One Year Statement From: AIDS Ambassador Dale Anthony
One Year Statement
From: AIDS Ambassador, City Of Roanoke AIDS Liaison
Dale Anthony
On August 6, 2007, I was appointed by former Mayor Nelson Harris to serve on the Human Service Advisory Board as AIDS Liaison for the City of Roanoke
I have traveled around this world and throughout the United States and
I have had the opportunity to see some pretty heinous conditions, lack of quality health care, desperation for medications and human services in rural areas in the United States.
At every opportunity I have advocated for what I have seen through my eyes.
Now after 24 years of living with AIDS I never thought I would be fighting for basic healthcare for myself.
Two years ago, after moving south for the fresh air, food and affordable housing I am
Terrified and concerned about getting sick here because of the lack of quality health care. My questions are will they know what to do quick enough to save my life? The answer is questionable from what I seen to date. (Breaches of confidentially to lack of knowledgeable treatment procedures for opportunist infections for HIV/aids care)
With only two major medical facilities in Roanoke, neither has shown compassion and/ or effective care treatment methods and many infected people have to travel outside of Roanoke for comprehensive care including myself.
The first year at one of the medical facilities I was given a near over dose of a prophylaxis used to prevent ammonia which my doctor in New York, stated that a first year medical resident would have known better. Conveniently this documentation was not noted in the medical records that were provided to my doctor in New York.
To date in 2008 at the second medical facility I suffered a bad cough, a high fever, and high blood pressure. A regular chest x-ray was given and I was told it was clear and to go home and check back in a week or two. I contacted my doctor in New York who said come right away to New York due my having a respiratory history and a cancer that normally develops in your lungs. A further diagnosis was necessary. After a simple cat scan a bacteria was redetected in my lungs which required fifteen bags of an IV containing an anti biotic. Later I felt better physically, however; if it had not been treated it could have killed me.
August 6, 2008 marks the one anniversary to being appointed AIDS Liaison to City of Roanoke served through the Human Service Advisory Board I have been doing a city wide assement of services from human to medical which is entitled the Dale Anthony Report: Roanoke Valley HIV/AIDS Service Delivery Status because of pending health issues as descript its delay. But be assured that I am diligently trying to complete it in a timely fashion.
But it is clear that the medical component living with HIV/AIDS is a key and a priority and with the funding that is coming into this region it is unacceptable for lack of quality HIV/AIDS health care that is given or not given.
The trumpet must sound loud and clear for all people living with HIV/AIDS, medical and human service providers in the Roanoke Valley what is expected so that we can live and die with dignity.
There are many resources for training and protocol:
HHS Guidelines -Recommendations on an array of HIV care and treatment issues (e.g., antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infection treatment and prophylaxis) as well as guidance on conducting HIV testing and counseling. Guidelines are regularly updated by expert panels.
Clinical Care Protocols/ Practices - Guides focus on the effective delivery of HIV care. While they often include recommendations on HIV treatment issues, HHS guidelines should be consulted as they are continuously updated and represent consensus recommendations from HHS.
AETCs - AIDS Education and Training Centers, comprise a network of regional and national centers that train health care providers to treat persons with HIV/AIDS.
(TARGET Center) - An array of information to help Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programs run their programs better, covering such topics as delivery of HIV care, planning, and training for consumers and clinicians. Helpdesk also serves to assist with finding resources and other help.
Quality of Care - Materials outline how to improve HIV/AIDS care through an array of methods such as performance measures.
Total HIV/AIDS Federal Funding, FY2006________________________$40,619,223
Total Ryan White Program Funding, FY2006______________________$29,220,295
Virginia of Reported AIDS Cases, All Ages, by Race/Ethnicity, Cumulative through 2006
White 6,664
Black 9,347
Hispanic 768
Asian/Pacific Islander 114
American Indian/Alaska Native 15
Unknown Race or Multiple Races 71
Total 16,979
Reported Number of AIDS Cases, All Ages, Cumulative through 2006 – 16,979
New technology and methodology developed by the CDC demonstrate that in 2006, an estimated 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the US—substantially higher than the previous estimate of 40,000 new infections occurring annually.
The CDC notes that the new estimate does not represent an actual increase in the number of new HIV infections. And a significantly higher number than was originally thought.
A National and Local AIDS Strategy are needed to decrease new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for those living with HIV/AIDS. Across the nation, we also need to prevent the spread of HIV by getting people into treatment by expanding access to testing and comprehensive care and education programs.
“Combating HIV/AIDS also demands closing the gaps in opportunity that exist in our society so that we can strengthen our public health. We must also overcome the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS. We need to encourage folks to get tested and accelerate HIV/AIDS research toward an effective cure because we have a moral obligation to join together to meet this challenge, and to do so with the urgency that this epidemic demands.”
