Strength in Numbers

Colorado
http://www.strengthinnumbers.org/
The Official Newsletter for the Colorado Chapter of Strength in Numbers
W i n t e r 2 0 0 7— 0 8
V o l u m e I , Is s u e I THE START OF DENVER’S UB2
December 14, 2007
By Rod Rushing
Inside this issue
Welcome Sin members, community members, service providers and future SIN mem-
Start of Denver’s UB2 1 bers:
This is the first edition of the Strength In Numbers (SIN) newsletter. It has been so
Letter from SIN Founder 1 much fun connecting with other men and putting this together. It certainly is not per-
fect, but hopefully it will get better over time with your help and input. Individually, we
Changes to Ryan White Part 2 all have a good working knowledge of how to take care of ourselves. Imagine how much
B Program stronger that effort can be if we put that knowledge together. We definitely welcome
your feedback and your input to help make this newsletter a useful tool for both new
SIN Trip to Pike’s Peak 3 positives and for those long-term warriors.
Updated ADAP-Approved 4 When Bryan Levinson wrote me a note informing me that he made me the moderator for SIN Colorado, I
Medications thought he was crazy. I had so many things going on; I did not imagine I had the time to devote to such
an undertaking. But I knew things might be a bit up in the air following Chuck Lane’s passing. Therefore,
Community Ed. Forums 5 I thought I would temporarily take the responsibility to help out.
As it turns out, this has been one of the must fun responsibilities I’ve had in quite awhile. I have met so
Coffee Talk 6 many great guys who happen to be poz. I have had laughs, and my share of coffee, resulting in a rekin-
dled desire to take better care of my own health. It has also afforded me to offer some of my own insight
Shadowcliff Retreat 2008 6 to other poz guys. I have learned quite a bit these last few months, but most importantly, how good it
feels to share what I have lived.
Clinical Trials Update 7
(Continued on page 3)
Men4Men4Life.com 7

Resource for Veterans 7

LET TER FROM SIN FOUNDER,
Fasten Your Seatbelts... 8
B R YA N L E V I N S O N :
Circles of Life 9 Welcome to the first newsletter for SIN Colorado. The Rocky Mountains have always at-
tracted and compelled Americans to climb and conquer them. Yet as everyone knows
HIV Resource Pages 10 about the weather in Colorado, it will not be tamed or controlled. We as people living with
HIV/AIDS have our own peaks and valleys to navigate, and fortunately for many of us our
SIN List of Upcoming Events 11 virus can be tamed and controlled. That certainly doesn't mean it's gone away nor the
stigma of being HIV+ has diminished. We all continue to face unique and sometimes
even frightening challenges while living with this disease.
MISSION STATE-
I tested positive in May 2000, and two years later I started Strength In Numbers with a small potluck
MENT party for single HIV+ gay men in Los Angeles. From that we've expanded to chapters around the world,
The mission of Strength In
Numbers is to provide crossing continents and even language barriers. But one thing has remained the same, the powerful
social support and educa- realization that we are not alone in battling HIV/AIDS. SIN is made up of thousands of poz men and their
tional resources to HIV+ gay men around friends from around the United States and the world, united by all the differences and hardships that
the world thereby helping to improve their
quality of life, quality of health and their would normally make set us apart.
ability to help others. Our activities in- So when the wind at your back is freezing, when you need a place to turn to for life-saving advice, or
clude operation of an interactive Internet-
based communications system, develop- when you just want to have a good laugh with some guys who understand you, please know you will find
ment of programs that increase self- a warm welcome in SIN. This group was started by a loving man named Chuck who recently passed
esteem and social interaction skills, or- away. We have endeavored to continue his hard work to make Colorado a better place, a stronger com-
ganization and guidance of activities that
increase physical abilities, and promoting munity, one humane being at a time.
volunteer opportunities by our members
in HIV-related efforts including fundrais-
ing for treatment services and research Have a fantastic new year!
(such as AIDS Walks and the California
AIDS Life/Cycle) and HIV prevention
campaigns. Bryan Levinson
http://www.strengthinnumbers.org/
Founder, Strength In Numbers (aka SIN)
Strength in Numbers Page 2

