Positively: Changing the Face of AIDS in America
 Emmy
Award Nominated, Washington, DC Chapter of the Association
of Television Arts and Sciences,
2002
Twenty years ago when AIDS first surfaced
in America, those who had it faced grave illness and
likelihood
of death. Today, advancements in drug therapies have
changed HIV and AIDS into a manageable illness and
many are living longer, healthier lives.
However,
a look at the daily struggles of people with HIV
shows that the mental and emotional issues
surrounding
the virus can be as trying as any physical illness.
For many, mental health support has become the
key factor for survival.
Positively is a one hour educational
program for public television that shows the face
of HIV and
AIDS in America
today. The program shares the intimate stories
of adults, teens and children who face HIV-related
challenges
everyday. Each story shows how support -whether
it be from mental health professionals, community
groups,
spiritual/religious communities or friends and
family - has had a dramatic effect on quality
of life.
Other topics covered in this program
include:
- the shift in demographics of the disease – the
effect on heterosexuals and African Americans,
especially on African American women and African
American gay
men
- the benefits and difficulties of new drug
therapies - what it’s like to live on combination
drugs
- the importance of maintaining and
improving mental health, especially in the face
of complex
drug regimens
- the effect of the stigma associated with HIV, especially
for those living in rural communities
This
program promotes awareness of the need for continued
and pervasive prevention
efforts – that “treatment” does
not mean “cure” - and
the critical need for mental health
support
for people
living with the
disease, especially in relation to
adherence to combination drug regimens.
Running
Time: 58 Minutes
Closed Captioned
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