|
Backgrounder for November 29 media advisory:
CALOR offers innovative services in the Latino Community for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS
| MEDIA ADVISORY |
| |
|
|
| Contact: |
Betsy Storm, Director of Public Relations |
bstorm@anixter.org |
| |
Robert Dolgan, Public Relations Specialist |
rdolgan@anixter.org |
| Phone: |
(773) 973-7900, Ext. 243 or 228 |
|
December 1 is World AIDS Day, a time to pause and recognize the impact that HIV/AIDS has on a growing number of individuals worldwide. Here in Chicago, CALOR, a division of Anixter Center, offers a full range of bilingual, family-focused services for people with an array of disabilities. HIV/AIDS is an area of special expertise. CALOR’s programs include those aimed at prevention and education, psychosocial services, case management and more.
Currently, a pressing issue in the HIV/AIDS community is “treatment adherence.” At CALOR, counselors provide support in helping people maintain their medical regimens – the often-difficult lifesaving routines they must follow to remain in their optimal health. Many of the drugs prescribed for HIV/AIDS – approximately two dozen in all – can cause a variety of problems, including diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and more. “Through a group we run called Prevention for Positives, we assist people in managing their medications and treatments,” says Martín González Rojas, manager of Prevention Services. A particular challenge is the low self-esteem that often develops when individuals’ appearances are negatively impacted by their essential medicines.
On another front, since 1999, CALOR has hosted a candlelight ceremony to commemorate World AIDS Day. The gathering is a “spiritual component” of the battle against the disease, according to Martín. “It helps families ‘keep the faith’ and acknowledge both loved ones who have died of AIDS and pioneers who have paved the way for developments of lifesaving medications and treatments,” he says.
For more information about CALOR, visit http://www.calor.org. To learn more about Anixter Center and all of its divisions, go to www.anixter.org.
• • • • • • • • • • •
The mission of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center is to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Anixter Center is a leading provider of high-quality vocational, residential and educational options, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and health care. Anixter Center is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of the community.
|