C HANGES TO R YAN W HITE

PART B P ROGRAM
Hello! My name is Todd Grove,and I work with ver metro area, contact Colorado AIDS Pro- Beginning in January 2008, CDPHE will
the Ryan White Part B Program at the Colo- ject. Other enrollment agencies are listed on launch a new program called “Bridging the
rado Department of Public Health and Envi- our website. Gap, Colorado”, or BTGC. CPDHE and the
ronment (CDPHE). I have been asked to pro- ADAP Review Committee established this
vide you a basic overview of changes that program as a way to help Medicare Part D
have been made to some of the programs For those of you who have Medicare, eligible ADAP participants to pay for their
that you may utilize if you are a Person Living either because you have reached retirement medications. You will need to use an ADAP
With HIV/AIDS in Colorado. Due to increased age, or have SSI or SSDI, there is a particu- qualified pharmacy (which will include Kaiser
funding and new initiatives, we have been larly exciting new program in Colorado. Many Permanente for Medicare participants only).
able to make some exciting changes to help of you know that until 2006, Medicare did BTGC will now pay all eligible participants
PLWHA in Colorado. If you have a computer, not have a pharmacy benefit at all. Medicare PDP premiums, copays, deductibles, as well
please check our website out for full details Part D changed that, even though it is an as the “coverage gap” fees that all plans will
of any of the programs listed below, as well extremely complex program to understand. have this year. Basically, if you qualify, you
as other HIV/AIDS resources for care: People that have dual eligibility for both will have no cost associated with any medica-
www.stdhivco.org (see the Care and Treat- Medicare and Medicaid suddenly received a tion that is on your chosen PDP from January
significant new benefit, and no longer 1st, 2008 until you reach the far side of the
ment page).
needed the ADAP. coverage gap. BTGC will pay all of these fees
(which can amount to over $5,400) for you
For the AIDS Drug Assistance Program until you reach the “catastrophic level” on
(ADAP), we were able to raise the maximum your plan. At that point, you would only have
amount of money that a participant can to pay your drug plans co-pay per prescription
make annually (gross) from 300% to 400% of
for the rest of the plan year.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This means that
for an individual, you can earn up to $40,840
a year and still receive free HIV medications All Medicare Part D PLWHA who are cur-
if you are not eligible for insurance or for rently enrolled in ADAP should have received
Medicare or Medicaid. Additionally, we have an enrollment packet from the BTGC benefits
added a number of new medications for com- coordinator, Public Health Services Bureau,
plications of HIV to the ADAP formulary. Even in December. This packet included an appli-
some psychotropic medications have been, cation and a release of information form that
or are scheduled-to-be placed on the formu- have to be sent to CDPHE in order to partici-
lary in the near future. There have been ad- pate in BTGC. If you think you may qualify
justments in the amounts of assets that you and did not receive this packet, please see
may hold and still qualify for the ADAP as the website listed above for more informa-
well. See our website for the ADAP applica- tion, or contact me directly at CDPHE:
tion and formulary. If you want information
about the ADAP Program, contact your case Others who did not get a full Low Income
manager, or the ADAP enrollment coordina- Todd Grove - Project Administrator
Subsidy (LIS), or even a partial subsidy from DCEED – STD/HIV Ryan White Part B 3835
tor, Santos Rivera, at (303) 692-2716. Social Security found that they had some 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
significant out of pocket costs. Even though Denver, CO
The insurance continuation program is the ADAP Medicare Part D program was able 80246
probably one of the least known assistance to pay for their Medicare Part D Prescription (303) 692-2783
programs that we offer PLWHA. If you, a part- Drug Plan (PDP) premiums, deductibles, and [email protected]
ner or family member are working, and can co-pays for the ADAP formulary medications,
access insurance through an employer (or a many found that they had to deal with paying I wish you the best of health in 2008, and
COBRA policy through a former employer), 100% of the cost of some of their medica-
tions when they were in the “coverage gap” look forward to sharing more information that
this program may be for you. Depending on can be of help or interest to the PLWHA com-
your income level, this program may pay for or donut hole. This was a bigger problem with
PLWHA who had significant health challenges munity.
your insurance premiums, deductibles, or
medication co-payments up to $500 a besides their HIV, such as heart problems or
month, and in some circumstances, up to diabetes. There was only one PDP in 2006
$10,000 a year. This program is also capped and 2007 that offered a plan that didn’t have
at 400% of FPL a year in income. If you are such a donut hole, and they have both been
struggling because the cost of insurance or if discontinued for 2008. We have made exten-
you have opted out of an opportunity to get sive efforts to help qualified PLWHA who are
insurance at work because of the cost, affected by this change, and are proud to
please contact the AIDS Service Organization announce a new program.
that serves your county. For those in the Den-
Strength in Numbers Page 3

THE START OF DENVER’S UB2 (CONT.)

We are teaming up with the PLWH committee from the Mayor’s Office of HIV Resources, and the Mile High Meth Project to kick-off what will
hopefully become a great new tradition in Denver- UB2. UB2 is ongoing in other cities, and has had many successful events. UB2’s are an
opportunity for poz guys to get together and have fun without feeling any sort of stigma. This is a direct response to the personal ads that
would separate poz men out. It celebrates the idea that I’m HIV poz – UB2.
The first UB2 event will be Sunday January 27, 2008 6 p.m. at Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret (see below). There will be no cover charge and a
cash bar will be available. SIN founder Bryan Levinson will be the guest speaker and will spend time meeting with attendees. Performer Lan-
nie Garrett will be there to sing a little, and we hope that entertainment, fun, and laughter will prevail.
Please RSVP 303-825-8113 xt 13 or at www.strengthinnumbers.org. Click on Colorado and then click on databases. We definitely are plan-
ning on a standing room only event. That would mean 150 poz guys. If you are HIV positive, you are invited. And bring a poz friend, too. Oh,
and plan on talking with at least 5 new people. We love poz guys! We believe there is indeed Strength In Numbers. I have been poz for 22
years and presume for many more years to come. . . UB2

Sincerely,
Rod Rushing
Strength In Numbers Colorado
Rebuilt + Committee

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS TRIP TO

PIKES PEAK
The morning started off a little cool, but by the time we got to Manitou Springs it was
even colder.
We got our tickets and boarded the train. The ticket office advised that because of high
winds we were only going up about 8,000 feet, any higher and the train could blow over!
As the train started to ascend to the peak, we were all talking about S.I.N and what we
thought S.I.N should be doing as a group. Along for the ride was a S.I.N member “Mr.
Front Range Bear 2007, (aka Daniel Murphy). We talked about how he won the title.
The terrain going to the top of the peak was spectacular. Everything was covered in snow like a winter wonderland! Half way
to our destination we passed the Santa train and got some pictures of Santa Claus and his fat wife.
On the way down, we stopped at a scenic overlook and were allowed to get out of the train to
take photographs. We took some photos of the train and the scenery to share with those
unable to attend. Maybe next time!
After the train returned back to the station, we all went to eat at a local restaurant in Mani-
tou Springs. All in all, it was a great event for a sunny Sunday afternoon! Hope those that
were unable to attend this outing, will look for future events, on the calendar on the website
and plan to attend.
Strength in Numbers Page 4

U P DA T E D ADAP A P P ROV E D M E D I C A T I O N S
AS OF DECEMBER 7, 2007 THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED
TO THE COLORADO ADAP FORMULARY.

Antihypertensives: Lessina, Levlite, Lutera

• Hydrochlorothiazide • (OrthoNovum 1/35) or Generics:
Necon 1/35, Norinyl 1/35, Nor-
• Lisinopril with Hydrochlorothi-
trel 1/35
azide (combination)
• Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing)
• Atenolol
• Metoprolol
Miscellaneous:
Antiretrovirals:
• Leucovorin
• Isentress
• Metronidazole
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate rinse
Psychology:
• Amoxicillin
• Depakote
• Pen VK
• Mirtazapine (Remeron)
• Androderm
• Keppra
• IM Testosterone
• Tricor
Diabetes:
• Loperamide
• Metformin (Glucophage)
• Lomotil
• Glyburide
• Metformin/Glyburide
(Glucovance) For more information contact:
Tammy Ruddick, PharmD.
• Lantus Insulin Clinical Coordinator/ADAP
• Humulog Insulin 303-499-2879
• Lancets
*(AIDS Drug Assistance Program)
• Blood glucose strips
• Glucometer

Smoking Cessation:
• Varenicline (Chantix)

Women's Care:
• Low dose Birth Control pills
• (Alesse) or Generics: Aviane,
Strength in Numbers Page 5

