HIV & AIDS: Patient Education from University of Colorado Hospital
Living with HIV & AIDS
There is currently no cure for HIV and AIDS. However, new treatments and medications make it possible to live a longer, healthier life. The time it takes to develop HIV symptoms after becoming infected varies from person to person. Decide as early as possible how you want to manage your HIV infection. It is important to educate yourself about HIV infection and to establish expert medical care.
Your health-care provider can help you to monitor the health of your immune system. Two blood tests are commonly performed to determine the status of your HIV infection. This HIV viral load test measures the activity of the infection and should go down to undetectable level with medications. The CD4 lymphocyte count measures the strength of the immune system; low levels raise the risk for opportunistic infections. The CD4 count rises with effective medications.
HIV/infectious disease specialists provide primary care for many patients ith HIV infection. They can also provide consultations for HIV/AIDS patients with drug-resistant HIV and other difficult management situations.
HIV & AIDS Support Groups
Colorado AIDS Project Support Groups
“Let’s Talk:” A support group for anyone who is HIV positive. The group is designed to facilitate mutual support around issues related to being HIV positive. Group topics include disclosure, self-esteem, relationships, medication adherence, substance abuse, sexual health, and more. Meets every Tuesday evening. Contact Rabecka Isburg, (303) 837-1501 x491.
Living & Learning with HIV
A program of the Mental Health Center of Denver. Contact Craig Iverson, (303) 504-6501.
Women’s Lighthouse Project
Offers a monthly support group for women. Contact Shannon Conn, (303) 344-1878.
Women's AIDS Project
Care and prevention services are provided for women who are living with HIV/AIDS or who are at risk for HIV infection. Comprehensive case management services are provided for both adults and teen women. Assistance with transportation, housing and emergency expenses is available. Prevention activities target sex workers, incarcerated women, homeless women and at-risk teens. Individualized case management services are provided to women and their families in the home or community. Call (303)-320-1989.
Metropolitan Community Church of the Rockies
Offers an activity group on Friday evenings at 7 p.m. for people with life-threatening illnesses or other life challenges, and their friends. Call (303) 860-1819.
The Archdiocese of Denver HIV/AIDS Ministry
Offers a support group for people who are HIV positive, or have AIDS or Hepatitis C. Meets the first Monday of each month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. St. Dominic Parish Center, 2901 Grove Street Denver. (303) 715-3220.
HIV Care Link
A Christian non-profit organization that offers one to one support. Call (303) 382-1344.
Additional HIV & AIDS Resources
AIDS InfoNet
A project of the New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center in the Infectious Diseases Division of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. It has become an international resource for information on HIV/AIDS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Comprehensive information and resources about HIV/AIDS.
Colorado AIDS Project
A community-based organization that offers services to those with HIV/AIDS, including the Wellness Resource Center, Housing Services Center and the Prevention and Education Center.
Colorado Organizations Responding to AIDS
A list of Colorado organizations responding to AIDS.
Department of Health and Human Services Treatment Guidelines and Other Resources
Federal government website with treatment guidelines, information on clinical research, and links to other HIV/AIDS resources.