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Sexting lands teen on sex offender list

2009-04-26T20:02:00Z

'Sexting' lands teen on sex offender list

Story Highlights
Phillip Alpert, now a registered sex offender, sent pictures of his 16-year-old girlfriend
Marissa Miller was 12 when she took cell phone photos of herself in a bra
Her mother, MaryJo, is suing the DA to prevent him from filing charges
Jessica Logan committed suicide after her nude photo was sent to several teens

By Deborah Feyerick and Sheila Steffen
CNN's American Morning

(CNN) -- When Vanessa Hudgens' naked photos hit the Internet, the "High School Musical" star quickly apologized. But sending nude or seminude pictures, a phenomenon known as sexting, is a fast-growing trend among teens.

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen & Unplanned Pregnancy, a private nonprofit group whose mission is to protect children, and CosmoGirl.com, surveyed nearly 1,300 teens about sex and technology. The result: 1 in 5 teens say they've sexted even though the majority know it could be a crime.

Phillip Alpert found out the hard way. He had just turned 18 when he sent a naked photo of his 16-year-old girlfriend, a photo she had taken and sent him, to dozens of her friends and family after an argument. The high school sweethearts had been dating for almost 2½ years. "It was a stupid thing I did because I was upset and tired and it was the middle of the night and I was an immature kid," says Alpert.

Orlando, Florida, police didn't see it that way. Alpert was arrested and charged with sending child pornography, a felony to which he pleaded no contest but was later convicted. He was sentenced to five years probation and required by Florida law to register as a sex offender.

"You will find me on the registered sex offender list next to people who have raped children, molested kids, things like that, because I sent child pornography," says Alpert in disbelief, explaining, "You think child pornography, you think 6-year-old, 3-year-old little kids who can't think for themselves, who are taken advantage of. That really wasn't the case."

Alpert's attorney Larry Walters agrees and he's fighting to get Alpert removed from Florida's sex offender registry. The law lags behind the technology, he says. "Sexting is treated as child pornography in almost every state and it catches teens completely offguard because this is a fairly natural and normal thing for them to do. It is surprising to us as parents, but for teens it's part of their culture."

In many states, like Florida, if a person is convicted of a crime against children, it automatically triggers registration to the sex offender registry. Thirty-eight states include juvenile sex offenders in their sex offender registries. Alaska, Florida and Maine will register juveniles only if they are tried as adults. Indiana registers juveniles age 14 and older. South Dakota registers juveniles age 15 and older. Most states allow public access to sex offender registries via the Internet and anyone with a computer can locate registered sex offenders in their neighborhoods.

A number of states have elected not to provide Internet access to registries; Florida is not one of them. There is no hiding for Alpert, whose neighbors, he says, all know. "I am a sex offender. If you type my name into the search engine online, you will find me."

As sexting incidents pop up around the country, prosecutors are trying to come to terms with how these cases should be handled. George Skumanick Jr., a district attorney from Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, took a novel approach when 20 students from Tunkhannock High School were caught allegedly sexting.

He gave them a choice: probation and re-education classes or be charged with sexual abuse of a minor. "An adult would go to prison for this," says Skumanick, adding, "If you take the photo, you've committed a crime. If you send the photo, you've committed a different crime, but essentially the same crime."

Critics, however, say child pornography laws on the possession or dissemination of graphic images were never meant to apply to teen sexting and that these teenagers usually have no criminal intent when they send pictures to each other.

amFIX: Should teens be prosecuted for "sexting"?

Fifteen-year-old Marissa Miller of northeastern Pennsylvania was 12 when she and a friend snapped themselves wearing training bras. "I wasn't trying to be sexual," she says, "I was having fun with my friends at a sleepover, taking pictures, dancing to music." The picture recently surfaced on a student's cell phone and Marissa's mom, MaryJo Miller, was contacted by Skumanick. "He told me that he had a full nude photo of my daughter," says MaryJo Miller, who calls the picture innocent.

Rather than force her daughter to take the classes, which would have required she write a report explaining why what she did was wrong, Miller and two other families -- with the help of the ACLU -- are suing the district attorney to stop him from filing charges. "We believe she was the victim and that she did nothing wrong," says Miller. "How can I ask her to compromise her values and write this essay, when she didn't do anything?"

