HIV or, human immunodeficiency virus, damages the cells of the immune system and weakens body’s ability to fight infections, according to the WebMD Web site. The most advanced stage of the virus is AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, according to WebMD. There is currently no cure for AIDS and it can be fatal.
This disease doesn’t discriminate against any person regardless of age, gender or even race. Therefore treatment, care and educational resources are essential for everyone affected by the disease.
Fortunately, the AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETC) National Resource Center is an organization that facilitates and manages the dissemination of these resources.The mission of the AETC is, “to improve the quality of life of patients living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of high quality professional education and training,” according to the AETC Web site.
The AETC serves all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the six U.S.-affiliated Pacific Jurisdictions, according to the center’s Web site. The center offers training to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, oral health professionals and more. This training is based upon the needs of the community and involves both hands-on training and clinical consultation.
The center also has several special initiatives, such as the United States - Mexico Border AETC Steering Team (UMBAST).
The centers involved in UMBAST include; the Mountain-Plains AETC, New Mexico AETC, National Minority AETC, Pacific AETC, UCLA AETC, San Diego AETC, Texas/Oklahoma AETC, HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau and the Arizona AETC, according to the Web site.
Though this coalition, these centers work together to share resources and provide care to those infected with HIV/AIDS and living on the border.
Because of their proximity to one another and the border, these centers face similar healthcare issues, said Carol Galper, principal investigator for the Arizona Aids Education Training Center. 
The Arizona Aids Education Training Center provides, provide healthcare professionals the resources and skills to care for those living with HIV and AIDS.
The HIV/AIDS statistics in both Arizona and Mexico are alarming. I was unaware of the severity and extent of the disease in both regions. The AETC has created a map and table that illustrates an overview of HIV/AIDS in both Arizona and Mexico.
According to the AETC National Resource Center Web site, “In Arizona, which has a population of 5,307,331, the total number of reported cases of AIDS from 1981-2004 is 9,320; the total number of reported cases of people living with HIV is 5,178.”
Also, according to the center’s Web site, “Mexico reported 182,000 people living with HIV and 115,651 AIDS cases in 2007.”
UMBAST provides invaluable HIV/AIDS resources and is not overwhelmed by the size of both the area and the population of the U.S. – Mexico border.
The U.S. – Mexico border is a diverse region with unique healthcare challenges. However, through UMBAST healthcare providers can collaborate to provide specialized HIV/AIDS care and resources for communities along the border.
Click play to listen to Carol Galper, principal investigator for the Arizona AIDS Education Training Center explain the purpose of the Arizona center, the mission of UMBAST and the need for AIDS resources along the U.S. – Mexico border.
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More information:
“Managing Patients in the Border Region”
Who: This workshop is available to physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other providers serving impacted patient populations in the region.
What: A 2-day symposium to discuss current testing, treatments and screening issues for
TB, STDs, HIV, Hepatitis C and substance abuse. Also, to examine these epidemics locally, further develop clinical interviewing skills, share testing and treatment directories in order to share local resources and referral networks.
Where: Rio Rico, Ariz.
When: Facilitated discussion for Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and Nurses only: Friday, June 12, 2009 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm RSVP required. Conference: Friday, June 12, 2009 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm (includes dinner) Saturday, June 13, 2009 8:00 am - 5:30 pm (includes breakfast and lunch)
The event is sponsored by: The Pacific AIDS Education & Training Center, California STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center/UCSF, Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center, US/Mexico Border Health Commission, Arizona Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health Services, Tuberculosis Control Section.
Additional Information: RSVP is required. For more information or an application, please contact Joel Peisinger at (310) 794-2932 or send an email to jpeisinger@mednet.ucla.edu
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