Social Work With HIV and AIDS

More than thirty years after the first reported case of AIDS in the United States, we are fortunate to live in a time when, with proper medical treatment, a person with HIV or AIDS can live a long and fulfilling life. The social, economic, and interpersonal issues that continue to define HIV and AIDS beyond the medical reality of the disease, however, are still frequently overlooked. People living with HIV or AIDS have a broad spectrum of needs including access to medical care, housing assistance, mental health support, management of co-occurring conditions, specialized case management, and advocacy. Social work in HIV and AIDS prevention and care is one of the most complex and demanding fields of practice in the profession today.

Social Work with HIV and AIDS: A Case-Based Guide is a first-of-its-kind book written by social workers experienced in working with this diverse group. The book explains the history of social work during that AIDS epidemic, examines the different populations affected by the disease, and covers the wide range of practice and policy issues involving people living with HIV and AIDS. The text deals frankly with the difficult issues associated with HIV and AIDS-race, sexuality, religion, sexual practice, and drug use-so social workers are fully prepared for the work ahead of them. The in-depth exploration of overlooked areas of practice such as conducting sexual assessments, educating clients on the medical aspects of HIV/AIDS, and engaging African American faith communities for prevention and treatment makes this an immensely useful book.

This book is appropriate as an introduction for social work students, medical social workers, and general practitioners with no prior experience in HIV and AIDS care. Each chapter includes HIV/AIDS case studies that make the content come to life for readers. This book is the comprehensive guide that social workers need!