Although the district attorney maintains the program is voluntary, the letter he sent to parents notes, "Charges will be filed against those who do not participate." Seventeen of the 20 students caught in the sexting incidents have completed the 14 hours of classes.

Skumanick won't comment on the Miller case, but says, "You can't call committing a crime fun or a prank. If you do that, you can rob a bank because you think it's fun." In the majority of sexting cases, it's usually girls sending pictures to boys, who then send them to their friends. Though teens may think it's funny and a way to flirt or even seek revenge after a breakup, there can be dangerous consequences.

Last year, Jessica Logan, a Cincinnati, Ohio, teen, hanged herself after her nude photo, meant for her boyfriend, was sent to teenagers at several high schools. For months after, her father says, she was the subject of ridicule and taunts. "Everyone knew about that photo," Bert Logan says. "She could not live it down." On July 3, his wife found her. "She had been getting dressed to go out. The curling iron was still warm. It was so unexpected," Logan says. "I heard my wife scream, I ran up to Jessie's room, but it was too late."

No charges had been filed against Jessica's 19-year-old boyfriend, who disseminated the photo, nor had the school taken any action, Logan says. He says he and his wife want to warn parents and students of the dangers of sexting. The Logans are fighting to raise awareness nationally and to advocate for laws that address sexting and cyber-bullying.

As for Alpert, life is not easy as a registered sex offender, a label he will carry until the age of 43. He's been kicked out of college, he cannot travel out of the county without making prior arrangements with his probation officer, he has lost many friends and is having trouble finding a job because of his status as a convicted felon. He says he feels terrible about sending the photo of his ex-girlfriend, especially since they were once so close.

At the same time, Alpert says, "I'm being punished for the rest of my life for something that took two minutes or less to do." Says attorney Walters, "Some judges have the good sense and reasonableness to treat this as a social problem and others are more zealous in their efforts to put everybody away and I think it's time as a society that we step back a little bit and avoid this temptation to lock up our children."

http://cnn.site.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title='Sexting'+lands+teen+on+sex+offender+list+-+CNN.com&expire=-1&urlID=400265145&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2009%2FCRIME%2F04%2F07%2Fsexting.busts%2Findex.html&partnerID=211911

March 2009 Conferences

2009-02-17T21:25:00Z

Title: Measuring Health Outcomes: Evaluation for HIV Supportive Services Programs
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Dates: 03/03/2009 - 03/05/2009
Event Type: Training Program
Subject: Data Analysis; Evaluation Methods; Health Care Programs/Services; Persons with HIV/AIDS; Program Evaluation
Description: This three-day training on program evaluation is designed specifically for organizations providing supportive services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This training will help organizations develop systems and methods to evaluate the impact of their services on their clients' health outcomes. Participants will be shown how to use a variety of data sources for program evaluation, including data that they input into the AIDS Institute Reporting System (AIRS).
Sponsor: NYS Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Center of Expertise in Program Evaluation.
Contact: For more information contact Helaine McMenomy, E-mail: helaine_mcmenomy@urmc.rochester.edu; Phone: (585) 758-7843; or access the Web site: www.programevaluationur.net.
Notes: Online registration available at: www.programevaluationur.net/form.html.

Title: Getting to Zero: How Hospitals Can Use Rapid Tests to Virtually Eliminate Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
City: Baton Rouge
State: LA
Country: United States
Dates: 03/09/2009 - 03/09/2009
Event Type: Workshop
Subject: Guidelines; Hospital Services; Hospitals; Perinatal Transmission; Rapid HIV Antibody Testing
Description: One of HRET's goals is to increase the number of hospitals working to eliminate perinatal HIV transmission by following CDC's guidelines using rapid screening in labor and delivery for women with undocumented HIV status. This workshop is open to hospital staff from labor and delivery, nursery, emergency, laboratory, infectious disease, and pharmacy. The workshop will discuss implementing perinatal rapid-screening HIV tests at participant's facility.
Sponsor: Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contact: For more information contact Jennifer Reiter, Project Coordinator, HRET, E-mail: jreiter2@aha.org; Phone: (312) 422-2637; Fax: (312) 422-4568; or access the Web site: www.hret.org/hret/programs/hivtransm.html.
Notes: Space is limited. Registration deadline: February 27, 2009.

