September 14, 2006
National Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit: A Personal Perspective
Cassandra Ackerman is a consumer advocate in Columbus, Ohio, and board member of the National AIDS Housing Coalition. On October 20 and 21, she and other leading health, housing and social service researchers and policy makers will participate in NAHC's second annual National Housing and HIV/AIDS Research Summit in Baltimore, Maryland. In her own words, Cassandra offered a personal perspective on the significance of this event in her eyes.
"I remember being accepted for the Shelter Plus Care Program, which is a federal housing assistance program that combines rental assistance for housing (Shelter) with supportive services (Care) to help low-income households and people living with disabilities to obtain and maintain affordable housing. After having a stroke, I thought being accepted for Shelter Plus Care came right on time.
At that time, I could not even sign my name on any of paperwork that was needed in order for me to start receiving the housing assistance. As a result of my stroke, I thought I would never write or walk or speak clearly again. That was just one of my many health conditions that I was struggling to manage at that time. Also, I had Diabetes which is what caused my stroke as well as arthritis, HIV and hepatitis C.
Two years after the stroke, I started taking protease inhibitors (Viracept), which brought on another set of health problems such as neuropathy and chronic diarrhea. Thank goodness I was close to my own bathroom. Even though the medicines made me very sick, it also was making me better. I took my medications when I should and how they should be taken. At that time, Viracept was 10 pills a day -- that was seven years ago. I nursed myself back to better health, which I feel would not have been possible if I didn't have a safe and affordable place to live, and it would seem like a no-brainer to me that you need a roof over your head to maintain your health.
I am currently a consumer advocate and board member of the National AIDS Housing Coalition (NAHC). NAHC is sponsoring Research Summit II, where we will bring together a host of researchers, policy experts, advocates, and consumers who are all experts in HIV and AIDS. The first research summit provided data that supports our belief that housing is HIV prevention. Having housing improves access to HIV medical care and reduces the risk of HIV transmission. NAHC's goal is to continue the dialogue, research and collaboration that were started at the first summit. The bottom line is we want to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to housing and HIV/AIDS health issues. Come; support us in this groundbreaking and very important work. The Research Summit II will be held October 20 and 21 in Baltimore, Maryland, at the prestigious John Hopkins University. For more information, please visit NAHC's website at www.nationalaidshousing.org."
[Opens in new window]Cassandra Ackerman
Consumer Advocate and Board Member
National AIDS Housing CoalitionDownload a copy of the Summit II brochure in PDF
(Opens in new window) →Access registration information and an online PDF registration form
(Opens in new window) →Visit NAHC's web site for more information
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