AEGiS-PRn: Ohio AIDS Hotline Changes Name, Integrates STD Services

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Ohio AIDS Hotline Changes Name, Integrates STD Services

PR Newswire; Tuesday August 4, 11:05 am EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective immediately, the Ohio AIDS Hotline has become the Ohio AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline. The decision to integrate HIV/Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) information and referral services stems from a growing number of STD-specific Hotline inquiries; research linking HIV with other STDs; and a nationwide increase in STD infection rates.

The state's official source of AIDS/HIV/STD information, Hotline volunteers in 1997 responded to 9,000 callers statewide. Callers may speak with Ohio AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline volunteers seven days a week by calling 800-332-2437.

Operated by the Columbus AIDS Task Force (CATF), the Ohio AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline provides Ohio residents with up-to-date information and referral services including: HIV test sites and procedures; safer sex and prevention guidelines; referrals to local AIDS Service Organizations and county health care providers; general information about HIV transmission, statistics and cultural issues; information about STD, transmission, symptoms, treatment and statistics; referrals for STD testing and treatment sites; and information about STD support services.

"Education is the key to AIDS/HIV/STD prevention," said Gloria J.T. Smith, CATF Executive Director and a member of the national AIDS Action board.

"The Ohio AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline enables us to provide free and anonymous information and referrals to Ohioans from all walks of life: rural and urban; young and old; male and female; women and minorities," noted Smith. A TTY Hotline number (800-332-3889) even allows CATF volunteers to serve members of Ohio's deaf community who may have AIDS/HIV/STD questions and concerns.

Ohio's leading AIDS Service Agency, CATF serves 900 clients annually with 500 volunteers and 29 employees. To become a Hotline volunteer, contact CATF's Kathryn Bernish at 614-299-2437, ext. 106.

SOURCE: Columbus AIDS Task Force

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