Social+Support+Networks+For+People+With+HIV


 * __Social Support Networks For Individuals Living With HIV__**

At one time social support networks for people living with HIV was a taboo subject. However, this has changed for the better as the years go on. Increased funding and education about HIV and AIDS has attempted to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and those who have a positive status. Another cause of diminishing HIV AIDS stigma can be attributed to celebrities such as former NBA all-star "Magic" Johnson who has gone public about his positive HIV status.

These things and the rising number of people infected with HIV has lead to the creation of hundreds of support groups and social networks where people can get education and guidance about their HIV status. Many social networks also allow HIV positive people to interact with people who are going through similar life experiences. This aspect is crucial as many people feel isolated and alone when they are first diagnosed with HIV, talking to someone who suffers from the infection of the same virus can help the newly infected individual to understand what it means to be living with the virus.

Major support groups such as [|AIDS Action Now!] (AAN), a Toronto based support group provide education and information on testing, health assessments, rights of HIV positive people as well as recent government policy concerning HIV and AIDS. Another major feature of these groups is the lobbying that they do for people with HIV, in order to keep government representatives in check when it comes to the rights of people living with HIV and the responsibility the government possesses to serve the people living with HIV.

 =****__HIV Video Encouraging Education About the Virus and Setting Aside Misconceptions__** **=

media type="youtube" key="1ZR1cPlvdCY" height="385" width="480"