AEGiS-15IAC: The living center experience-improving the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

The living center experience-improving the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10326)

Rosenkrantz MJ
AIDS service organization, New London, United States

ISSUES: The Alliance for Living works mainly with people living with HIV/AIDS who are low income. Quality of life and empowerment are two issues which the Alliance staff attempt to help members (clients) with. The abstract addresses how the Alliance works with members to improve their quality of life, while simultaneously empowering people to take more control over their lives. This is accomplished through the comprehensive, non-medical programs offered at the Alliance.

DESCRIPTION: The Alliance offers comprehensive, non-medical services to the affected population in New London County, CT. This also includes off-site housing. The services begin with case management and includes support groups, food program, fitness center, PC room. The Alliance offers a full range of other services in order to help the "whole" person. See www.allianceforliving.org for a complete list of services.

LESSONS LEARNED: The Alliance has been in existence since April 1998. Results of how a "living center" can help people living with HIV/AIDS are not conclusive. But, through offering a variety of services one begins to see how people start using one service and then begin to use others, become empowered and are able to do more with their lives.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Continue with the concept and be persistent in promoting programs, offering transportation and other incentives for using the "living center".

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Demography, Health Planning Guidelines, Population, London, Humans

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D10326