How to Get Help in Your Community

National Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) offers 24-hour service seven days a week to respond to any questions that you or a young person may have about HIV infection and AIDS. All calls are free, and you need not give your name. The service is available in Spanish (1-800-344-7432) and for the deaf (1-800-243-7889).

Hotline information specialists also can refer you to groups in your area that work professionally on HIV infection and AIDS issues. Also, they can direct you to local counseling and testing centers, and tell you where to get additional materials.

For additional copies of this guide and other publications on AIDS and HIV infection, you can call the CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse (1-800-458-5231) or write the Clearinghouse at P.O. Box 6003, Rockville, MD 20849.

State And Local Health Departments

If you have questions about AIDS prevention efforts in your community, the CDC National AIDS Hotline can tell you how to reach your state or local health department. Also, you can find the number listed under "Health Department" in the local and state government section of your telephone book.

Community Organizations

Thousands of local organizations, such as the PTA, March of Dimes, National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, the American Red Cross, and Boys' Clubs and Girls' Clubs, are working hard to stop the spread of HIV infection. To find out about such organizations in your community, look for them by name in the telephone book or call your local health department.

Schools

Talk to your local school board, superintendent, principal, teachers, or guidance counselors to find out about the HIV and AIDS education programs that your local school offers and how you can help to make them work. Make sure they know that you support learning about preventing HIV infection and AIDS as part of comprehensive health education in school.

The Health Care Team

If you have concerns about your health or the health of your child, share them with a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider.