UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 6, Page 3
October 5, 1995
Panel to discuss reality of AIDS

     Educators, clinicians and people with AIDS will talk about the
disease in a special program scheduled from 4-5:30 p.m., Wednesday,
Oct. 18, in the Bacchus Theatre in the Perkins Student Center.
     Open to the entire University community, the program, "It
Couldn't Happen to Me: AIDS in the '90s," will feature several
panelists who will discuss the debilitating disease. The program will
include an autobiographical case history presented by one of the
panelists who tested positive for HIV and who now has AIDS.
     The goals of the presentation are to provide important
information about HIV transmission and prevention, describe the
transition from HIV to AIDS on a clinical level, offer insight into
the emotional aspect of AIDS and explore ways of discussing related
issues with students.
     Designed to make each person aware off the plight of persons with
AIDS, the presentation cuts through the abstract idea of AIDS and
leads to the practical use of the information that will be shared. The
presentation also will involve a total-audience experience on the
effects of the AIDS virus.
     The visiting panel, which has made presentations at conferences
in Philadelphia and New Orleans, includes:
       * Kirk White, of Austin, Texas, who has done extensive research
         in psychological and mental health issues surrounding HIV and
         AIDS victims, is a founder of the Buddy Program for persons
         living with AIDS at Texas A&M University and currently
         working with low-income families where members have AIDS;
       * Scott Hamilton, of Chicago, who tested positive for HIV in
         August 1993 and was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS two weeks
         later, now a member of Surviving With AIDS Naturally (SWAN)
         and a discussion group leader for therapies to help AIDS
         victims, their families and friends; and
       * Mark Seaman, of Chicago, a member of AIDS outreach programs
         that provide education on AIDS and safe-sex information
         through workshops and public presentations.

     All the presenters have worked with Hospice organizations.
     The program is sponsored by the offices of International Programs
and Special Sessions, Residence Life, the Vice President for Student
Life and the Dean of Students, University Honors, the Center for Black
Culture, the Student Center Programming Advisory Board, the Perkins
Student Center, Wellspring and the Center for Counseling and Student
Development.
     For more information on the Oct. 18 program, contact Bill McNabb,
international studies, send e-mail to Wm.Mcnabb@mvs.udel.edu or call,
831-2852
                                                       -Suzanne Schott