Message Board

In an effort to extend our reach into the community we serve, Friends For Life is providing a forum for you to post messages and questions related to HIV/AIDS and/or the services provided by our agency.

Unlike traditional digital message boards or blogs, questions and/or messages submitted to our board are not instantly posted. All messages and/or questions submitted to our board will be reviewed and/or answered by an HIV/AIDS professional before they are posted on our web site. Statements about individuals or organizations will not be posted. The primary purpose of the message board is to provide an educational tool to the community.

When you post a message, YOUR NAME AND/OR EMAIL ADDRESS WILL NOT BE POSTED ONLINE. We respect your privacy and want you to feel confident that your private, personal information will remain confidential.

We hope you find this resource educational and helpful.

March 8, 2008 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: Dentist Recommendations Message/Question: I am looking for three or four dentists recommendations in Memphis, please.  Dentists who are at ease in treating HIV+ patients.  Thanks for any assistance. Answer: Thank you for your question. You can locate dentists in the area who will welcome you on the Friends For Life website in the Resource Directory. The link to this specific page is www.friendsforlifecorp.org/directory.htm. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our case manager at Friend For Life at 272-0855. Response provided by Friends For Life staff member.

December 5, 2007 Topic: HIV/AIDS Message/Question: How many people must die, How much money should be spent, How much of our effort, How much before you even take notice, They told you before and they told you the truth, AIDS is there and AIDS kills severely, So how much must be said about it, So how much damage should happen before you even take action. Well, I'm here to say the damage have already occur. So the question is, what should you do about it? Take action! Take action by educating your self about this virus and used your knowledge to educate others. Take action by spreading the news. Tells a family member or a friend. Take action, if you take action you will be saving millions of lives, including your own. Why take action, because you are the future; save your future by been aware of this virus. I give my heart out to those who are infected with this virus and I wish them the best. Answer: Thank you so much for your encouragement and call to action. Your words are appreciated very much. Response provided by Friends For Life staff member.

December 5, 2007 Topic: HIV/AIDS Message/Question: Hello,to everyone Throughout, the pass two weeks I have urged people, specially the young people to make a effort and get tested. Now, I'm a 20- year old college student who attend the University of Memphis. In my oral communication class each student had to pick a issue to talk about throughout the semester. I decided to talk about HIV/AIDS. Why, because I just wanted to inform people about the issue. Throughout, the semester we had to do 3 speeches that was base on our topic. A formative speech, persuasive speech, and a call-to-action speech. When I did each of my speeches many of students felt uncomfortable. Many of them even ask me why did I chose that particular topics. I can tell you that I have learn so much about this issue. And I just want to give my heart out to those who are infected with this virus and I wish them the best of luck with their health. Answer: Your courage to stand up before others and speak of your convictions is admirable and if only more people had the strength to do so. You are a tremendous positive example for us all and thank you for sharing with us your experiences. Response provided by Friends For Life staff member.

October 31, 2007 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: 19th Annual Healing Service Message/Question: Many thanks to all that made this years healing service another great success. As I sometimes become so absorbed in my job and day to day activities, I am guilty of failing to take a time out to remember, contemplate and count my blessings. I have often thought about what if.... What if I wasn't  HIV positive. I would never have met a great number of people that I am blessed to know Don Akey, Windy Nicholson, Dr. Cathy Corbett at the VA, Kim Moss, Bob Loos, and so many more like me. Would I trade off the HIV for these friendships? I don't think so. Again, thanks to FFL and the Community HIV Network. I am looking forward to the 20th Annual HIV Healing Service. Answer: Thank you so much for your comment regarding the recent AIDS Healing Service. Many thanks are particularly in order to Calvary Episcopal Church who sponsors the annual event. Your comments about the people who have enriched your life by your meeting them due to your HIV+ status is an excellent example of how one such as yourself has been able to identify positive things that have occurred in your life due to your taking control of your HIV rather than allowing HIV to control you. You are to be commended for your great attitude and no doubt you are a great encouragement to all those persons in your life. Thank you for taking the time to submit your comment. Response provided by Friends For Life staff member.

October 31 , 2007 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: Internship Message/Question: I was wondering if the corporation offers any kind of internship for those person's interested in working with people with HIV/AIDS? Answer: Friends For Life has made internships available to both Bachelors and Masters Degree students for many years. Due to the fact that each school has its own requirements and in order to check for availability of such internships at Friends For Life, please contact Kim Daugherty, Director of Clinical Services, at 272-0855 ext. 240. Contact 901.272.0855 for dates, times and location.

September 7, 2007 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: Unused Meds Question: Am I the only one that has wondered if their is a clearinghouse for in-date meds that I have accumulated and could be used somewhere in the world? Answer: What a great question and you are to be commended for even thinking about it! You can go to the Aid For AIDS web site at www.AidforAIDS.org to learn more and find the address where you can send any HIV medications you want to have recycled. This organization is the largest HIV-drug recycling program in the world.  Here's some information about this 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Please note: due to United States laws, recycling of these medications is not allowed; all medications are sent to foreign countries. Recycling: The act of gathering, sorting, discarding, repacking, and storing unused medicines, before their expiration date, and redistributing them to non-US territories as humanitarian aid AFA offices collect all medications related to the treatment of HIV & AIDS. These include: Antiretroviral Medications, including: • Protease Inhibitors (PI) • Nucleoside Reverse Transciptase Inhibitors (NRTI) • Non-nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTI) • Fusion Inhibitors Medications to treat Opportunistic Infections, including: • Antifungals/Antimycotics (such as Floconazole, Mycelex, Spornox) • Antivirals (such as Acyclovir, Flamicovir, Valacylovir) • Antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicilin, Metronidazole) The medication recycling program has been designed to reach a specific target population: people living with HIV & AIDS (PLWHA) who are in treatment. Utilizing medical representatives, a drop-off program, and internet advertisements, AFA reaches the target population, their caregivers, and any community based organization that provides services for people affected by HIV & AIDS. To date, these mechanisms have proven effective: in 2005, AFA collected $4.2 million worth of antiretroviral medications, and another $1 million in prophylaxis. Furthermore, at the end of 2005, 5000 people, in 24 different countries, received recycled medications from AFA. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

January 10, 2007 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: Coffee Shop I would like to invite all who are interested in coming out to the Coffee Shop in South Memphis. There is great information and a rewarding experience. SEE YOU THERE!!!! Contact 901.272.0855 for dates, times and location.

