It has recently been reported that over 20,000 individuals in San Diego County are affected by HIV/AIDS – this is a third of HIV/AIDS cases in the state of California. Often, those newly diagnosed are unsure where to turn for emotional and community support.
Now, a new site – Poz Link (www.pozlinksd.com) – provides a safe, online forum where those affected by HIV can connect with resources, support and others in their community. Managed by Family Health Centers of San Diego’s (FHCSD) Gay Men’s Health Program, Poz Link is leading the way for San Diegans living with HIV/AIDS to find comfort in community and knowledge. Since its launch in January, the site has grown by more than 200 percent.
“For me, I appreciate a support group that focuses on the positive side of things. Most groups just talk about the problems,” said one user of the site who preferred to remain anonymous.
Poz Link was developed and co-founded by Kaleb James and Rafael Acevedo, who worked together on another site called San Diego Young Positives. “I’m pleased to see FHCSD is continuing the work that Kaleb and I started in 2004,” said Acevedo. “Even better, they’ve expanded services and the clientele to include more ways for people to learn, grow and connect with others, specifically those who care for HIV+ folks and other relevant prevention treatments such as PrEP.”
Poz Link collaborates with its members to provide content through blogs, forums and information on events happening in the community. It offers news integrated directly from Twitter and Facebook so real time information is readily available in various feeds that populate the homepage once the user logs in. Message boards allow members to ask questions, share their experiences, socialize with one another in a safe and fun environment and take part in online campaigns, such as the “Fight Stigma” movement.
“We encourage members to contribute to the site by sharing their thoughts on topics like dating an HIV negative person, ways you remind yourself to take your medication and other positive experiences for this community,” said James. “This site is only as strong as it participants.”
Poz Link membership is free with the simple creation of an anonymous online profile. During the registration process individuals are asked if they are in HIV care services. If not, they are asked if a health educator can contact them to assist them in accessing these important services, which helps bring the online support offline to their daily lives.
Later this year, Poz Link plans to go beyond its online presence by incorporating community outreach, social events and mixers. Those interested in connecting can visit any three of Poz Link’s online spaces for more information: www.pozlinksd.com, facebook.com/pzlnk or @pozlink on Twitter. To contribute ideas, time or resources, contact FHCSD Gay Men’s Health Program at info@pozlinksd.com.