C O M M U N I T Y E D U C AT I O N A L F O RU M S
The Educational Forums are programs on HIV and HIV-related topics. They strive
to be informative and useful for people living with HIV. They are organized and con-
ducted with the belief that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! The Education Forums afford
an opportunity for POZ individuals to socialize and network.
They typically start between 6 and 6:30 p.m., and offer a free dinner. The Education
Forums were started and organized by the PWA Coalition (now defunct) about 12
years ago. Then they were organized by CAP for several years. Currently, they are
being coordinated each month by a small group of individuals. These individual are
not associated with any agency (hence the motto: “by the community, for the com-
munity”). If you would like to help plan the Educational Forums, please send an e-
mail to Michael at [email protected] or call 303.587.0233. We would like
to have more community involvement.
The September forum was about co-morbidities (how other health issues affect HIV
& vice versa). The October forum was in conjunction with BCAP in Boulder on living
better with new treatments and ways to deal with complications. The November forum was about the immune system and therapies.
In December, the Forum entailed a treatment update from the very knowledgeable doctors at the University of Colorado Clinic.
The Educational Forums are programs on HIV and HIV-related topics. They strive to be informative and useful for people living with
HIV. They are organized and conducted with the belief that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! The Education Forums afford an opportunity
for POZ individuals to socialize and network.
They typically start between 6 and 6:30 p.m., and offer a free dinner. The Education Forums were started and organized by the PWA
Coalition (now defunct) about 12 years ago. Then they were organized by CAP for several years. Currently, they are being coordi-
nated each month by a small group of individuals. These individual are not associated with any agency (hence the motto: “by the com-
munity, for the community”). If you would like to help plan the Educational Forums, please send an e-mail to Michael at
[email protected] or call 303.587.0233. We would like to have more community involvement.
The September forum was about co-morbidities (how other health issues affect HIV & vice versa). The October forum was in conjunc-
tion with BCAP in Boulder on living better with new treatments and ways to deal with complications. The November forum was about
the immune system and therapies. In December, the Forum entailed a treatment update from the very knowledgeable doctors at the
University of Colorado Clinic.
The community forums have been held in a variety of locations, but we think the rest of this year will be in the community room of Our
Saviors Lutheran Church at 9th & Emerson. It’s in a central location with decent parking & bus service, has a kitchen for catering and
preparation, plenty of tables & chairs, a screen, PA system, etc.
The Educational Forums do not require individuals to RSVP. They are typically scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday eve-
nings the first or second week of each month. For 2008, these will mostly be held on Tuesdays. A limited number of flyers are distrib-
uted at various agencies and clinics, as well as the food bank at CAP, and in the monthly CAP Notes newsletter. We also have an e-
mail distribution list. If you would like to be notified of these forums by e-mail, please request that in an e-mail to: fo-
[email protected]. Remember we will NOT share your e-mail and only use it for forum notification. We will always BCC (blind
carbon copy) to hide your e-mail address.

Education Forums* for the coming months:

January 15 – Other infections, communicable diseases and plagues—what we need to know and be concerned about
(everything from West Nile Virus & MRSA to the common cold & flu, and everything in between). What are we at high risk
for? What should we be vaccinated for? What should we watch out for?
February 12– An update on lipoatrophy & lipodystrophy—causes, symptoms, treatments, etc
March 18 – not yet scheduled (Contact Michael with suggestions)
April 15 – Highlights from the annual Retrovirus Conference.
May 13 – HIV Services (info on services including insurance programs & an update on Med D, dental care, housing, etc).
Again, we welcome all ideas and input!
June 17 - HIV Services (info on services including insurance programs & an update on Med D, dental care, housing, etc).
July and beyond – not yet scheduled (ideas include a forum on legal issues and an HIV nutrition update). Again, we
welcome all ideas and input!
*All forums are subject to change. Check the SIN website -calendar section- for updates
Strength in Numbers Page 6

Coffee Talk
By Kevin Dougherty

What’s all the coffee talk about?

As a fairly recently diagnosed individual (2005) and still in denial of my status,
the last place I wanted to go on a Sunday morning was to have coffee with a
group of HIV positive strangers. At the insistence, and strong perseverance, of a
new acquaintance I agreed to attend with great skepticism. Trying to convince
myself that this was not a group for me, I planned a quick appearance, and a
quick excuse to conveniently exit. I was proven wrong. As a newcomer to the
group I was made to feel comfortable and welcomed. I recognized several indi-
viduals I had known in the community on both a personal and professional level
from many years back. The conversation was light, humorous and I felt en-
gaged in the group dynamic in no time. Planning of where SIN is headed was a
primary focus of the meeting as the SIN group takes a more inclusinve focus
direction. As the meeting broke up, I was told to come back next time, bring a
friend, spread the word of the group.
I returned for the next gathering. Coincidently, it was the weekend I started on
HIV meds for the first time. In the past year I had been resistant to starting meds, feeling like I was surrendering control to medica-
tions and HIV. I discussed this at coffee that Sunday. I was met with comfort, support of my feelings, and understanding. There
was no judgment that I was a new guy, only living with HIV for 24 months, as compared to those others with decades of HIV. Every-
thing I was feeling was validated. I have returned for subsequent meetings on Sunday mornings.
SIN is not a support group. However, support is created through the social networking that occurs at the Sunday groups, and other
social activities sponsored by SIN. Check the calendar on the website, or news letter for dates. The meetings are held in the pri-
vate community room at Panera Bread at 13th and Grant. The community room provides a comfortable setting to discuss topics of
HIV in a private manner.

