People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) are faced with a multitude of health issues. Of primary concern,
is one of the most important organs, the Heart. PLWH/A, experience a significant disparity in receiving
sufficient and/or adequate patient education, regarding HIV medications affect on and maintaining a healthy Heart.
Most HIV-positive clients are being seen in clinics that are under staffed and short on physicians with lengthy experience
in working with these clients. They don't have supporting staff that would provide healthy Heart education. This is not to say
that these clinics do not provide adequate care, fortunately, they provide quality service and display professional attitudes.
The issue at hand is providing healthy Heart education in a manner that allows the patient to participate in the understanding of
this particular health education. For example, is the education delivered in a manner that's culturally, linguistically and educationally
appropriate? Does the information fit the clients' life style? Due to these questions and the above-mentioned HIV client needs, the
Matters of the Heart Program was designed to provide education and information concerning: The effects of HIV/AIDS medication on the Heart.
- The effects of HIV/AIDS medication on the Heart.
- Increasing knowledge of how to maintain a healthy Heart.
- Effective health strategies to maximize HIV/AIDS medications effectiveness.
- Minimizing or eliminating negative effects of HIV/AIDS medications on the Heart.
Thankfully, this program was sponsored by Abbott Laboratories to focus
on the needs of HIV-postive clients in the St. Louis Metro Area and their heart concerns.
CWP looks forward to future programs like Healthy Heart and Soul that will focus on various
health concerns of the HIV population.
