http://blog.aac.org A Blog Devoted to Stopping the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:00:05 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Did you know nearly 40% of people living with HIV/AIDS in Massachusetts are over the age of 50? And that in ten years researchers predict that number to be nearly 60%? We are about to enter an era in which new HIV infections become less common, while caring for HIV positive ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/09/01/join-us-for-lasting-strength-community-forum-on-hiv-and-aging/ The International AIDS Conference, which occurs every two years, has a broader scope than any other AIDS conference. Most other AIDS conferences and meetings tend to focus on either the hard science/medical aspects of HIV disease or the social aspects of the epidemic. In contrast, the International AIDS Conference encompasses ... http://blog.aac.org/index.php/2010/08/11/an-indepth-look-at-the-18th-international-aids-conference/ 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/