Aids Network Marks 15 Years

Wed., Aug. 2, 2000

From Staff Reports

The public is invited to help the Spokane AIDS Network mark 15 years of service in the area with an ice cream social today.

The nonprofit organization works to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS in the Inland Northwest. It began as an informal network of friends, medical caregivers and concerned citizens in 1985. The first diagnosed case of AIDS in Spokane County happened just a year earlier.

The network has grown and changed focus over the years as the nature of the disease has changed. First efforts emphasized end-of-life services and encouraging safe-sex practices. In the mid-1990s, focus shifted to helping clients manage the negative side-effects of highly toxic new drugs and adhering to the pilltaking regimen.

Prevention remains a high priority, especially as recent trends point to a large increase in HIV infections, despite years of declining infection rates. Infections are especially rising among those under 25.

Washington state does not keep statistics on HIV infections, but between 1996 and 1999, the Spokane AIDS Network has seen a 35 percent increase in client caseload.

To help with prevention, the network was recently awarded a major grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The grant will fund two new programs: Prevention Case Management and Positive Power. The first focuses on reducing the risk of HIV transmission and infection among gay and bisexual men. Positive Power is a group-based program to help HIV-positive men remain healthy and deal with the emotional, physical and mental challenges they face.

This sidebar appeared with the story:

IF YOU GO

Ice cream social

The public is encouraged to attend the Spokane AIDS Network ice cream social today from 4 to 7 p.m. at 905 S. Monroe.

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