shown to be the most effective way to accomplish the tasks that need to be done," Jones says.
"HIV/AIDS: What to Do About It," $11.50, paperback, International Thomson Publishing, to order call 800-354-9706.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Review copies available. Jones available for interviews./
CONTACT: Lorraine Jones, 317-286-3042/ 15:03 EST
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