Ohio AIDS Awareness Week

May 5-11, 2002 has been designated Ohio AIDS Awareness Week. The AIDS epidemic is in its 21st year.  AIDS Awareness Week is designated to increase public awareness to help reduce the impact and spread of HIV/AIDS and, to improve the care and treatment of those with HIV/AIDS. The Area Agency on Aging, District 7, Inc. (AAA7) in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is providing case management for individuals with HIV/AIDS through the Ryan White case management program. 

    The Ryan White Program was made possible through the passage of the Ryan White C.A.R.E. Act.  This Federal Legislation provided all of the states with funds to help people who have HIV/AIDS.   The local Ryan White case manager is Konnie Zinn, LSW.  As case manager of the Ryan White Program, she serves nine counties: Gallia, Jackson, Fayette, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton. Konnie can be contacted at 1-800-582-7277. All inquiries and information are held in the strictest of confidence.   

    You are eligible for help through the Ryan White Programs if you live in Ohio, have proof of your HIV status, your monthly income is less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and if you have no other way to pay for the services you need. The HIV Drug Program covers medicines that treat HIV-related conditions and will pay your Medicaid spend down if it is unmanageable.  Also there is a Health Insurance Premium Payment Program for people living with HIV/AIDS who are having difficulty paying their health insurance or Cobra premiums. The Home Health Program provides skilled nursing visits to help people with HIV/AIDS stay at home and out the hospital or nursing home. There is also housing and rental assistance available (through the Department of Development). The Consortium that serves Southeast Ohio has developed a unique web site (www.ryan9c.org). Providers who are interested in serving this population can enter their information, and the HIV/AIDS network will become aware of your availability. In order to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, diagnoses, medications, and access to regular health care is essential. If you are willing to provide services and receive your normal reimbursement rate or Medicaid payment, enter your information. If you have any questions contact Konnie Zinn at the AAA7 at 800- 582-7277. If you are willing to make a donation such as an oil change, a barber/beautician appointment, a movie ticket, videos, transportation or anything else as a means to provide service to this underserved population, notify Konnie or list it on www.ryan9c.org.  

    Teenagers and the elderly are rapidly becoming the 2nd and 3rd largest populations with HIV/AIDS. The symptoms of HIV/AIDS are similar to the symptoms of aging, and are often overlooked by physicians. Physicians often don’t inquire into the sexual or drug activities of those over 50, and they don’t suggest HIV testing.  The escalating divorce rate, dating and remarriages among the general public and over 50 population have caused the increasing spread of HIV in the heterosexual population of all nationalities. People are often infected with HIV/AIDS and do not know it for 10 to 15 years. It is usually an opportunistic infection, or some other illness that causes people to see a doctor or be admitted to a hospital for treatment that brings about the detection of the virus. You can have a confidential HIV test at some of the local Health Departments, Red Cross and Planned Parenthood agencies, or you can contact Konnie at 1-800-582-7277 for the site closest to you. 

    Konnie is available for HIV/AIDS presentations to organizations that want to learn more about HIV/AIDS, and what they can do to help stop the epidemic. Knowledge and education are the keys to stopping the discrimination and increasing compassion, sensitivity and understanding of the persons living with HIV/AIDS and the HIV/AIDS disease process. If you would like more information on HIV/AIDS or a presentation, please contact Konnie Zinn at AAA7, 1-800-582-7277.