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February 28, 2003/Adar1 26 5763, Vol. 55, No. 27
Program matches 'buddies' with HIV, AIDS sufferers
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
More than 13,000 Arizonans have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS since 1981, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. For those infected, life can be full of difficult choices. From what medications to take to lifestyle changes to social relationships, many may feel overwhelmed and alone.
However, one Valley organization is striving to help those infected live long, productive and relatively healthy lives.
Body Positive, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping infected individuals, has formed a new program to help HIV and AIDS sufferers cope with the disease. The program, Positive Pals, matches infected individuals with non-infected or long-time infected individuals to provide services from transportation to companionship.
"It's sort of like a buddy system for individuals living with HIV or AIDS who are socially isolated for one reason or another," says Jennifer Hawkins, a family services specialist and the Positive Pals coordinator at Body Positive.
Body Positive received funding for the program last July from the cities of Glendale, Tempe, Chandler and Scottsdale, and began making its first matches in January.
"I have three matched pairs," says Hawkins. "I also have about a dozen clients waiting to get matched and half a dozen volunteers who are going through all of our requirements."
Volunteers for the program are put through a rigorous process to determine that they are committed to the program and are trustworthy, says Hawkins. The process includes a face-to-face interview, numerous applications, fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Potential volunteers must also have a valid driver's license, be at least 18 years of age, become CPR and First-Aid certified and complete eight hours of training at Body Positive. They must also be residents of one of the cities providing funding. Volunteers are then matched with clients who have similar interests or personalities, Hawkins explains.
"Those who have gone through everything have been very dedicated and are doing very well with our clients," says Hawkins. "The process does take some time, but our volunteers have to be very special and committed."
Although some may see the lengthy volunteer process as a deterrent, Susan Herrera of Mesa believes it was all worth it. Herrera, who is not HIV positive, has been working with her pal Elliott (last name omitted by request) since the program's inception.
"It sounded very interesting to get to know someone that under any other circumstances, I wouldn't have met," says Herrera. "I went in to the program thinking that I would be making a huge impact on his life, but I've learned a lot from him."
Herrera and Elliott spend time shopping, running errands, having lunch and talking on the phone, she says.
"Its worked out great," says Elliott, who was diagnosed with the HIV virus 12 years ago. "I don't drive because of the medication that I take, so this has really come in handy for me. I get errands done and I have a new friend and I can talk to her."
Elliott chose to become involved in the program because of its laid-back structure.
"There were no hard and fast rules about (the program)," he says. "I'm at a point in my life, in my disease, that there is really not much support that I need. I've already accepted it."
Elliott also derives his strength from family members, including two children, and his experiences within Judaism.
"My family has been very, very supportive and non-critical," he says. "Also, (the rabbis) I have talked to have been so supportive, so nonjudgmental, so helpful to me in explaining religion. I'm not an evil person and I'm not damned."
Although some individuals have support from family and friends, others are not so fortunate, says Hawkins.
"(Some) are scared to meet people. They're frightened that they'll be shunned," says Hawkins. "The Positive Pal can get them out of the house. That's basically the goal of the program - to help people living with HIV to live long and well and to get people out of the house and open up their social network."
Although Hawkins sees the program as a success, its future is uncertain. Body Positive has received funding for only one year and is waiting to hear about grant applications.
"I think it's been successful so far," says Hawkins. "We want to continue this."
Body Positive also offers numerous support groups and information to those suffering from HIV and AIDS.
"I hope to reach individuals out there that need to get tested, have been recently diagnosed or are scared and may need help," says Hawkins. "We will do anything we can to let people know that we exist so that they know help is out there."
For more information, visit www.phoenixbodypositive.org.
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