The New York Times - November 11, 1984
Linda Spear

Although the majority of the patients are in the five New York City boroughs, there are reported cases statewide. According to John E. Eagn, executive director of the AIDS Task Force of the Mid-Hudson Valley, "most people in this area like to believe that AIDS doesn't exist in their community; that it is found only in large cities where the high-risk population is clustered."

"This simply isn't so," he added. "AIDS is found to a greater or lesser extent almost everywhere. What the general public must realize, however, is that they are at no greater risk than before. AIDS is not contagious through casual contact, and no health-care worker who has treated an AIDS patient has contracted the disease."

Because of the stigma attached to the diagnosis of AIDS and the concurrent fear, patients have reported difficulties in obtaining social services. In order to address the concerns of the people affected and to tell the public through community-service programs about AIDS, the state recently awarded $46,500 yearly to the AIDS Task Force of the Mid-Hudson Valley.

The new program, under the direction of Mr. Eagn, provides educational services and health-care training in the area. The program is especiallly geared to students and trainees in the fields of medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, health advocacy, public health and human sexuality.

"If people are educated" said Mr. Eagn, "necessary services are provided without discrimination."

Assisting Mr. Eagn in disbursement of the services provided by the task force are Diane Spiro, who is director of education, Donald Grasso, clinical director, and Dominick Fulvio, the AIDS line director who links the state's Department of Health- trained volunteer with phone callers in need of service referral, basic information or emotional support.

"The AIDS line," explained Mr. Fulvio, "provides help for the sick person and additional support for the collateral people involved with him - relatives, lovers and friends. Many callers just want to be aware of the symptomology and others want reassurance that there is no risk in casual contact. If they ask, we will tell them what sexual behaviors produce the highest risk, but we will never make moral judgments or attempt a diagnosis."

AIDS line volunteers are given a list of referral services for medical treatment and social services, where people with AIDS and those associated with them can get nonjudgmental care. "Many times," Mr. Fulvio continued, "a volunteer just uses his listening skills - sometimes a caller just wants to talk through a crisis time and all he or she needs is a willing ear."

Donald Grasso, a clinical psychologist, recalled a phone call from a woman who required 24-hour home nursing care for her husband, who had AIDS. As the information necessary to offer the appropriate referral was garnered from the caller, she revealed that, until her husband got sick, she was not aware of his dual sexual preferences. Not only was she dealing with the terminal illness in a loved one but what she considered to be a startling betrayal, as well.

"We helped the woman obtain the necessary health care in her home as well as the much-needed support she required to survive the crisis," Mr. Grasso said.

The task force is developing a number of professionally led support groups for potential clientele. Recently put into operation is a group for people with AIDS that convenes at the office of the AIDS Task Force in White Plains. People with AIDS who live in Westchester and six surrounding counties meet there with counselors in a group or on a one-to-one basis. Patients who can't attend meetings can arrange for phone counseling. Also being developed are groups for lovers and friends, family and friends and a bereavement group.

For patients who are confined to their homes because of the illness, the AIDS Task Force has developed a buddy system that matches the person with AIDS with its trained volunteer. "The buddy" explains Mr. Eagn, "does not provide medical services but helps out with whatever household chores or errands that need to be done. It may be banking, grocery shopping, or even carrying out the trash. Buddies more often just become a welcome companion - a human connnection when the rest of the world has abandoned the patient.

"People with AIDS who desire this service," Mr. Eagn added, "must call the Task Force to request it. Concerned individuals who try to arrange it with all good intentions may find that they have invaded someone's privacy - and that we attempt to preserve at all costs."

Diane Spiro, who coordinates the pool of information that is distributed communitywide, is optimistic about the results of the Task Force outreach program.

"We are getting requests for printed information and seminars from hospitals, social-service organizations, universities and substance- abuse programs and have been offered support from members of the entire community," she said. "But we are in a difficult position. Other volunteer organizations that solicit funds for education and research on a particular disease can knock on doors and be received. When people hear the word AIDS, the doors slam shut. We hope to dispel the myths and explain to the general public that AIDS is not a gay issue but a health issue and there are alternatives where up to now there appeared to be no hope."

"Our main thrust," Mr. Eagn said, "is to improve the quality of life for the person with AIDS, with whatever resources we have at hand." Miss Spiro added: "The Chinese describe the word crisis in two symbols - danger and opportunity. We're here to face the danger with human energy and support."

The AIDS task force is at 255 Grove Street in White Plains. To offer assistance, call the office from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., Monday through Friday, 997- 5149. To receive assistance or referrals, call the AIDS line from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. or 8 to 11 P.M. Monday through Saturday, 997-1614.

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