Title: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD)
City: Nationwide
Country: United States
Dates: 03/10/2009 - 03/10/2009
Event Type: Special Event
Subject: Adolescents; HIV/AIDS; Public Awareness; Women
Description: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness day is March 10, 2009. The purpose of this annual day is to raise awareness of the increasing impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls and encourage women and girls to take action.
Sponsor: US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health, the National Women's Health Information Center.
Contact: For more information, Phone: 1-800-994-9662; TDD: 1-888-220-5446; or access the Web site: www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/woman/index.html .
Notes: Find or register events for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2009 at the Web site: www.womenshealth.gov/NWGHAAD/.

Title: 3rd Annual Women and HIV Conference: Take My Lead
City: Baltimore
State: MD
Country: United States
Dates: 03/10/2009 - 03/10/2009
Event Type: Conference
Subject: Community Awareness; HIV/AIDS; Risk Reduction; Women
Description: On March 10, 2009, TWG is sponsoring the 3rd annual Women and HIV Conference and this year's theme is "Take My Lead". This year's conference will focus on the growing impact the HIV epidemic is having on women in the United States and specifically in the state of Maryland. Also, this day marks "National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day" and by the time the day ends everyone will be empowered to take that message to their organizations and communities. The conference will also examine the various facets of HIV/AIDS and provide information to consumers living with HIV/AIDS and health professionals working with this population. Throughout the conference consumers and providers will be provided opportunities to converse, review "best practices" and cutting edge treatment modalities, and explore the association of prevention education as it relates to risk reduction.
Sponsor: The Taylor-Wilks Group (TWG).
Contact: For more information contact Valerie Febres, Director of Operations, TWG, e-mail: Valerie@taylor-wilksgroup.com; Phone: (410) 209-2412; Fax: (410) 209-2417; or access the Web site: http://taylor-wilksgroup.com/Conference4/overview.asp.
Notes: Regular Registration: January 5 - February 8, 2009; Late Registration: February 9 - February 23, 2009.

Title: How to Provide the Mandatory Annual HIV Confidentiality Update Training
City: Brooklyn
State: NY
Country: United States
Dates: 03/12/2009 - 03/12/2009
Event Type: Training Program
Subject: Confidentiality; HIV Testing; Legal Issues/Laws; Training Programs
Description: This training is a capacity building session for program managers of hospitals, health care facilities, community based organizations, and other organizations that must comply with New York State's HIV confidentiality law, Public Health Law Article 27-F. It will provide them with skills, strategies, and resources to develop and update their organization's HIV confidentiality policies and procedures and conduct the required annual staff in-service on HIV Confidentiality.
Sponsor: Legal Action Center.
Contact: For more information and/or to register contact Jessica Ramos, Legal Action Center, Phone: (212) 243-1313 or 1-(800) 223-4044; Fax: (212) 675-0286; or access the Web site: www.lac.org/.
Notes: Registration is required, as space is limited. Online registration is available at www.lac.org, click on Trainings & Workshops.

Title: Overview of Evidence-Based Interventions: The DEBIs
City: Manhattan
State: NY
Country: United States
Dates: 03/16/2009 - 03/16/2009
Event Type: Training Program
Subject: Behavior Modification; HIV/AIDS Prevention; Risk Reduction; STD Prevention
Description: This one-day training will provide an overview of evidence-based HIV prevention interventions that are currently being disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's (CDC) Diffusion of Effective Behavior Intervention (DEBI) Project. The DEBI Project includes individual, group, and community level interventions that have the goals of reducing the spread of HIV and STDs and promoting healthy behaviors. DEBIs are intended for integration into existing HIV prevention programs.
Sponsor: New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute.
Contact: For more information or to register, e-mail hivet@health.state.ny.us, or access the Web site at: www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/training/evidence_based_interventions.htm#debi.

