Arkansas AIDS Task Force to Host Forums Addressing Needs of People Living With HIV/AIDS

The Arkansas AIDS Task Force last Tuesday held the first of several public forums that aim to "find out what the state needs to do to cope with AIDS," the AP/Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. The forums, which include participation from health officials, health providers and community members, address problems ranging from AIDS education and testing to ensuring health care for people living with HIV/AIDS. The discussions will help "set priorities for the needs of people living with AIDS" in Arkansas and will be used to help the state draft applications for federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs and services, according to task force Director Rick Ramsey. "This explains to the government what is needed rather than asking [it] to throw a pot of money our way," Ramsey said. For example, the state is examining the lack of health care providers for people living with AIDS who reside in rural areas. The other sessions, which will take place over a six-month period, will be held in Little Rock, West Memphis, Fayetteville, Fort Smith and Pine Bluff (Hale, AP/Memphis Commercial Appeal, 7/12).