Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : U.S. Opens Toll-Free AIDS Facts Service

The federal government is opening a toll-free telephone number to provide treatment information by phone or computer to people with AIDS, their families and health care providers. The HIV-AIDS Treatment Information Service is scheduled to begin taking calls today. The number is 1-800-HIV-0440 and the hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST on weekdays. The database can be accessed free via computer. Users can call 1-800-272-4787 for instructions on computer access. The service will be staffed by health information specialists fluent in English and Spanish. All calls are confidential.