The HIV/AIDS profile is rapidly evolving in ways difficult to predict. It is imperative that we consider every reasonable method to meet the challenges resulting from this evolution. Sustained longevity requires a proactive approach to the managed care of all aspects of life for anyone facing a catastrophic illness — particularly for those with AIDS. We must be concerned not only with his or her physical and mental health, but also with the sense of well being that is the result of a full and productive life.

Although medical science has provided neither a vaccine to prevent the spread of HIV infection nor a cure of AIDS itself, the great success of the protease inhibitor ‘cocktail’ — first among an array of promising therapies — has resulted in an ever-increasing number of HIV/AIDS patients who are surviving; living longer, better, healthier lives. During the past two years, the Board of Directors of the AIDS Assistance Program has approved the addition of 70 individuals to its client roster, increasing the number of those currently served to 470 persons. Still, the demand for our services — as well as those of other AIDS services organizations in the Coachella Valley — continues to grow at an accelerated rate.

While the number of requests to serve new clients continues to increase, attrition rates — due primarily to death — mercifully have declined. It was an unfortunate but inescapable fact that these attrition rates allowed us to immediately accommodate new applicants requesting our services. That is now only possible by simultaneously expanding AAP’s fundraising efforts while helping to provide the means to those who are willing and able to provide for themselves.

Good health and overall well being are paramount concerns for anyone contemplating a return to work. Often, however, those who have been unemployed as a result of their disabilities may encounter difficulties when attempting to determine whether or not a change to their current lifestyle  — to whatever degree — would be beneficial.

Those who have sought information with respect to a possible return to work and its affect on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and any state and/or regional benefits are often left confused and frustrated. Answers to questions many times are conflicting and contradictory. Sometimes they are just plain wrong.  All of the attendant confusion and frustration serves to dissuade even the most eager of these candidates. This is likely to increase levels of boredom that contribute to a sense worthlessness, leading to depression and its detrimental affects to good health.

In addition, those who've been unemployed for any number of years are unsure of their value to a potential employer. Those who've never held a job before lack many of the most basic tools required to enter the workplace for the first time. These include, but are not limited to, career and/or job counseling, basic presentation skills, a resume, additional schooling, professional training and/or retraining.

It is our intent, with this service, to alleviate the fears anyone considering a return to work might have. We also hope, as a result of these efforts, to rebuild self-confidence by highlighting talents and skills through human resources exercises and the composition of a new and current skills oriented resume. Finally we hope to organize pool of potential employers sensitive to the needs those diagnosed with and disabled by HIV/AIDS.

If the initial response to the program is positive, it is possible that the AIDS Assistance Program will offer an array of services to the applicable community at large. These will include but are not limited to:

 

• Health and Stress Management
• Benefits Assessments
• Calculating Financial Impact for the Individual
• Skills Assessment
• Resume Composition
• Self Marketing and the Interview
• Reassessed Financial Strategies
 

Clients may also arrange to work one-on-one with a qualified AAP volunteer to design a personal program specific to his or her needs. At the appropriate time, the AAP will also assist with referrals to any AIDS service organization — The Desert AIDS Project's re-employment referral program, for instance — and/or any local employment service(s).

It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that this program's representatives will be acting in an advisory capacity only. We will not suggest, recommend, coerce, cajole or insist that anyone, for any reason, consider returning to the work force. We will, however, provide all the material at our disposal to anyone who is interested. We will attempt to answer all general questions concerning public and private benefits as well as questions involving an individual client's specific case. If we cannot provide adequate answers, we will direct the client to the office/agency/institution that can.

In addition, our existing World Wide Web site will be expanded to include all the materials presented in the forums and resume classes as well as information pertinent to the re-employment process. Clients will be encouraged to reference this web site for answers and updates, as they become available.