S H A D OW C L I F F H I V R E T R E AT 2 0 0 8
The 2008 Shadowcliff Retreats will be held June 19-22 and July 17-20.
These annual retreats are held at the Shadowcliff Lodge in Grand Lake, Colorado. The Retreat begins on
Thursday afternoon and concludes on Sunday afternoon. Shadowcliff is a beautiful historic mountain lodge
adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park (and several park trailheads), built on cliffs overlooking the lake,
the mountains, and the town of Grand Lake. Our retreat has exclusive use of all facilities for the entire week-
end.
The Shadowcliff HIV Retreat is always an exceptional, empowering experience for the participants and volun-
teers. The Retreat is a 3-day event with a full program of workshops & forums, a variety of body therapies, and
other social activities. The purpose of the Retreat is to provide a proactive environment where people can
empower themselves with skills and knowledge about health, healing, and coping, in a social setting of fellow-
ship, safety and acceptance, in conjunction with various body therapies and other activities.
Previous year’s presentations and workshops have included: HIV and Nutrition, Native American Healing Practices, Energy Work, HIV Treat-
ment Updates, Living Well with HIV & Coping with Side Effects, Meditation, T’ai Ji & Qi Qong, Journaling, Art Therapy, Cooking Classes, Yoga,
light exercise, breath work and healing circles. A variety of body therapies have always been offered – Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture, Reflex-
ology, Chiropractic, Energy Work, Belief-Shifting, and more (all volunteers are certified and/or licensed practitioners, in compliance with Colo-
rado laws). The presenters, workshop leaders, and therapists all volunteer their time.
Other activities include hikes and nature walks in Rocky Mountain National Park (which borders the property), boat rides on Grand Lake (also
known as Spirit Lake), and other social and group activities. The Retreat prohibits illegal drugs and alcohol, and Shadowcliff is a non-smoking
facility.
The cost of the retreat starts at $80 for persons with HIV. This includes 3 nights lodging, all meals, social & educational activities, workshops,
and all body therapies. Transportation to the site can be provided if needed (from Denver). Registration forms will be available February 1st
(or sooner) by e-mail, on the website, and also on paper through most AIDS service organizations and medical clinics in Denver and Colo-
rado.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Michael at:
[email protected] -or- 303.587.0233
www.shadowcliff.org/sc_programs/hivretreat.htm
Strength in Numbers Page 7

UPCOMING AND ONGOING RESEARCH AT THE COLORADO

AIDS CLINICAL TRIALS UNIT
The Colorado AIDS Clinical Trails Unit (ACTU) is a research center sponsored by the National Institute of Health. It con-
ducts research studies for people with HIV/AIDS. The research is conducted at the Anschutz Medical Campus (formerly
Fitzsimmons).
It currently has studies for people who have recently been infected with HIV, and has a vaccine study for people with HIV
who are on a successful regimen.
Within the next two months it will open a study for people who have developed resistance to many of the antiviral drugs
currently available. It will also open a study for people with some neuro-cognitive impairment.
If you are interested in learning more about research studies at the Colorado ACTU, call
Graham Ray
303-724-0712.

Men4Men4Life is a peer-driven, grassroots move-

ment to promote and support health and wellness
among gay and bisexual men in Denver and the
surrounding communities.
Our intent is to start a broad-based community con-
versation wherein we, each of us for ourselves, ex-
plore our attitudes, values, wants and needs related
to our health and wellness.
Please participate and be a part of this new and
innovative approach by which we all join to support
ourselves and our brothers.
For more information, please contact Christopher at
(303) 825-8113, ext. 24 or
[email protected]

RESOURCE FOR DISABLED VETERANS

If you are a disabled veteran with an existing service connected disability at less than a 30%
rating or a disabled veteran seeking information on how to initiate an evaluation review for
service connected disability (this includes ex-servicemen who tested HIV positive while on ac-
tive duty), Disabled American Veteran’s services are available to assist you. Please contact:

The American Legion Department of Colorado

John McCartney
Department Service Officer
E-mail: [email protected]
(303) 914-5587 Office
(303) 366-7618 Fax
1-877-917-5381 toll free
John is available on Thursday mornings from 9 until 12 on the first floor of the Veteran’s Hospital located on 9th Avenue in
Denver.
Strength in Numbers Page 8