Title: Measuring Health Outcomes: Evaluation for HIV Supportive Services Programs
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Dates: 03/17/2009 - 03/19/2009
Event Type: Training Program
Subject: Data Analysis; Evaluation Methods; Health Care Programs/Services; Persons with HIV/AIDS; Program Evaluation
Description: This three-day training on program evaluation is designed specifically for organizations providing supportive services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This training will help organizations develop systems and methods to evaluate the impact of their services on their clients' health outcomes. Participants will be shown how to use a variety of data sources for program evaluation, including data that they input into the AIDS Institute Reporting System (AIRS).
Sponsor: NYS Department of Health, AIDS Institute, Center of Expertise in Program Evaluation.
Contact: For more information contact Helaine McMenomy, E-mail: helaine_mcmenomy@urmc.rochester.edu; Phone: (585) 758-7843; or access the Web site: www.programevaluationur.net.
Notes: Online registration available at: www.programevaluationur.net/form.html.

Title: Tuberculosis Case Management and Contact Investigation Intensive
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Country: United States
Dates: 03/17/2009 - 03/20/2009
Event Type: Education Program
Subject: Case Management/Administration; Contact Tracing; Epidemiology; Health Professional Education; Latent TB; Medical Treatments and Therapies; TB Testing; TB Transmission
Description: This course is intended for physicians, nurses, and other licensed medical care providers who manage patients with tuberculosis or who are at risk for tuberculosis. Topics covered include: Epidemiology of TB; Fundamentals of TB case management; Completion of care; TB contact investigation; The role of the laboratory; Medical management of TB; Targeted testing for TB; Treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI); Quality assurance in TB control programs; Culture, community, and TB care; TB transmission - protecting healthcare workers; and Interviewing skills.
Sponsor: Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center.
Contact: www.nationaltbcenter.ucsf.edu/training/tbcmci_intensive.cfm.
Notes: There is no fee for this course. Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Application deadline: February 2, 2009. Continuing education credits are available.

Title: 2009 National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
City: Nationwide
Country: United States
Dates: 03/20/2009 - 03/20/2009
Event Type: Special Event
Subject: Community Awareness; HIV Testing; HIV/AIDS Prevention; Native Americans
Description: March 20, 2009 marks the third annual National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD). HIV continues to increase among Native people as it has over the past decade. This day will challenge individuals to work together, in harmony, to create a greater awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS to the Native communities, to call for resources for testing and early detection and for increased treatment options, and to eventually decrease the occurrence of HIV/AIDS among Native people.
Sponsor: National Native American AIDS Prevention Center.
Contact: For more information contact Linda Lucero-Cornier, Education Project Manager, E-mail: lcornier@nnaapc.org; Phone: (720) 382-2244 ext 306; or access the Web site: www.hhs.gov/aidsawarenessdays/days/native/index.html.

Title: Clinical Infectious Disease Update Course 2009: 12th Annual Management Review for the Practicing Physician
City: Washington
State: DC
Country: United States
Dates: 03/20/2009 - 03/22/2009
Event Type: Education Program
Subject: Alternative Therapy; Clinical Research; Infectious Diseases
Description: This course is designed to provide an update in important areas of clinical infectious disease, utilizing a faculty of nationally recognized experts who can communicate practical advice to clinicians. Special case history sessions will afford attendees the opportunity to learn from practical application of theories and therapeutic techniques, as well as a chance to interface with faculty and peers. The clinical physician will be provided with a comprehensive update of practical and clinically relevant information, with a special focus on new therapeutic alternatives.
Sponsor: Center for Bio-Medical Communication, Inc.
Contact: For more information contact Donni Hawthorne, E-mail: cmeinfo@cbcbiomed.com; Phone: (201) 342-5300; Fax: (978) 614-2776; or access the Web site: www.cbcbiomed.com/.
Notes: Tuition: Physicians - $650 before February 15, 2009, $700 after February 15, 2009; Physicians-in-Training/Allied Health Professionals - $550 before February 15, 2009, $600 after February 15, 2009. Continuing education credits are available.

