Being Alive; October 1996
Gary E. Costa

It is clear that the recent developments in effective AIDS treatments are changing the face of the epidemic as we know it. AIDS service organizations nation-wide have reported a change in the types and frequency of services and programs which their members and clients are accessing and requesting. Being Alive has seen a change in the needs of our members as well. While many of our members are now living longer, healthier lives than they had planned, many of our members are not physically or financially able to benefit from these new treatments. And the very real concern of many is that these drugs may wind up being effective for just a short term. In any case, peer-led support programs to address the fears, concerns, and anxieties resulting from the latest developments are continuing to play an increasingly important role in these changing times.

In an effort to be as effective an organization as we can during this rapidly changing period, and to hold true to our original mission of providing a safe space for all people with hiv and to serve as an advocate for all people with AIDS, we have decided to make some changes in our current programs.

Effective October 7, Being Alive will no longer be offering massage or acupuncture at the Ron Stone Center in West Hollywood or at the Being Alive Silverlake office. (The Chiropractic Clinic will continue on Friday mornings in Silverlake and afternoons in West Hollywood due to a contractual arrangement with Los Angeles College of Chiropractics.)

All Being Alive members who were receiving acupuncture and/or massage services are being referred to one of several alternate locations that offer similar services. Also, a coalition of local acupuncturists and massage therapists, many of whom have volunteered for Being Alive, may soon be forming a group to offer low-cost alternative therapies to people with hiv/AIDS. While Being Alive recognizes the value of these types of treatment modalities for some people, we as an organization can no longer financially afford to address these needs and fill all of the gaps in the hiv alternative treatment arena. Providing services such as acupuncture and massage has at times affected our ability to be effective in our original goals. Our plan is to concentrate on our original mission and what we do best: providing peer-to-peer support and serving as advocates for all of our infected brothers and sisters.

While some may not agree with this decision to discontinue these programs, most people will agree that by taking actions such as this Being Alive is being proactive in safeguarding the long-term viability of the organization. Please feel free to contact me to discuss this matter or any other concerns you may have. Being Alive is committed to providing peer-led support and advocacy programs until the true end of the epidemic. Together we are making a difference.

* Holiday Toy Drive '96

This year Being Alive is sponsoring a Toy Drive for children with AIDS. We will have decorated boxes in the entrances of many local businesses around town, where people can donate gifts. We also invite all individuals to interest their own companies in participating in Toy Drive 96. They could, perhaps, put a collection box in their lobby. Or instead of employees exchanging gifts among each other during the holidays, they could each give a toy for a child. We need volunteers to decorate and distribute boxes. Donations of wrapping paper, tape and batteries are greatly appreciated. Please call Buzz Young at 213.669.8223.

* Fifth Annual Gay Erotic Video Awards

This annual event will take place on Monday, December 2, at the Hollywood Palladium. Being Alive will be receiving a portion of all proceeds from this event. Tickets will be going on sale soon through Tower Tickets. A special Nomination and Preview Party will be held on Monday, October 14, at the AXIS Love Lounge in West Hollywood. Tickets are $10. Erotic film stars and other surprise guests will be on hand and nominations will be announced all evening. Sponsored by WET Lubricant, Gay Video Guide and AXIS, 100% of the proceeds will benefit Being Alive. Volunteers are needed for both of these events. Please contact Scott Shatsky at the Silver Lake office for more information about volunteering.

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Copyright © 1996 - Beings Alive. Permission granted for noncommercial reproduction, provided that our address and phone number are included if more than short quotations are used. Subscription lists are kept confidential. Being Alive, 621 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, Tel - 310.289.2551; FAX - 310.289.9866; Email: BeiAlive@aol.com  http://www.beingalivela.org/