F A S T E N Y O U R S E A T B E LT S . . .
By Arthur W. Powers

For this first issue of SINEWS, and in future issues, this column will be devoted to the immense
importance of AIDS/HIV related public policy and political developments, generally, in Colorado.
AIDS/HIV public policy and political developments deserve our close, heart-felt attention and en-
gagement because, among the many facets that comprise our lives, being a Person Living With
HIV/AIDS is inherently political, in my view, whether we consciously acknowledge this (or not) as
we navigate through our daily lives and our endeavors to survive and THRIVE! (The abbreviated
name of the HIV/AIDS community advocacy organization this writer and colleagues founded this
year, see below).
First, though, I wish to acknowledge the wonderful and watershed initiative-taking that Rod,
Chris, Henry, Kevin, and Ron have exercised in developing and publishing for SIN - Colorado the
newsletter that you are either reading from your E-mail or holding in your hands. When the Colo-
rado AIDS/HIV communities lost the historic P.W.A. Coalition and its superb publication, RESO-
LUTE, in 2004, we lost a crucial pillar of communication and information-sharing invented by Chad
Kenney in 1988 and refined by Jeff Davis, Chad, and Sarah Brighton subsequently over years of
service by both men and Sarah. Chad and Sarah remain among us, thankfully, Jeff tragically does
not. I see this SIN - Colorado newsletter as the harbinger of great things to come in terms of a
restoration of an information and communication vehicle for our communities statewide, poten-
tially, and, whatever may evolve with SINEWS in the future, right now our thanks are owed to Rod,
Chris, Henry, Kevin, and Ron.
Many of us are able to recall the famous line of Betty Davis from the film, ALL ABOUT EVE, "Fasten your seat belts; it's going to be a
bumpy night!" Well, the upcoming Colorado State Legislative Session of 2008 starting this January will have potentially vast implica-
tions for all of us in the AIDS/HIV community and for the majority of Coloradans, generally, because the most prominent, banner theme
of this next legislative session (and probably the 2009 legislative session, as well) will be HEALTH CARE REFORM which Colorado's woe-
fully inadequate and crisis-ridden health care system desperately needs. Approximately 800,000 persons in our state of just over 4
million residents have NO health insurance whatsoever, a difficult-to-determine number of whom are persons living with HIV including
this writer, making access to health care profoundly problematic and deeply anxiety provoking for all of us without insurance. {Many
others are painfully under-insured with high deductibles and co-payments for primary care and prescription drugs, as well.} Of course,
this is especially true for those of the uninsured (and under-insured) who, like us, experience chronic or terminal illness, and have to pay
"out-of-pocket" for some or all of our medical (and mental health) care such as the HIV anti-retroviral and opportunistic conditions fight-
ing drugs, and related T-cell and viral load testing, that are central to keeping you and me alive. As someone without health insurance
myself, I am keenly aware that in this upcoming legislative session as in the past, I will be advocating for our lives and well-being with
my colleagues in CORA (Colorado Organizations Responding to AIDS) as I join with many terrific advocates from other disability and
chronically-ill related communities (and others) who are members and/or representatives of "vulnerable populations" to achieve over
the next two years as beneficial a set of TRUE health care reform outcomes for all our communities as we may extract from a political
process which will present many challenges (and adversaries) for us. We have a bumpy ride ahead, indeed.
In the span of twenty-two years, since 1986, of Colorado State legislative advocacy in which I have engaged with wonderful col-
leagues and friends both living and, sadly, too many passed away on behalf of the interests of the AIDS/HIV communities of our state,
few legislative sessions have seemed to me as important as the two coming our way over these next two years. In these pages, I will
strive to keep our community, for me our family in a very real sense of the term, informed of broad developments, state legislatively, as
they unfold. Much work already has been done preparatory for the legislative session of 2008 on behalf of our communities - our inter-
ests have been represented at many of the key "tables," such as the Colorado Health Care Reform Commission, and in key organiza-
tions revolving around health care reform and other issues - and much lays ahead with deep meaning and significance for the well-being
of all of us.
Of course, we also have going on all around us the inestimably important election cycle of 2008, the reauthorization of the Ryan
White Care Act in two years, and a host of other, public policy related developments perpetually in motion to consider, track, and with
which to be DIRECTLY involved, too. After all, as my friends and colleagues in the disability communities emphasize, "If it is about us
and affects us, NOT WITHOUT US, ever!" Since the Spring of 1982 with the Gay and Lesbian Health Alliance of Denver (GLHAD) -
founded by Barry Gaspard and Barry Kryzweicki (may their contributions and those of many others with whom I have worked then and
since never be forgotten) - which is when my work on AIDS/HIV public policy and other issues started, I have dedicated my life and my
life force and health to this principle as a person living with HIV/AIDS for over twenty-six years, now.
Please write us at this newsletter by way of the SIN website or write me directly (constructively, please). Having an authentic dia-
logue or "conversation" in our "family" will only help our advocacy efforts in the future, and, gee, here's a thought, could be a whole lot of
fun, too!. Thank you for your attention. - Arthur W. Powers, Managing Director, THRIVE (!): The Persons Living With HIV/AIDS Initiative of
Colorado ([email protected]).
Strength in Numbers Page 9

