How to Help People With HIV

People living with HIV face many challenges, both directly related to their illness and due to outside forces such as discrimination. Nevertheless, it is possible, especially with a dedicated circle of support, to live a fulfilling and active life when HIV positive. There are many ways to support your loved one living with HIV.

Instructions

• 1

  Be there for HIV-positive friends and family members. This can include listening supportively and nonjudgmentally about a diagnosis, attending doctor's appointments, and assisting those with more advanced disease by helping them stay on their medication schedule or doing chores and running errands if their mobility becomes compromised. Just as with your other friends, a kind ear and a baked good or two can make all the difference.

• 2

  Volunteer with organizations that provide support services to HIV-positive persons. There are many groups that provide transportation, food delivery, and other forms of care to people living with HIV. For a list of such organizations by state, visit thebody.com.

• 3

  Combat discrimination and stigma. Although there are laws in many places to protect HIV-positive people from discrimination, the stigma against being HIV-positive remains widespread. Don't participate in behavior that stigmatizes HIV-positive people, and try to educate others that they need not attach negative attitudes to people who have contracted HIV. For more information on educating against HIV discrimination, visit avert.org.

• 4

  Advocate for increased efforts in HIV prevention and treatment. Write to your local and national legislators to make sure that funding HIV research is a priority. Visit your state and local government websites to find names and mailing addresses for your representatives.