ANN ARBOR—Although the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in America is well-documented, the societal stigmas faced by those living with the disease are still as widespread as the disease itself.

To help raise awareness about the extraordinary social issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and to help dispel myths and stereotypes of those afflicted with the disease, a group of students and recent graduates at the University of Michigan School of Social Work has created a multimedia intervention tool for use by community groups, religious organizations, schools and colleges, and others.

The nonprofit U-M student group, Social Workers Advocating and Teaching (SWAT), has written a booklet and produced a video depicting a skit to help facilitate discussion about social issues facing those with HIV/AIDS, including the availability or lack of familial and social support, access to resources, vulnerability to bias and discrimination, pressure to conceal the diagnosis, cultural sensitivity, and illness, death and dying.

“I have experienced, firsthand, the pain that comes with having to cope with the social stigma and the oppression and discrimination that surrounds HIV/AIDS, and I want to do whatever I can to prevent other people from having to experience the same thing,” says Nicole E. Vennell, a member of SWAT. “Creating the booklet and video are a way for me to find a voice and to help others find a voice in the fight against the bias and discrimination surrounding HIV/AIDS.”

The booklet and video, “‘I Can’t Believe You’re Positive!’ Exploring Social Reactions to HIV/AIDS,” are available for purchase ($7 for the booklet, $15 for the video) by e-mail at swat_org@hotmail.com. For more information, consult the SWAT Web page at msnhomepages.talkcity.com/nonprofitblvd/swat_org.

Besides Vennell, members of SWAT include current U-M social work students Cynthia A. Ciluffo and Sean J. Cowart, and recent graduates Renanit R. Levy and Michele E. Fuller-Hallauer.

School of Social Work

Social Workers Advocating and Teaching