http://blog.aac.org A Blog Devoted to Stopping the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:40:26 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The recently ended 2010 International AIDS Conference (IAC) in Vienna, Austria, provided some very welcome news on the development of HIV prevention technologies.  AIDS Action’s Ashley Smith has already blogged about an important breakthrough in microbicide research. I also want to draw your attention to the promising – but still ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/07/28/use-of-hiv-pill-for-prevention-appears-safe-in-early-tests/ It’s been 20 years since Zena Stein published an article arguing that women were desperately in need of prevention methods that they could control. In her article she highlighted that “the empowerment of women is crucial for the prevention of HIV transmission to women.” (1) Since the publication of this article ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/07/23/microbicide-breakthrough-may-dramatically-improve-hiv-prevention/   Michael Shankle, AIDS Action Committe's Director of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Health, sat down with Emily Rooney of Greater Boston on Monday, July 19, 2010 to discuss the FDA's ongoing ban on gay men donating blood. In detailed terms, the ban not only affects gay-identified men, but any man ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/07/20/michael-shankle-talks-gay-blood-on-greater-boston/ Click the image below to download a PDF version of the flyer for our upcoming discussion lunch where we'll talk about the future of women's programs at AIDS Action. We need the input of women in our communities to ensure we offer the best programs and services possible. Please join ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/06/23/help-shape-womens-programs-at-aac/ Knowing your HIV status is critical to your health. If you are HIV+, early treatment can greatly improve your quality of life, and you will be less likely to spread the virus to others. Studies show that when people know they are positive, they are more likely to engage in ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/06/22/take-control-national-hiv-testing-day/ The information found in this post is based on resources available on the “Asian and Pacific Islanders and HIV” web page of the AIDS Action Committee’s HIV Health Library.. May 19th marks the Sixth National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  This day was established by the Banyan Tree Project ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/05/19/caring-for-asians-and-pacific-islanders-who-are-living-with-hiv/ Early on May 4, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick lifted the emergency boil water order for all 30 communities affected by the water line break in Weston on Saturday, May 1.  Governor  Patrick made the announcement after extensive testing found that the water in the affected cities and towns was safe ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/05/04/governor-patrick-lifts-boil-water-order-water-safe-to-drink-after-flushing-plumbing-and-appliances/ The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has issued an emergency “boil water order” for people living in Massachusetts cities and towns that are served by the MWRA and are located east of the town of Weston.  (A full list of affected communities is given later in this blog item.) The ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/05/02/emergency-water-notice-issued-for-boston-and-other-eastern-massachusetts-communities-persons-should-boil-or-disinfect-tap-water-for-drinking-and-cooking/ The following post was written by Katie Boos, MPH, Multimedia and Public Information Programs Manager at AIDS Action Committee. Katie oversees STD 411, Maria Talks, AIDS Action's Hotlines, and other media-based prevention programs. April is STD awareness month, a time when public health practitioners like me gear up to spread the word ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/04/19/get-the-411-its-std-awareness-month/ The information found in this post is based on resources available on the “Myths and Misinformation about HIV and AIDS” web page of AIDS Action Committee’s HIV Health Library. Myth #1: HIV is the same as AIDS. Fact: HIV and AIDS are two different things. HIV is the name of a virus ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/04/08/ten-common-myths-about-hivaids/