Title: ISIS Annual Conference on HIV Prevention, Technology and Youth
City: San Francisco
State: CA
Country: United States
Dates: 03/22/2009 - 03/23/2009
Event Type: Conference
Subject: Advocacy; Cost Effectiveness; Electronic Information Resources; HIV/AIDS Prevention; Information Dissemination; STD Prevention
Description: Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc. (ISIS) is currently accepting presentation proposals for Sex:Tech, their second annual STD/HIV prevention conference focusing on youth and technology. The Conference goals are to (1) explore research, policy, education, implementation, and evaluation that supports public health programs using new technologies to enhance the sexual health of young people; (2) increase knowledge and awareness of successful, cost-effective, public and private technology-based STD and/or HIV prevention programs and projects; (3) share effective technology-based strategies for eliminating STD, HIV and sexual health related disparities among youth; and (4) provide opportunities for skill-building, information-sharing, and networking among those dedicated to the sexual health of young people. Proposals that relate to the conference goals are welcome, particularly proposals in the following areas: mobile technologies, policy and advocacy for sexual rights, sex education: information delivery in schools, youth led innovations, social marketing using new technology, effective partnerships, and Web video.
Sponsor: Internet Sexuality Information Services, Inc. (ISIS).
Contact: For more information e-mail: SxTechconference@isis-inc.org; call (510) 835-9400; or access the Web site: www.sxtechconference.org/.
Notes: Abstract deadline: January 12, 2009. Registration fee: $150/the first 80 early birds; $200/the late birds; $125/adults who bring a youth; $25/age 25 or younger, or full-time student.

Title: HIV Immunobiology: From Infection to Immune Control
City: Keystone
State: CO
Country: United States
Dates: 03/22/2009 - 03/27/2009
Event Type: Meeting
Subject: HIV; HIV/AIDS Prevention; Immune System; Vaccine Development Research
Description: This meeting will highlight the latest breakthroughs in basic HIV research, ranging from the molecular bases of HIV replication to the host genetic determinants influencing viral spread and disease susceptibility; and from the intricacy of the interaction between HIV and the immune system to the most promising progress in therapeutic development. The meeting will identify new levels of possible intervention to control the progression of HIV-induced disease and, more generally, deepen the understanding of the intimate interaction between retroelements and human hosts. Concise, up-to-date talks will be given, and there will be ample room allotted to speakers chosen from the abstracts. Close coordination will be maintained with the concurrent meeting on "Prevention of HIV/AIDS." Opportunities for interdisciplinary interactions will be significantly enhanced by the concurrent meeting, which will share a keynote address and three plenary sessions with this meeting.
Sponsor: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Contact: For more information, contact Kellie McConnell:
e-mail info@keystonesymposia.org; phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or +1 (970) 262-1230; or access the Web site: www.keystonesymposia.org/Meetings/viewMeetings.cfm? MeetingID=991&subTab=program.
Notes: Scholarships are available for students and post-docs. Minority scholarships are available. Registration fee: on or before January 22, 2009 - $645.00; after January 22, 2009 - $745.00. Student registration fee: on and before January 22, 2009 - $420.00; After January 22, 2009 - $520.00. Continuing education credits are available.

Title: Prevention of HIV/AIDS
City: Keystone
State: CO
Country: United States
Dates: 03/22/2009 - 03/27/2009
Event Type: Meeting
Subject: Alternative Therapy; HIV/AIDS Prevention; Immune System; Vaccines
Description: The goals of the meeting are to focus on the most recent key advances in the understanding of (1) how HIV can be controlled at entry and after infection in three joint sessions with the concurrent "HIV Immunobiology" meeting, (2) how T cell-based or antibody-based HIV vaccines can be improved, and (3) what are the results of the current vaccine trials and those of alternative methods of HIV or AIDS prevention and how can they help at re-orientating vaccine researches. Two workshops will provide key information on the definition of immune correlates of protection and their analysis in clinical trials.
Sponsor: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Contact: For more information, visit the meeting Web site: www.keystonesymposia.org/Meetings/ViewMeetings.cfm?MeetingID=990.
Notes: Online registration deadline: March 22, 2009. Registration fee: $645.00/Non-student by January 22, 2009; $745.00/Non-student after January 22, 2009; $420.00/Student by January 22, 2009; $520.00/Student after January 22, 2009. To qualify for the Student Discount, the student must complete the Student Verification section of the Registration Form. Continuing education credits are available.

