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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 1989)
IS VOI R PET PART OF THE FAMILY? I ret news Tender, lo vin g care for th e furry and AIDS project appoints executive director CAP to encourage early HIV testing T he Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) has announced a significant revision in its he Cascade AIDS Project, Inc. (CAP) policy of HIV antibody testing in response to announced on September 18 the a growing body of medical evidence appointment of Paul Starr, MSW, as Execu supporting detection and treatment of tive Director of the AIDS service organiza HIV disease. early At its monthly meeting, the tion. Without dissent, the CAP board of CAP board of directors voted to adopt the new directors elected Starr, the former Client policy which strongly encourages early HIV Services Coordinator and Interim Executive testing for individuals who feel they may be at Director for the Project, following a nation risk. wide search for a new executive director. Paul Starr, Executive Director of CAP, “Paul Starr has been instrumental in develop said the new policy will have an immediate ing programs and services for people with and meaningful impact on its delivery of AIDS. We feel he is well-prepared to provide programs and services to people with AIDS the leadership and guidance our community and to the general public. needs in fighting the AIDS epidemic, said Jim Recent medical advances in the treatment Simons, board chair. of HIV disease, particularly the use of AZT in its early stages, prompted the policy revision. The CAP board acknowledged that it is “now clear that early detection of HIV infection, in conjunction with early medical intervention, may alter the course of HIV disease progression significantly.” Cascade AIDS Project will begin immediately to encourage people who feel they may be at risk to take the HIV antibody test. “This represents a major shift for AIDS service organizations around the country and for the treatment of HIV disease in general,” said Stan. “AIDS is becoming less a short term fatal illness and more of a long-term chronic yet manageable condition. People still die, but it is clear that the earlier we intervene, the better our chances of halting the Twenty-four applications were received by progression of HIV disease. Early HIV the Cascade AIDS Project in response to the testing is a key component of this strategy,” nationwide search process. Applicants varied he concluded. widely in their experience both in non-profit Concerns still exist over safeguards administration as well as AIDS-related regarding the confidentiality and emotional, projects. The responses were generated from social and legal ramifications of early HIV as far away as New York and Colorado as testing. The CAP board of directors strongly well as the West Coast. believes that HIV testing should be voluntary, Paul Starr has been an employee of CAP anonymous or otherwise confidential, include since 1986; he served as Client Services pre- and post-test counseling, and be Coordinator until June of this year, when he conducted with informed consent was appointed Interim Executive Director. Immediate changes in CAP programs and “I look forward to intensifying our efforts services will be seen in the information and as we strive to stem the expanding tide of advice offered through the Oregon AIDS AIDS in Oregon. I am proud of the work Hotline, a statewide information and referral CAP has done already, but there is a still service sponsored jointly by CAP and the greater need for more prevention, more Oregon State Health Division. Hotline support services, and more understanding of volunteers will now encourage early HIV what the AIDS crisis means to our testing for callers who feel they may be at community,” Starr said. risk. The Cascade AIDS Project is a non-profit, CAP educational outreach will also be community-based organization committed to affected. A CAP-sponsored community improving the quality of life for people forum titled “The Next Step: New Facts affected by AIDS and HIV disease, and their about HIV Testing” will be held on October loved ones. CAP offers emotional and 22, at the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th, practical support services for people directly 2nd Floor, Room B, from 7 - 9 pm to discuss affected by the disease and performs the issue. CAP educational volunteers will education and outreach to the general public also distribute flyers and brochures to and targeted communities-at-risk. CAP individuals through a street outreach effort in operates the Brinker Fund to provide Portland’s at-risk communities. y emergency financial and food assistance to people living with the disease, and operates the Oregon AIDS Hotline, a statewide information and referral service for AIDS/ HIV-related issues. y fly ? T WHEEL ALIGNMENT TIRES & paint FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1952 2454 E. Burnside 232-3600 fe a th e re d m e m b e rs o f yo u r fam ily! ( 'omplctc Diagnosis and Treatment • Medica 1/Surgical Facilities Compassionate, Trusting Care BIRDS, CATS 1)()(»S and oilie r sm all pels Dr. Patricia E. H uit D.V.M. 2519 E. BURNSIDE, PORTI AND C A L L 233-5001 mm Hunterflouglas M IN I B L IN D S • Competitive pricing • Quality, name brands • Most items available for delivery in 5 days FR EE measurement & delivery. 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