South Bay : Weekly Meetings Offer Support for Young People With AIDS
In response to recent statistics that place teen-agers at a high risk for HIV infection, two organizations recently joined forces to create the first South Bay support group for young people infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
The group is sponsored by Being Alive-South Bay, a nonprofit organization for HIV positive patients, and the South Bay Free Clinic, a facility with offices in Manhattan Beach and Gardena, that provides free medical services.
“The problem is an increasing trend among adolescents,” group coordinator Patrick Cusack said. “We wanted to create a group where they could support each other.”
At the weekly meeting in Hermosa Beach, nearly 10 people, all younger than 24, turn up to discuss how the disease is affecting them. Cusack said the group takes an easy-going approach, with dinner and recreational events instead of a clinical format. He said the participants make up the rules. For information, (310) 379-1940.
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