HEALTH & WELLNESS
Help When You Need It
F
or those who are currently affected by HIV/AIDS, are
newly diagnosed, at-risk or have a family member or
friend who is impacted by it, there are many local agencies
to turn to for help and/or information.
From testing to medications, advance treatment
compliance, education, empowerment, assistance, compassionate care
and removing barriers for those living with HIV, there are organizations
that work to normalize life for those in need, remove stigmas and fear,
provide peer support, or perform research for a cure. What they all
have in common is their commitment to improving the life of those
infected or affected by the disease. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention at cdc.gov can answer a myriad of questions about
diagnosis, statistics, progression and services. And here are just a few of
the available community resources.
through coordination of medical care, social support, and prevention
and testing services. 4169 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 535-
7275, projectark.wustl.edu
Saint Louis Effort for AIDS provides education on the prevention
of HIV/AIDS and offers comprehensive support services to those
affected by the disease. 1027 S. Vandeventer Ave., Suite 700, St. Louis, MO
63110 (314) 645-6451, stlefa.org
Saint Louis University Care Infectious Diseases Clinic
provides diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of infectious
diseases, follow-up care for hospital infections, and preventive care to
optimize patient well-being for complex conditions, including HIV/
AIDS. Drummond Hall, 3691 Rutger St., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 977-9050, slu.edu/internal-medicine-home/infectious-diseases/slucare-
infectious-diseases-clinic
The Barrier Elimination and Care Navigation or BEACON
Project was formed by Saint Louis Effort for AIDS partnering with
other agencies to directly focus on the lost-to-care population. About
50 percent of the people living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis region
have not seen a doctor, had labs drawn, or taken HIV medications
within the last 12 months. BEACON finds them, helps them navigate
the care system and overcome the barriers that are keeping them from
getting into or staying in care. stlefa.org/BOH
Doorways provides housing and related supportive services to
improve the quality of life and health outcomes for those living with
HIV/AIDS through direct services and the efforts of program partners
for the 15-county St. Louis metropolitan area, 62 under-served
counties in outstate Missouri and 55 under-served counties in
outstate Illinois. 4385 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 535-1919, doorwayshousing.org
Food Outreach provides nutritional support and
helps to improve the quality of life for men, women
and children living with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
3117 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103 (314) 652-3663,
foodoutreach.org
Project Ark provides services that enhance
the lives of children, youth, young adults, women,
and families infected, affected, and at-risk for HIV
72
GAZELLE STL
WORLD AIDS DAY ST. LOUIS
Community AIDS agencies will come together from 3 to 7 p.m. on
Friday, Dec. 1, at the Missouri History Museum to commemorate World
AIDS Day and help raise awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The event will remember those who have lost their battle with HIV/
AIDS with a display of AIDS Memorial Quilt panels and recognize
individuals who exemplify dedication to the HIV/AIDS community
with the presentation of the St. Louis region’s first Red Ribbon Awards.
Community partners will offer booth exhibits that demonstrate
their initiative and area of expertise in the field. In addition, a screening
of the film “Still Around,” a feature length short film compilation that
portrays 15 people living with HIV/AIDS, will be accompanied by
the Gateway Men’s Chorus. Free rapid HIV testings will be
offered. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.
The event is presented in collaboration with the
Washington University School of Medicine Infectious
Diseases Clinic and the St. Louis Region World AIDS Day
Committee. Admission is free.