June/July 1988 ■ PAGE7Q-Notes
By Craig Nelms
Q-Notes Staff
Nearly everyone has heard about AIDS
by now. NEARLY everyone. All over the
U.S., outreach is now being initiated to spe
cific sectors of the population who may not
have gotten the message. Culturally sensi
tive health education programs have begun
in larger cities. Drug abusers and the home
less (who don’t watch the news or read a
paper and probably haven’t heard enough
about AIDS) are the targets of education.
And several local interpreters for the deaf are
doing their share in the war against AIDS.
According to reporter Karen Garloch in
The Charlotte Observer (5-25-88), several
interpreters have made an educational video,
utilizing facilities and personnel at Central
Piedmont Community College. The video is
presented in sign language, and will be made
available in North Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee and other nearby states for use by
institutions and educators who deal with the
deaf. Gallaudet College, a university for the
deaf in Washington, D.C., will also be using
the video. The funding for the video (less
than $200.00) was provided by Metrolina
AIDS Project.
I think this is wonderful. These interpret
ers, MAP and CPCC have done a fantastic
thing in making this video. Let’s hope it
generates more local outreach to special
groups, and more national outreach to those
persons with disorders that limit communi
cation. For the deaf, the blind, and for those
who can’t read, it is imperative that unique
media be used to inform them. No one should
be infected with HIV because ^iety has not
provided them with information in a form
they could understand.
the Deaf
TO YOUR HEALTH
Social ttii^lili^h ts
In a city the size of Charlotte, there are
many doctors one can see when HIV associ
ated illnesses arise. The problem we face is
the difficulty these physicians have in ob
taining up-to-date information.
It is important to tal:e some responsibility
for our own treatment
A. Find the right doctor. Don’t see a
general practitioner for toxoplasmosis; see
an infectious disease specialist for anything
HIV related.
B. Whenever you are diagnosed with
something, RESEARCH it. Learn about it. If
you can’t get to the library, send a friend. I
suggest checking the different reference
guides at UNCC; ask the reference librarians
for help. For a reasonable fee, they can order
photocopies of any articles they don’t have
in-house. Look up any drugs prescribed for
you in the same manner; learn how to use the
Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).
C. Make you doctor sit down with you and
discuss the risks and benefits of the various
treatment options available. NEVER agree
to a treatment before asking about alternative
treatments (except for emergencies). Make
an informed choice.
D. Trade information with your doctor.
When you come across an interesting article,
give your MD a copy. Ask for copies of any
articles he/she may have that relate to your
treatment
I suggest that you obtain a copy of the
publication “AIDS: A Primer For The Pri
mary Care Practitioner,” distributed by the
World Hemophilia AIDS Center (address
below). This 4-page primer familiarizes MD’s
with symptoms they need to look for, the
tests that need to be run, and preferred treat
ments for specific diagnoses. Your doctor
will find it interesting, and if your MD is new
to the AIDS field (or only treats a few pa
tients), this publication could be a lifesaver.
“AIDS: A Primer”
Board of Medical Quality Assurance
Attn: The Action Renort. Editor
1430 Howe Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95825
Ask for a reprint It’s free, but do send a
self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Bobby Waymack has been appointed the
Pastoral Leader for New Life MCC for the
duration of the church’s search for a new
pastor.
New Life is still going strong, and is
starting some new activities which include a
church choir as well as a weekly Bible study
group, and is also planning an attic sale in
August... Come on, it’s time to get rid of
some of that old drag you’ve been keeping.
New Life meets on Sunday evenings at
6:45 p.m. at the Unitarian Church on Sharon
Amity. For information or directions, call Ed
or Sandy at 365-2308.
Speaking of getting rid of stuff, MCC
Charlotte is having a major yard sale on June
, 11 from 7:30-noon. It’s spring cleaning time,
you know. Call 563-5810 for location and
directions. Regular worship is 11 am on
Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdavs.
Couples, Inc., is a political organization
which believes that same-sex couples and
other gay and lesbian families should be
entitled to the same rights and privileges as
married heterosexual couples.
To reach Couples, Inc., write P.O. Box
77266, AUanta, G A 30357 or call (404) 634-
3061.
The Tradesmen, Charlotte’s local
Levi/Leather group has elected its new
officers. They are:
President - Tony W.
Vice President - Barry B.
Secretary - Steve D.
Treasurer - Roger N.
Sergeant at Arms - Butch S.
Director of Activities - Jim L.
Member at Large - Chuck G.
The club will also be hosting the
welcome party for the Drummer Boy
Contest, July 1st at Oleen’s. Dog Days
of Summer will be the theme for club
night, August 5 at B.R. There will be
drink specials all day.
Acceptance, a social/support group
for the gay and lesbian community
meets each Thursday at 8 p.m. The
meetings are informative, as well as
fun. The group is hosting a covered
dish dinner on June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at
John’s House. For more information,
call John at 333-1428.
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Charlotte, N.C. 28222
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