December 23, 2005 ~ Memphis, Tennessee Question: I was diagnosed this year and now am terminating or rather being terminated from a 12 year relationship. I am very concerned on how to meet people and when to tell them. I am so afraid of getting to know someone and then letting them know, and then they have a change of heart. Can your organization help me cope? Answer: Yes, we can help you cope with living with HIV. There is no doubt that your circumstances are painful and I appreciate your concern about disclosing your HIV status to people in your life. We have a special program specifically for persons who are newly diagnosed. It consists of a support group where people who have recently been diagnosed can discuss issues important to them such as your situation of trying to decide when is the best time to disclose your HIV status. Other issues discussed include dating, self esteem, body image and overall wellness. There is also a gathering twice per month at a local coffee shop that is only open on these two evening for our clients. We buy the first cup of coffee and the only people who are there are people (mostly men) who have HIV and AIDS. This is a social event that gives you an opportunity to meet other people with HIV in a setting that is safe and comfortable. These services are provided by a person who is living with HIV. We also have another support group We also can link you with a professional counselor who can provide free individual counseling that can help you cope with the issues that face you. Seven of us employed at Friends For Life are living with HIV; some as long as 19 years and we are all available to you to help you cope. We will be happy to make an appointment for you to come and tour the facility and learn more about our programs. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

November 2 , 2004 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Question: I was wondering if Friends for Life has compiled a listing of physicians in Memphis who are particularly knowledgeable of HIV/AIDS care management? If someone wishes to change their physician, it could be helpful to know of other area physicians with substantial HIV/AIDS practice. Answer: If you go to http://www.friendsforlifecorp.org/directory.htm you will find a directory of local services. Download and open the directory. Then go to the index in the back and you will find medical services on page 36. These are the major medical services for HIV/AIDS. There are a few others who are not infectious disease doctors but who treat persons with HIV. Dr. Martin Acree with Peabody Family Care is a doctor who has a rather large HIV practice. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

August 10, 2004 ~ United Kingdom Question: Does your organization give drugs to Africa? Answer: No, Friends For Life does not give drugs to Africa because we do not have access to drugs to be able to send them. We are a nonprofit agency that provides supportive services. I believe that such a service would have to come from a drug company who would be willing to do such. We are very concerned over the devastation occurring in Africa by AIDS. Unfortunately, here in Memphis, Tennessee, we are experiencing a terrible outbreak of the virus in our African American community. Over 85% of the new HIV cases in the last few years here have been among this community. Thank you for your question. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

August 16, 2004 ~ Memphis, Tennessee, United States Topic: Sending drugs to Africa The problem is not only one of compassion, but of physiology as well. You see, I keep hearing that the strain of the HIV virus in the United States is different from the ones in Africa. It is very possible that if drugs were sent from America to fight this disease that if drugs are developed for the strains in Africa that American drugs may make their medicines ineffective. I'm not sure if this is fact or if it is a way for people to pacify themselves for not doing anything. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

August 19, 2004 ~ Anonymous Question: Why are so many minority women being infected with the virus? Answer: The HIV/AIDS epidemic is a major health crisis among African-Americans and other communities of color, affecting men and women of every age and sexual orientation. The leading cause of HIV infection among African-American women is heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use. Race and ethnicity are not, themselves, risk factors for HIV infection. However, African-Americans and other persons of color, face challenges associated with risk for HIV infection, including: 1. Poverty-nearly 1 in 4 African-Americans live in poverty. 2. Denial-Many African Americans have been slow to join the HIV Prevention efforts. 3. Partners at Risk-Black females are most likely to be infected as a result of sex with men. 4. Substance Abuse-Both casual and chronic substance abusers are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex, while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases-For many of the previously listed reasons, African-Americans have the highest STD rate in the nation. The HIV epidemic differs among populations and across communities. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that there are overriding issues that must be addressed if the rate of HIV infections is to be reduced. For more information... HIV/AIDS and African-Americans, contact CDC 1-800-458-5231 or http://www.cdcnpin.org or CDC National STD & AIDS Hotlines: 1-800-342-AIDS Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member

August 26, 2004 ~ Anonymous Question: What is your agency's answer to those who claim that passing out condoms promotes promiscuity. Answer: Promoting condom usage does not promote promiscuity. Promoting condom usage promotes safe sex. For those individuals who choose to engage in sexual behavior and are not in a committed monogamous relationship, the use of condoms is essential. Many of these persons will have sex… with or without a condom and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including discharge and genital ulcer diseases.” The CDC continues with the following statements: “The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected. For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission. However, no protective method is 100 percent effective, and condom use cannot guarantee absolute protection against any STD. Furthermore, condoms lubricated with spermicidal are no more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently. Incorrect use can lead to condom slippage or breakage, thus diminishing their protective effect. Inconsistent use, e.g., failure to use condoms with every act of intercourse, can lead to STD transmission because transmission can occur with a single act of intercourse.” For further information from CDC regarding HIV/AIDS please go to http://www.cdcnpin.org. Response provided Friends For Life Staff Member