Each week the AIDS Walk Boston Blog will profile one of our programs at AIDS Action Committee.  The money raised by the Walk is crucial for supporting these vital programs. 

This week we spoke with Eric Brus, Director of HIV Health Promotion, and James Apt, HIV Health Specialist, from the HIV Health Library.   

The HIV Health Library keeps track of advancements in HIV prevention and treatment and shares this information with HIV+ individuals and health providers. The scientific advancements and changes in policy of HIV treatment require the Library to keep track of information on a daily basis. James notes that, “whenever new information about a study comes out, there is almost immediate application of the results.” 

Physically located at AIDS Action Committee’s offices at 294 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing, the Library has an open door policy allowing AAC clients and other guests to stop by without an appointment.  Information packets on over 70 topics are readily available to all. The Library staff also answers questions related to treatment specifics, side effects, prevention methods and often helps refer individuals other services they need. Eric and James stress that their goal is to create a safe and trusting environment for individuals to have their questions and requests addressed –the open door policy encourages personal and regular interaction with clients.  

The library receives around 2,000 information request each year from all over the world. Eric notes that, “people want information different ways and in different levels of interaction,” so the Library also provides information on-line, over the phone and by e-mail. He focuses on making sure that the 150 health pages on the On-Line Health Library are update with the most current information since, “many individuals live in places without health resources or without a comfortable setting to discuss health concerns with their physicians and prefer to access information on-line.”   

In addition to helping HIV+ individuals with wellness issues, the Library also provides information for many health providers by researching specific questions for various health conferences. The Library even has a global impact by participating in a medication recycle program called Aid for AIDS, which collects unused medicines, before their expiration date, and redistributes them to non-US territories as humanitarian aid.

For more information about the HIV Health Library or to access the on-line Health Library, click here.