1. Contacting your local or state health department or an HIV-testing center in the phone book or by calling information.

2. Pointing your browser to the comprehensive POZ AIDS Services Directory.

ASO's can answer basic questions and hook you up with local, HIV-experienced doctors, therapists, support groups—as well as everything from hot meals to vital government services. You can call an ASO's hotline, drop into a treatment information forum or get on an ASO's newsletter mailing list.

Here are some other resources to consult while ramping up on your HIV knowledge, wrestling with your newbie questions and finding friends:

"My family's great, but they're never going to fully understand. But wow, if there's someone else who's going through the same thing, then I'm not alone." —Jessica Whitney, Hagerstown, MD, Diagnosed: 2003


TREATMENT AND SERVICES

AIDSmap.com
Treatment info from HIVers across the pond, this UK-based site offers in-depth and cutting-edge treatment news, with a strong emphasis on global issues, too.

AIDS Treatment News
800.TREAT-1-2 (873.2812)
www.aidsnews.org
A classic source of treatment information, with a bracing mix of activism and community news from the master himself, John S James.

TheBody.com
One of the most comprehensive HIV sites around. Got a question? Check out "Ask the Experts."

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)
416.203.7122
Call our neighbors to the north for treatment fact sheets, healthcare newsletters with a holistic slant and the best in harm-reduction how-to for drug users.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The government's main HIV office offers lots of information and resources. Call 800.342.2437 (800.344.7432 for help in Spanish). Or go to their website and check out their FAQs for those newly diagnosed.

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC)
212.367.1000
New York's GMHC is the oldest ASO in the USA, and no, they don't only deal with gay men. GMHC's "Treatment News" is very useful.

AIDS InfoNet
This bilingual, fact-filled site from New Mexico features veteran HIVer activist Bob Munk's essential "Living With HIV."

POZ.com
Well, you're here, so we don't need to give you the URL! One way to find out more about a particular topic is to search back issues of POZ magazine (in print since 1994!). And consider joining POZ Mentor and POZ Personals if you haven't already. You can order POZ publications by calling 800.973.2376.

Project Inform
800.822.7422
Marty Delaney's San Fran powerhouse for treatment and activism issues, plus a great "Introductory Packet" for the newly diagnosed.

"My diagnosis came at a time I was considering leaving my job and taking a job that doesn't provide insurance. The insurance aspect is now limiting my choices. I'm stuck in corporate America whether I like it or not." —Bobby Z., Chicago, Diagnosed: 2005


TREATMENT ACCESS

The Access Project
212.260.8868
The Access Project is a fantastic clearing-house of info on the three programs that cough up pills for no cost to the patient:

Patient Assistance Programs Pharmaceutical companies going that extra mile to get meds to HIVers without public or private insurance.

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPS) Underinsured or uninsured? You may be eligible for state-paid meds. Get 'em while funding lasts. A waiting list exists in some states.

Expanded Early Access Programs In case you ever need a new treatment option. Most companies offer early access to promising drugs prior to FDA approval. But restrictions may apply. And you may be taking a drug whose long-term safety isn't guaranteed.


ACTIVISM

ACT UP New York
212.966.4873

ACT UP Philadelphia
215.386.1981

The two most active chapters of the old-school direct-action protest groups.

AIDS Treatment Activists Coalition (ATAC)
617.267.0998
A national organization of treatment activists who share ideas, attend conferences and work together to improve access to treatment.

Campaign to End AIDS (C2EA)
877-EndAIDS (1.877.363.2437)
This coalition of AIDS activists and ASOs has a 21 point-plan to end AIDS. Spearheaded by the New York-based Housing Works, C2EA is sponsor of the October 2005 March to End AIDS.

Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP)
212.937.7955x.6
Unites people with HIV and activists to build a movement to fight unjust and inaccurate HIV prevention policies and other AIDS issues.

National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA)
204.247.0880
An organization of HIVers doin' it for themselves since 1983, NAPWA offers how-to programs in community and youth leadership, managed care, public policy and more. They organize National HIV Testing Day.


LEGAL

ACLU AIDS Project
212.549.2627
This subdivision of the American Civil Liberties Union brings lawsuits and lobbies elected officials to protect the civil liberties of HIVers.

The Center for HIV Law and Policy
212.430.6733
A legal and policy resource bank that addresses HIV discrimination and the legal needs of those living with the virus.

LAMBDA Legal Defense and Education Fund
212.809.8585
Fired or banned because of HIV? Lambda's trailblazing HIV Project can hook you up with an attorney or advocate.


LOVE AND SEX

POZ Personals
Over 55,000 online members seeking love and companionship. Registration is free.

"I've told guys and they've said, ‘Oh, I’ll be back in a minute’ and just up and left. You don’t know how accepting they may be. It’s harder for us.” —Jessica Whitney, Hagerstown, MD, Diagnosed: 2003


FOR IV DRUG USERS

Harm Reduction Coalition
212.213.6376 or 510.444.6969
The national clearinghouse on harm reduction does straight-up advocacy and education for syringe-users.


FOR PRISONERS

AIDS In Prison Project
718.378.7022 (call collect Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, 3-8pm EST)
A national hotline that answers all questions pertaining to incarcerated HIVers.

Fortune Society
212.691.7554
Positive prisoners contact the LifeWork Program for peer support, access to services and prevention info.


FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR

Real Health
212.242.2163
Our sister publication serves up honest, cutting-edge information for African-American readers on fitness, diet/nutrition, prevention and treatment as well as sexual health, relationships and family.

Black AIDS Institute
213.353.3610
This national policy center mobilizes black organizations and issues policy papers on HIV among African-Americans.

Latino Commission on AIDS
212-675-3288
An organization of HIV health care and education advocates focusing on issues in the Latino community.

National Minority AIDS Council
202.483.6622
This DC stalwart serves up everything from scholarships and conferences to job-search tips and community-building training.


FOR WOMEN

Women's Place
212.242.2163
Our very own women's community, with news, forums, advice, dating, profiles, blogs.

The Well Project
404.474.3152
Information and resources specifically for HIV positive women.

Women Alive
800.554.4876
Covers the waterfront of education, inspiration and support for women with HIV.

Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Disease (WORLD)
510.986-0340
Advocacy, referrals and retreats for HIV-positive women. Services include Perinatal Peer Advocacy and the Latina Initiative.


FOR SENIORS

HIV Wisdom for Older Women
913.722.3100
Provides support for older women living with HIV and fights the misperception that they don’t get the virus. Jane Fowler presides.

National Association on HIV Over Fifty
617-233-7107
A membership organization that fights ageism in the HIV community and the shortage of HIV services for seniors. NAHOF also seeks to educate older adults about the risk of getting HIV.