Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Wednesday October 21, 1998
Donna De La Cruz, Associated Press Writer
"I am very angry that a peaceful candlelight vigil could end with my life being threatened," said John Irizarry, 27, who spent 19 hours in custody following the march Monday down Fifth Avenue.
At least five of the roughly 100 people arrested were denied access to HIV or AIDS medication, according to the New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.
According to New York Police Department policy, when someone is taken into custody and has prescription medicine on them, that medicine is vouchered, said Sgt. Nick Vreeland, a police spokesman. Over the counter medication is taken away. Police do not dispense any kind of medication. If someone needs to take a prescription, they are given the option of being taken to a hospital where they are evaluated, he said.
The arrests occurred during a rally in response to the slaying of Matthew Shepard, the gay University of Wyoming student who was beaten and lashed to a fence.
Irizarry, who takes 22 pills twice a day, said he hadn't missed a dose in six years until this week. After being unable to take two scheduled doses, "I was just really scared for my life," he said.
Patients like Irizarry should never miss a dose of medication because that can allow the virus to weaken their immune systems, said Dr. Paul Curtis Bellman, an HIV specialist.
"He has survived this long by being so diligent in taking all of his medications. The missed doses cannot be replaced," Bellman said. Robert Gangi, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York, a prison watchdog group, said it is not the first time police have refused requests for medication.
"Their reasoning is that they are not qualified medical people and they don't know if what you have is some kind if illegal drug," he said.
Jon Jordan, who is infected with the AIDS virus, also was arrested and opted to be taken to Bellevue Hospital. But he said he was unable to get his AIDS medication even there. Hospital officials did not immediately return a call for comment.
"I don't want them (police) to have the power to play Russian roulette with my life or anyone else who is being held captive by them," said Jordan, 29, who was in police custody for 20 hours.
981021
AP981024
Copyright © 1998 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. 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, 1998. 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. .