C I RC L E S O F L I F E : P O Z I N R E C OV E RY
By Jim Erickson

I am in the flow of the circles of life so that I am never alone. This is a phrase from my daily mantra that keeps me grounded: Alive to
live, Awake to love, Alert to grow, Aware to forgive, I accept to welcome all.
I take my inspiration for circles from an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson, in it, he writes: “The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it
forms in the second; and throughout nature this primary picture is repeated without end.” I tested positive in July 1995. I learned from
the outset that I was a person living with HIV. I grew in my acceptance of this from my first experiences at the AIDS Alternative Health
Project, in Chicago and then by moving to Colorado and being under the care of Dr. Charles Steinberg, founder of AIDS, Medicine and
Miracles in Boulder.
My life has been an ever changing of cycles, t-cells up and down and now back up to 800, 33 pills a day to 9 pills each day, not to men-
tion the endless articles I’ve read and conversations I have had about HIV, long before we knew what to call it. I lived when many others
I knew did not, and even that would not take away my desire to escape from how to cope with my feelings about this disease. It was my
diagnosis at 35 that made me seek the escape that would eventually lead me to my next acceptance: that I was addicted. It then took
me almost another 10 years of dancing with fate before one day I realized that I was also a person living with addiction.
My holistic approach to living with HIV served as my example of how I could grow with living with my addictions. My clean date is 2
March 2005, free from alcohol and drugs.
In recovery I live in the workings of the 12-Step Programs. I was attracted to my first sponsor because he identified himself as a person
with HIV. If I was learning to live with my HIV, then I also would need to integrate this knowledge into how I would live as an addict. To-
day, I do this on a daily basis, one day at a time.
In my experience with being poz, step one tells me that I am powerless and my life is unmanageable with being HIV positive. That is the
diagnosis, the next eleven steps tell me of the remedies to deal with being positive. I learned to take my meds with regularity and to be
thankful for the doctors that prescribe them to me, and the researchers that have afforded me an opportunity to live well beyond what I
first anticipated. Recovery has challenged me to grow spiritually and to deepen my first encounters with HIV, because these experiences
were positive. The circles of my life began to take shape as I see how my life has developed. I know today that the flow of my life, from
living with HIV as well as living with addictions is an amazing cycle of transformation. Today I am all about change because that is what
works in my life.
I find myself today in another cycle of change, one circle of life changing to another circle of life, and yet they each overlap. I find myself
in continuous change. I comprehend Emerson’s thought, when he says: “Our life is an apprenticeship to the truth that around every
circle another can be drawn; that there is no end in nature, but every end is a beginning.” Being an addict and being HIV positive are
only a series of definitions of who I am today. I am in the flow of the circles of life so that I am never alone. Today, my life centers around
my recovery and because of this my life has changed. I take my meds and attend lots of meetings and reach out to others. In learning to
live with the disease of addiction, I have been able to grow in my recovery. I have also been able to improve my health with being HIV
positive. I am never alone.
Several months ago a friend introduced me to SIN, and since then I have grown to believe that we are Strength in Numbers. My world
has brightened as I have grown in fellowship with others on this journey. The potential of ub2 poz gay men is limitless. I welcome this
challenge to grow in new ways. Today, I integrate my life with this acceptance, and once again I see how I am in the flow of the circles of
life. Thank you for allowing me to overlap into your flow of the circles of life. I look forward to change.
Strength in Numbers Page 10

HIV RESOURCE PAGES

CLINICS AND/OR CLINIC REFERRAL:
AIDS Drug Assistance Program ARTS (Addiction Research and Children's Hospital HIV Program
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Treatment Denver, CO 80218
Denver, CO 80246 Services) 303.764.8233
Todd Grove, Program Manager Special Services Clinic http://www.chipteam.org
303.692.2783 2121 East 18th Avenue
http://www.atdn.org/access/states Denver, CO 80206
/co/co.html 303.355.1014
fax: 303.355.0899
http://www.artstreatment.com
Denver Health Medical Center Howard Dental Center University of Colorado Hospital
605 Bannock Street 1420 Ogden Street 1635 N. Ursula Street / PO Box
Denver, CO 80204 Denver, CO 80218 6510, Mail Stop
303.436.7240 303.863.0772 B163
fax: 303.436.4779 fax: 303.832.7823 Aurora, CO 80045
http://www.denverhealth.org http://www.howarddental.org 720.848.0816
fax: 720.848.0192
www.uch.edu

