A Full Life for Those With HIV

* Re “Having AIDS--and a Future,” March 2:

Joe Filia’s courage in discussing his struggle to get back into the work force following years of HIV-related problems was touching.

Individuals with life-threatening diseases give up not only a career, job or education, but independence, with health insurance, mobility, housing and often self-esteem lost in the daily battle to survive.

Promising new medications give hope, but we need to provide the HIV-recovering population with the skills and knowledge to take back control of their lives.

The AIDS Services Foundation in Orange County has such a program. “Navigating the Future” is a course designed to help clients help themselves find their way in a world they thought was lost to them.

In addition, the foundation has a staff who can assist clients in developing a plan for their future, including locating resources for needed education and training.

Unfortunately not all areas have the resources available in Orange County, and many employers continue to discriminate against people with HIV.

It is critical that we support local, state and national antidiscrimination laws and rehabilitation and medical programs to ensure a smooth transition with incentives, not disincentives. Public-private partnerships should work together to offer hope to the modern-day Lazarus.

PEARL JEMISON-SMITH

Garden Grove