Title: 3rd Stop TB Partners' Forum
City: Rio de Janeiro
Country: Brazil
Dates: 03/23/2009 - 03/25/2009
Event Type: Meeting
Subject: Funding Issues; International Cooperation; International Health Policies; TB Prevention; Political issues
Description: The Stop TB Partnership Secretariat announces that the third Partners' Forum will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 23-25, 2009. This Forum will serve as a vehicle for bringing partners together to renew their commitment and intensify their efforts to reach the targets set out in the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015. The Partners' Forum is the General Assembly of the Stop TB Partnership and the ultimate authority to which all elements of the Partnership are answerable. The Forum is an inclusive, consultative meeting of representatives of all Stop TB partners. Between 800 to 1,000 delegates are expected to attend, including the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Stop TB, Stop TB Ambassadors and high level representation from high burden and donor countries, multilateral organizations, intergovernmental organizations, nongovernmental organizations, affected communities, foundations, corporate sector as well as the research and academic communities.
Sponsor: Stop TB Partnership.
Contact: For more information contact the Stop TB Partnership Secretariat, World Health Organization, HTM/STB/TBP,
20, avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland; E-mail: stoptbinfo@who.int; Phone: +(41) 22 791 4650; Fax: +(41) 22 791 4886; or access the Web site: www.stoptb.org/events/partners_forum/
Notes: Online registration at: www.stoptb.org/events/partners_forum/2009/participate.asp.

Title: TB 101 and Training Basics
City: Phoenix
State: AZ
Country: United States
Dates: 03/24/2009 - 03/25/2009
Event Type: Education Program
Subject: At Risk Persons; Nurse Education; Patient Care; TB 101
Description: This curriculum is designed for the registered nurse and other health care staff in public health and correctional settings who are actively engaged in the management of patients at risk of TB. The goal of this training is to provide an in-depth introduction to TB and the assessment of TB suspects, as well as basic training techniques essential to effective public health control programs.
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center.
Contact: For more information contact Heartland National TB Center, E-mail: laura.muraida@uthct.edu; Phone (210) 531-4590; or access the Web site at: www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp.
Notes: Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Application deadline: March 6, 2009. This course is approved for nursing continuing education hours.

Title: 7th European HIV Drug Resistance Workshop
City: Stockholm
Country: Sweden
Dates: 03/25/2009 - 03/27/2009
Event Type: Workshop
Subject: Drug Resistance; Epidemiology; Hepatitis C; HIV; Coinfections
Description: This one and a half-day program will consist of invited lectures, abstract driven scientific presentations, clinical case presentations, and poster sessions. The workshop will address important topics such as mechanisms and clinical implications of drug resistance, epidemiology of drug resistance, resistance to new drugs, resistance technology, managing HIV-HCV co-infection, etc.
Sponsor: Virology Education.
Contact: For more information, contact Virology Education B.V., Biltstraat 106, 3572 BJ Utrecht, The Netherlands; phone +31 30 230 7140; Fax +31 30 230 7148; e-mail info@virology-education.com; or access the Web site: www.virology-education.com/index.cfm/t/7th_European_HIV_Drug_resistance_workshop/ vid/BE7B04C1-A716-BE06-EB8D24B3BD465931.
Notes: Abstract submission deadline: January 31, 2009. Early fee before/on January 15, 2009: 495 Euro; Regular fee before/on February 15: 595 Euro; Late fee before/on March 15: 695 Euro. After March 15, 2009, payment will only be permitted on-site: 795 Euro.

Title: 1st Conference of the Connections Project
City: Krakow
Country: Poland
Dates: 03/25/2009 - 03/27/2009
Event Type: Conference
Subject: Correctional Facilities/Correctional Agencies; Harm Reduction; Incarcerated Persons; Injecting Drug Users
Description: The European Institute of Social Services (EISS) of the University of Kent announces the first conference of the Connections Project. The aim of the conference is to facilitate the development of knowledge and an evidence base for different harm reduction and drug-free interventions for drug users, which can be implemented throughout all the phases of the criminal justice process, from arrest, through police detention, prosecution and incarceration, to release and supervision in the community. Through this conference and other events Connections will build on the learning and networks developed through ENDIPP (the European Network on Drugs and Infections in Prison). It will expand its vision to examine how responses to drugs and infections can incorporate harm reduction and treatment across the whole criminal justice system.
Sponsor: European Institute of Social Services (EISS).
Contact: For more information access the Web site: www.connectionsproject.eu/conference2009.
Notes: To register for the conference please visit www.connectionsproject.eu/2009. Registration fees: Before January 1, 2009, Euro 415/Full, Euro 340/Reduced; After January 1, 2009, Euro 465/Full, Euro 390/Reduced.

