A Community-Based Support Group for HIV Positive I.V. Drug Abusers: The HERO Program

• NCJ Number: 116077
• Journal: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Volume: 5 Dated: (1988) Pages: 263-266
• Author(s): G L Grief; C Price
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes an outreach program to help intravenous drug abusers who have tested HIV positive in Baltimore, Maryland.

Abstract

The program is sponsored by the Health Education and Resource Organization (HERO), a community group that provides education about HIV infection to intravenous drug abusers and refers them, their families, and their companions for treatment. Funded by private contributions as well as the city of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, and Federal grants, HERO utilizes hotline and counseling services as well as drug and minority outreach programs to aid those infected with HIV virus. The HERO program uses nontraditional outreach methods such as employing an indigenous social worker to assist and educate the intravenous drug abusers and encourage them to change their dangerous and risky behavior. To date it is difficult to measure levels of success in working with this group. 7 references. (Author abstract modified)