Washington Blade - October 1, 2004

STAR CITY, Russia (AP) - The next crew for the international space station said last week it will conduct experiments to research new AIDS vaccines and plant growth and work on new space vehicles that will help future missions to the moon and Mars. Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov and U.S. astronaut Leroy Chiao are scheduled to blast off Oct. 11 from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to replace Gennady Padalka and Mike Fincke, who are winding down a six-month mission on the orbiting station. Cosmonaut Yuri Shargin also will travel into space, but is to return nine days later with Padalka and Fincke. Russian space vehicles have provided the only link with the space station since the United States grounded the shuttle fleet after Columbia broke apart during re-entry in February 2003, killing all seven astronauts on board. "I think it is a service to the memory of the crew of the Columbia that we continue our work in space," Chiao, 44, of Danville, Calif., told reporters at Russia's Star City, just outside Moscow. Chiao said the crew plans to conduct medical experiments to help researchers find a vaccine for AIDS.

Gay, lesbian medical advocates oppose proposed 'refusal clauses'

SAN FRANCISCO - In announcing its opposition to a Michigan state "refusal clause" that allows health care providers to refuse to treat some patients, the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association last week said it plans to take its petition drive against the clause across the nation. The bill, approved by the Michigan House of Representatives, provides that a health care worker can "object as a matter of conscience to providing or participating in a health care service on ethical, moral, or religious grounds," the group said in a news release. The organization noted that such a "refusal clause" could affect the way doctors and other health care providers care for patients, particularly gay patients. The group's petition allows health care providers in Michigan and across the country to voice opposition to the proposed state law and other similar measures, the association said in its news release. According to the group, seven other states have considered similar bills: Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

Manhattan HIV specialist named new academy director

LOS ANGELES - The American Academy of HIV Medicine has named Howard Grossman as the group's new executive director, the organization said in a news release last week. "The National Board of Directors, staff and I are pleased to welcome Dr. Grossman as a new leader at AAHIVM," Dr. John Stansell, board chair, said in the media statement. "Dr. Grossman represents a rich mix of leadership, knowledge and skillfulness that will ensure the Academy remains the foremost professional organization in the field of HIV medicine." Grossman previously was in private practice in Manhattan as a general practitioner, but is known as a specialist in HIV medicine and is an assistant professor at Columbia University's medical school.

Vt. medical marijuana program set to open

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The state plans to begin taking applications this month from people who want to legally use marijuana to cope with serious medical ailments. Katherine Perera of Hancock expects to be one of the first to apply, she said last week. "I plan on registering and making myself legal," she said. Perera has used marijuana for years to cope with nausea and lack of appetite produced by the cocktail of medicines she takes to combat HIV. Last spring, the legislature passed a "medical marijuana bill." Under the new law, Vermonters such as Perera won't face prosecution for using or possessing small amounts of marijuana if they have state identity cards certifying they meet certain eligibility standards. To qualify for the protection, an individual must have terminal cancer or AIDS, or debilitating and intractable symptoms caused by AIDS, cancer, HIV, or multiple sclerosis. The state is scheduled to start taking applications for the identity cards Oct. 28.

Wyo. enrollments in HIV/AIDS program capped for lack of funds

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A program that helps HIV and AIDS patients in Wyoming with drug costs is running short of money and stopped accepting new patients after Sept. 30, officials said. "We didn't feel we could continue to take people," said Kurt Galbraith, the HIV/AIDS coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Health. The state program plans to maintain a waiting list for new applications starting Oct. 1, but it is unknown when the program will be able to consider adding any new individuals, Galbraith said. There are 87 patients in the program now. He said last week the overall cost of care, including everything from medications to laboratory tests, has gone up across the board. The average cost of care for each patient rose from $771 per month in 2003 to $1,190 in 2004.

041001
WB041007

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2004. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2004. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .