Thank you for your editorial commemorating World AIDS Day (Editorial, Dec. 1). Where this is a global challenge let us remember that it is a local challenge as well. The Health Trust, which provides vital services for HIV/AIDS clients who have no other resources, serves more than 800 clients in Santa Clara County.
In the last 18 months, 13 of our clients have passed away. They were mostly white men (one woman), with an average age of 55 and a range of ages from 35 to 72. One of our client’s only notification info after he passed away was the contact of our case worker.
Gratefully, people living with HIV/AIDS in our community are living longer and healthier lives. But let us never forget that we still have a long way to go to assure that everyone has the services and the resources they need to enjoy that healthier life.
Frederick J. Ferrer
CEO, The Health Trust
Published on the San Jose Mercury news website: http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_29188561/dec-2-readers-letters?source=infinite-up