Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The New York Times - November 24, 1986
David W. Dunlap
When the transfer is complete, callers to (800) 342-AIDS will be able to reach operators around the clock and also find a greater range in the recorded information that precedes an operator.
The change is to occur Dec. 15. The American Social Health Association, a 74-year-old volunteer agency based in Palo Alto, Calif., that will run the service, is now recruiting 100 volunteers as telephone operators.
Its acting executive director, Dr. Alvin J. Glasky, said New York was chosen because it "has an established base of support services and is committed to helping out with causes." The city accounts for almost a third of the AIDS cases reported among adults in this country.
The hot line, which offers up-to-date information on AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, has been operated since early 1985 by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Operators are available 10 hours a day, five days a week.
In an appropriations bill last year, Congress required that operators be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "The C.D.C. was incapable, from the standpoint of space and personnel, of handling that kind of operation," said a public health adviser at the Federal center, Russ Havlak.
The projected cost over five years is $10.6 million, most of it for telephone bills. The agency plans to mail literature and there will be some paid operators. Volunteers will be trained and supervised by a professional staff and asked to make a commitment of two to four hours a week for six months. Prospective volunteers can call (212) 867-6062, Dr. Glasky said.
861124
NYT861130
Copyright © 1986 - The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved. All New York Times articles contained on the AEGiS web site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of The New York Times Company. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. However, you may download articles (one machine readable copy and one print copy per page) for your personal, noncommercial use only.
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, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1986. 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, 1986. 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. .