I feel there needs to be more peer oriented support groups that work together with the clinics, doctors, and hospitals. So that the newly diagnosed can be reffered to for interaction. At the time of diagnosis, it is probably one of the most confusing and difficult times. When interaction with other pos. people and their families would be an invaluable resource. And it would help everyone involved.

hello Nicholas...the single biggest thing anyone/everyone can do to both help others in their community, and inspire the youth is to lead by example, and get tested....then to openly share the experience with others in their homes/community. Society doesnt realize that everyone getting tested sends clear, sound, messages to the governments. The results of the tests, will do the same, as well as provide a more accurate statistic on the actual infection influxuation of their immediate area*

Furthermore as a person who is almost 3 yrs past his given expiration date (more info in my profile), a researcher,public speaker,activist/advocate myself.....I will safely say, no cure is to be discovered in neither, you nor I's lifetime for HIV/AIDS. Also, it is very important to point out the reality of the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS. We've all experienced one of the many facets of the stigma, but for most that wall of stigma is where everything starts & stops. The REALITY is the depth of the corruption within governments, and thier current programs on any/all levels. Sadly even the "HIV/AIDS World" is littered with personal politics and greed for the almighty dollar. Poor countries who recieve fundings have been found hoarding medications etc. because even the government officials were over run with HIV infection themselves. As an American, It's a shame that as an AIDS survivor (so far) myself, I get charged Thousands of dollars for life sustaining meds, yet a foreign country can get em for a single american dollar*

As point out, the theme is Leadership, over the next year you will all get to know me and my programs pretty well....To beat an infectious disease of epidemic proportions, we must have a prevention program that is as infectious on every level...as the disease itself is. Also needed is the removal of the "personal politics" on every level with heavy emphasis on the area of funding recipients*

In closing, how do you inspire youth to take action? The same way i have just inspired you, with unbridled honesty, raw pertinent information for their level, not the level set by all the politicians ( parental,school,state,city,etc)as I said, this will be the year I show off my leadership skills, and unveil a prevention program that is not only highly successful in schools, its highly successful in communities, so far...on all levels :)You need to teach those in your community that is okay to talk openly/honestly about HIV/AIDS. Lead by Example*


LOL, you just wanna do an interview?...:)~

and you dont have to hide who I am...

As aperson living with AIDS myself I have seen the face of social stigma in its very unpleasant form more than once.Recently I was asked to speak to the Inland Empire Planning Council about how changes to thRyan White Care Act have negativley affected those needing assistance. I was appalled at the apathy and lack of response by the peopl that would call themselves leaders in the fight against HIV andAIDS. How can someone help their local community? I did so by starting a website of my own called scottsfriends.com. The website is dedicated to educating people of the social consequences of having HIV and AIDS. I provide information on how stigma affects prevention, treatment, and even the hope of a cure for this disease. In addition I have acampaign that asks a simple yet powerful message. Be my friend, be the friend of someone that has HIV or AIDS. And in doing so start a conversation about HIV and AIDS. AIDS is the only disease that you are counseld not to tell anyone immediatly upon diagnosis. People still routinely label those infected with HIV as "Blameworthy" or "Innocent" in there situation. 1 out of 4 people living inthe United States that are infected with HIV are unaware of there status. Social stigma plays a devasting role in this and all of theother parts of HIV treatment, testing, prevention ,etc. So as a common cotizen I have started my campiagn. Please join me and help stop stigma with HIV and AIDS. Our society would not tolerate it with any other disease and we should not tolerate it with HIV. A key part to resolving any issue is to take action. This is the action that I have taken. Care to Join me?, Your friend,Scott