Daily, we come in contact with someone who is infected with HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS. This may surprise you that HIV is becoming so prevalent, even in the Roanoke Valley. This epidemic is more than 25 years old and is still on the rise. In 2006 alone, there were over 2,000 people diagnosed with HIV in the state of North Carolina. It is our responsibility to talk about and learn about this disease or it will continue to kill our children, moms, dads, grandparents, etc.

The HIV/AIDS Case Management program at Halifax Regional Medical Center is a program supported by grants that helps patients with HIV and AIDS navigate daily activities required to cope with the disease. Teaching patients the importance of complying with physician appointments and medications, along with facilitating regular support groups are a few examples of how the program helps its patients.

Being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS can be devastating," said Misty Lane, HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator. "Many of the patients that we work with have no idea where to turn of what they need to do once diagnosed," she added. For more information contact  535-8173.