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:

Mental Health Corp of Denver
1555 Humboldt Street
Denver , CO 80233
Carl Clark, MD, Program Director
303.504.6649
fax: 303.757.5245
[email protected]

REGIONAL AIDS PROJECTS:

Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) Northern Colorado AIDS Project Western Colorado AIDS Project
2118 14th Street (NCAP) (WestCAP)
Boulder, CO 80302 400 Remington 805 Main Street
303.444.6121 Suite 100 Grand Junction, CO 81501
fax: 303.444.0260 Ft. Collins, CO 80524 800.765.8594
http://www.bcap.org 800.464.4611 fax: 970.243.5791
fax: 970.4848.4497 http://www.westcap.info
http://www.ncaids.org
Colorado AIDS Project (CAP) Southern Colorado AIDS Project
(Colorado Health Network) (SCAP)
2490 W. 26th Avenue A-300 1301 South 8th Street
Denver, CO 80203 Suite 200
303.837.1501 Colorado Springs, CO 80906
fax: 303.837.0388 800.241.5468
http://www.coloradoaidsproject.org fax: 719.578.8690
http://www.s-cap.org
Strength in Numbers Page 11

HIV RESOURCE PAGES

HIV AND ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES:
Empowerment Program Servicios de la Raza Sisters of Color United for Educa-
1600 York Street 4055 Tejon Street tion
Suite 201 Denver, CO 80211 2895 W. 8th Avenue
Denver, CO 80206 303.458.5851 Denver, CO 80204
303.320.1989 fax: 303.455.1332 303.446.8800
fax: 303.320.3987 http://www.serviciosdelaraza.org fax: 303.446.8799
http://www.empowermentprogram. [email protected]
org
Women’s Lighthouse Project It Takes a Village
1400 Dallas Street 1475 Lima St.
Suite 1-A Aurora, CO 80017
Aurora, CO 80010 Mailing: PO Box 471733, Aurora CO
Shannon Conn, Program Director 80017
303.344.1878 303-367-4747
fax: 303.568.0019 Fax: 303-3670227
[email protected] [email protected]

ADAPs (Aids Drug Assistance Programs):

AIDS Drug Assistance Program Denver Health Medical Center
4300 Cherry Creek Drive 605 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80246 Denver, CO 80204
Todd Grove, Program Manager Pat Gourley, RN, Clinic Coordinator
303.692.2783 303.436.7240
fax: 303.691.7736 fax: 303.436.4779
www.atdn.org/access/states/co/co.html http://www.denverhealth.org

WEBSITES:
www.aidsinfonet.org —great fact sheets on HIV / AIDS

www.kff.org —national and international statistics and fact sheets

www.aidsinfo.nih.gov
www.projectinform.org.index.shtml —comprehensive fact sheets

www.hivresources.com
www.aegis.com —AIDS Education Global Information System

www.aclu.org/hiv —HIV and the law

www.aids-ed.org —AIDS Education and Training Centers National Resource

www.thebody.org —HIV/AIDS information site, questions answered

The intention of the Resource section is to provide a concise practical HIV guide for the community
to reference. If you have a resource, or have accessed an HIV resource that has been beneficial,
please submit it to the SIN website, message section, so that it may be added.
Strength in Numbers Page 12
Numbers

SIN COLORADO
LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS

January February

Sunday 1/13/2008 Sunday 2/10/2008

Coffee Talk Coffee Talk
(Panera Bread13th & Grant) (Panera Bread13th & Grant)

Monday 1/15/2008 Monday 2/12/2008

(Community Forum Our Saviors Lutheran Church,
(Community Forum Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 9th & Emerson)
9th & Emerson) Topic: An update on lipoatrophy & lipodystro-
Topic: Other infections, communicable diseases and plagues— phy—causes, symptoms, treatments, etc.
what we need to know and be concerned about (everything
from West Nile Virus & MRSA to the common cold & flu, and
Sunday 2/24/2008
everything in between). What are we at high risk for? What Breakfast
(Panera Bread 13th & Grant)

Sunday 1/27/2008 (A.M.)

Breakfast
(Panera Bread 13th & Grant)

Sunday 1/27/2008 (P.M.)

HIV Awareness
Program
Lannie’s Clocktower
16th Street Mall

Strength In Numbers would like to thank The Council for

providing printing resources for the newsletter.