DECEMBER FIRST IS WORLD AIDS DAY: DO YOU KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS?

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December one is National AIDS day!!! Do you know your HIV Status?

The historical AIDS QUILT started in 1985 with only one panel; 94,000 names and 25 years later, names continue to be added to
what is now known as the “AIDS QUILT.”

Who knew all those years ago that you could be diagnosed with HIV, yet live a long and meaningful life with early detection and adhering to the proper drug regime.

Magic Johnson is one such example. While you might say that Magic Johnson is the exception because he can afford to get the best care that money can afford, Johnson is not the exception and due to the advances of research, he is the rule.

Freda Jones, HIV positive since 2002; Robby Astrove, HIV positive since 1978 at the age of 15; Pat Linn, HIV positive since 1999 are all still living and doing well, despite living with HIV.

“If you’re engaged in sexual activity or plan to be engaged in an intimate way with your partner, then it’s imperative that you and your partner discuss not only “AIDS but other sexually transmitted diseases that can change your life forever.

If you don’t use the proper protection and open up to each other, through dialogue and be painfully honest with your prospective partner about your history and your present status, you set yourself up as a possible host to other sexually transmitted diseases, in addition to HIV and subsequently AIDS.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner for discovering HIV, Dr. Francoise Barre-Sinouss, Pasteur Institute-President Elect International Aids Society and Dr. Steven Deeks, AIDS Research Institute, collaborate annually with the top scientist from around the world in hope of finding a cure for AIDS.

Much have been done since the early days of detection and the almost certain death that resulted from a positive diagnosis, but much is still needed. People are still being infected and diagnosed with HIV daily and many more are unfortunately, infecting others because they are “HIV Positive” and don’t know it.

While the doctors are doing their part in consistently researching and coming up with different cocktails to prolong life, each person needs to be an “Ambassador to the AIDS Cause” and make a concerted effort to encourage all their family, friends and even their enemies to get tested and use the proper precautions in an effort to eradicate this dreadful and deadly disease known as AIDS.

“Get tested and have your partner tested and use protection all the time, period!”

Jackson Health System – Front Line Personnel

This is an excerpt from a real case scenario that took place last Thursday, 05/26/2010:

I had the fortunate pleasure of scheduling [the appointment was made approximately 5 weeks ago] an appointment for financial assessment and subsequently an appointment to see one of Jackson’s finest physician.

Upon arriving in the lobby area, I promptly checked in at the front desk and the gentleman quickly took my information from the letter, I received from Jackson. He entered my name in the computer, returned my paperwork to me along with a number then he told me to have a seat and someone would call me.

I arrived at Jackson at 12:09pm., for a 12:30pm, appointment. I looked around before taking my seat and realized that there were only two parties waiting before me. I smiled to myself and thought, “This must be my lucky day.” I began to watch TV in the lobby and I noticed that quite a few employees were on their way to lunch, I wondered if my 12:30pm appointment would turn into a 1:30pm or 2:00pm appointment, as the intake counselor would be out to lunch soon and I would have to wait until after they returned.

True too form, the intake counselor stopped by the front desk clerk area to advise him that he was on his way to lunch. The front desk clerk advised the intake counselor [in Spanish] that I had a 12:30pm appointment and I was waiting for him. The intake counselor, Mr. J.F., turned and looked at me, then turned to the clerk and said, “She’ll have to wait until I come back from lunch,” chuckled and proceeded out the door. Mr. J.F., returned about 1:45pm, went to his office and called me into his office about 1:50pm.

I ask Mr. J.F. if it were customary to have to wait 1½ hours for a scheduled appointment. He quickly assured me that this was my lucky day because normally you would have to wait a lot longer. Mr. J.F. looked over my paperwork and determined that I needed my income tax returns for 2008 & 2009, so therefore I needed to be rescheduled. I told him that I needed to take care of this today, so he informs me that he is doing me a favor by giving me a number to call I.R.S. and have them to fax a copy of my returns.

Too make a long story short; I left Jackson at 4:45pm, even though the information was faxed within 15 minutes of my request. My impression is that he really wanted me to leave, but I was determined to take care of this today. I wondered, however, “How many others have he so brazenly dismissed, while at the same time, doing them a “favor?”

Front line personnel can make or break a business. Where is the quality control that’s needed in a situation such as this? I must admit that I was a little disappointed in the treatment I received, especially, in light of what Jackson is going through. Jackson will never get the quality of customers they aspire too, if they are treated with little regard from your frontline personnel. This is not the time to be slacking and indignant too the very people you need to support you, but rather, this is the time to put the best you have to offer on the front line. Oh! By the way, I called the next day to make an appointment to see the doctor, the lady on the other end told me, there was nothing available until at least a month from now but call back everyday until you get an appointment.

I sincerely hope this is not what we, as citizens have too look forward to via socialized medical care. However, I’m still encouraged that Jackson, can and will arise with a new sense of purpose to the community.

Dr. John Lester Needs Life-Saving Surgery

Dr. John Lester is an inspiring teacher of music, drama, and life in South Florida and the Miami Gardens community. He needs life-saving surgery but his health insurance does not cover any weight-loss treatment for his illness of morbid obesity of 1,000 pounds. Despite his condition, he drives his motorized cart to school every day to share music with his students. He cannot continue the other ways he used to serve with his great musical talent, including directing church choirs and performing at community events.

Please click on the link below to get more information on how to help Dr. Lester obtain the life saving surgery he so desperately need.

Dr. John Lester’s Surgery

Dr. Lester family and friends would like to extend their appreciation to you for every cent that you contribute. Please note that 100 percent of your donation will go towards Dr. Lester surgery. Thank You!