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| Image Source: acria.org |
Although many Americans consider HIV/AIDS as an issue belonging to decades past, there are still so many adults who are living with the disease today and dealing with the AIDS stigma. Fortunately, many organizations, like The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA), recognize the struggle that AIDS/HIV victims battle against.
ACRIA, through its Center on HIV and Aging, has been recognized as a leading proponent on the issue of older adults with HIV. The Center examines, determines, and pursues solutions to a wide range of problems faced by aging adults living with AIDS or HIV. Its efforts are focus on research, education, and advocacy promoting information dissemination not only to lay communities but also to scientific organizations and various AIDS service providers. Furthermore, the Center seeks to conduct open exchanges or dialogues among these entities to support the development of public policy guidelines, identify needs that haven’t been addressed, enhance the delivery of healthcare services, and advance research efforts to fill in information gaps.
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| Image Source: aids2012.ucsf.edu |
Other initiatives that ACRIA has been involved in include the following:
• Participating in nationwide conferences on HIV and aging.
• Leading the move to save the New York State AIDS Institute.
• Partnering with other organizations, like the HelpAge International and Terrence Higgins Trust, in conducting a worldwide sign-on letter to UNAIDS on HIV and aging.
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| Image Source: health24.com |
ACRIA recognizes CDC’s predictions that half of those suffering from HIV in the US will be over 50 years old by 2015. With this data, consolidated effort from both government and non-government sectors should have a significant push to improve the quality of life of this underserved population.
Business maven Alex von Furstenberg serves on the National Council of ACRIA. Find more links to articles and discussions on various health advocacies by following this Twitter page.
