Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Winter 2001)

Twenty years ago, when AIDS was discovered in the United States, the majority of its victims were homosexual males. Today, 72 percent of all new HIV/AIDS cases are transmitted heterosexually.

Now considered a global epidemic, HIV/AIDS doesn't just happen someplace else, says Jorge Figueroa, executive director of the Northern Colorado AIDS Project, or NCAP.

"In our town, we have men, women, children and families who are infected with HIV or AIDS," he says.

NCAP empowers and assists people affected by HIV/AIDS. It also reaches out to communities to teach people about the disease, its treatment and prevention. Founded in 1986 and based in Fort Collins, NCAP serves eight counties in Northeastern Colorado. Services include anonymous and confidential testing, housing and prescription-drug assistance programs, a food bank and HIV/AIDS education.

Only a test can detect HIV, the virus that eventually leads to AIDS. NCAP offers confidential, anonymous testing, including an oral test requiring no blood draw. Tests are administered at NCAP's office or, upon request, at other locations to ensure confidentiality.

Early detection is critical, says Craig Chapin, director of prevention, education, and outreach. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. Today's therapies can't cure HIV or AIDS, but when taken consistently, the medications suppress HIV and prolong life.

NCAP's Prescription Assistance Program helps individuals secure funds for the drugs, which cost approximately $2,400 a month.

"We pull together whatever resources are available to help people access the incredibly costly, regimented medications they need," Figueroa says. Since people with HIV/AIDS often must leave their jobs and often lose health insurance benefits, NCAP also offers an Insurance Continuation Program to assist until the affected person qualifies for Medicare.

Prevention is the most successful and cost effective means of dealing with HIV and AIDS. Through community-education programs, such as a speakers bureau and peer-to-peer education in the high schools, NCAP teaches people about the disease and preventing its transmission. The same behaviors that can prevent HIV— abstinence and safer-sex practices — also can prevent other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, Chapin points out.

Talking openly and realistically about HIV/AIDS will help dispel the stigmas and stereotypes associated with the disease, says Chapin, and these discussions will lead to raised awareness and safer behaviors.

"We don't need judgment of people with AIDS," says Figueroa. "We need compassion."