Community-based HIV/AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs): What they are and how they can help

Getting Tested for HIV

Community-based AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) are your local link to everything HIV and AIDS related. ASO workers provide care, prevention education, as well as a multitude of other services to people with HIV. They won’t judge you. They will listen to you.

Information on HIV

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been HIV positive for several years, ASOs are trained to answer all your questions, provide information on HIV issues and guide you toward the help you need.

Nutrition, diet and exercise, and complementary therapies

Being well takes on a whole new meaning when you’re HIV positive. In addition to showing you how to eat well and get sufficient exercise, ASOs can introduce you to new ways of finding balance in your life. Complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, Reiki, massage, acupuncture and self-help groups can all help you find wellness and add balance to your life.

Workshops

Many ASOs offer “how to workshops” on such topics as: coping with work, friends and family; coming out with your status; nutrition and cooking; and legal and financial seminars. Most importantly, you’ll find people with whom you can relate.

Emotional counselling and support

Many ASOs provide individual or group counselling services to those who need them. They are also able to refer you to experts who can help you with any specific issues you may have.

Financial and legal aid

If you test positive for HIV, you may at some point need to contact someone to help you deal with a legal situation to either defend your rights at work, with a landlord, or for something of a more personal nature. ASOs can often put you in touch with people and groups that can lend you a hand (food banks, financial aid, government programs).

Talking to your healthcare provider

Knowing how to talk to your healthcare provider (what questions to ask, understanding what certain test results mean) about HIV can make a big difference in terms of your peace of mind and overall feeling of wellbeing. Your local ASO can empower you into taking control of your condition.

Socializing and acceptance

Many ASOs hold events where people living with HIV can meet, socialize and interact with one another. No one understands you better than someone else going through the same thing. Remember, you are not alone.

Where to find an ASO near you

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Quick tips

  • Be prepared. When you go to your doctor appointment, write down your medical history (diseases you may have had in the past, surgeries, allergies), a list of your medications, and any questions or symptoms you may be experiencing. Take notes or bring a friend (you might be nervous or forget).

HIV facts

  • People with HIV can look and feel well. A person with HIV can stay feeling healthy for a long time, especially if diagnosed early and treated promptly as the need arises.

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