Title: The 2009 Annual Meeting of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Country: United States
Dates: 03/25/2009 - 03/28/2009
Event Type: Meeting
Subject: Adolescents; Health Professional Education; International Health
Description: At SAM's Annual Meeting innovative research, clinical workshops, and discussion forums are presented for attendees of diverse disciplines and from around the world. SAM members also help to plan and coordinate professional adolescent health education programs in all regions of the United States and across the globe. These programs are directed at specialists in the field as well as other interested health profesionals aiming to acquire skills to meet the important needs of adolescents.
Sponsor: The Society for Adolescent Medicine (SAM).
Contact: For more information contact the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 1916 Copper Oaks Circle, Blue Springs, MO 64015; E-mail: sam@adolescenthealth.org; Phone: 816-224-8010; Fax: 816-224-8009; or access the Web site: www.adolescenthealth.org/meetings.htm.

Title: Getting to Zero: How Hospitals Can Use Rapid Tests to Virtually Eliminate Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission
City: Phoenix
State: AZ
Country: United States
Dates: 03/27/2009 - 03/27/2009
Event Type: Workshop
Subject: Guidelines; Hospital Services; Hospitals; Perinatal Transmission; Rapid HIV Antibody Testing
Description: One of HRET's goals is to increase the number of hospitals working to eliminate perinatal HIV transmission by following CDC's guidelines using rapid screening in labor and delivery for women with undocumented HIV status. This workshop is open to hospital staff from labor and delivery, nursery, emergency, laboratory, infectious disease, and pharmacy. This workshop will discuss implementing perinatal rapid-screening HIV tests at participant's facility.
Sponsor: Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET). Centers for Diseae Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contact: For more information contact Jennifer Reiter, Project Coordinator, HRET, E-mail: jreiter2@aha.org; Phone: (312) 422-2637; Fax: (312) 422-4568; or access the Web site: www.hret.org/hret/programs/hivtransm.html/.
Notes: Space is limited. Registration deadline: March 13, 2009.

Title: 6th Annual Walk With Christians United to Fight AIDS
City: Atlanta
State: GA
Country: United States
Dates: 03/28/2009 - 03/28/2009
Event Type: Fundraiser
Subject: Church Roles; Community Health Services; Community Programs; HIV/AIDS Prevention
Description: Embrace the Healthy Temple Ministry will host its sixth annual "Walk with Christians United to Fight AIDS." The event, formerly entitled "Walk for a Cure", will take place Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church located at 1879 Glenwood Avenue, S.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30316. The general public is invited to attend. Sister Donna Tate, Founder of the walk, Chairperson of Embrace the Healthy Temple Ministry, and a former board member of National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities (NAESM), one of the benefiting agencies, encourages other churches in the Atlanta area to get involved in this worthy cause. Following the walk, a community health fair will take place featuring rapid HIV testing, diabetes testing, and cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. The health fair will be located on the campus of Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.
Sponsor: Embrace the Healthy Temple Ministry.
Contact: For more information contact Donna Tate, E-mail: donnainsbroker@aol.com Phone: (770) 879-6342; or access the Web site: www.pineygrovebapt.org/main.htm.
Notes: To register, visit at www.pineygrovebapt.org, then select event registration.

Title: World HIV/AIDS Conference & Expo
City: Washington
State: DC
Country: United States
Dates: 03/30/2009 - 03/31/2009
Event Type: Conference
Subject: HIV/AIDS; Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Description: McGuire Global Recruitment (MGR) will host an HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Conference for approximately 300 attendees in Washington, DC. The company's mission is to help provide a solution for specific global health issue topics by hosting educational conferences for attendees and decision makers who can make a difference for the cause.
Please join in the fight against Domestic Violence & HIV/AIDS and let your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference in other people's lives. This conference includes education and global professional speakers, health screenings, and exhibits.
Sponsor: McGuire Global Recruitment (MGR).
Contact: For more information contact MGR, Phone: (240) 206-8481;
Fax: (240) 206-8482; or access the Web site: www.mcguireglobalrecruitment.com/careerFairs.php.
Notes: Abstract Submission Deadline: January 31, 2009. This conference is free to the public, but space is limited.

Title: TB Nurse Case Management
City: Pewaukee-Waukesha
State: WI
Country: United States
Dates: 03/31/2009 - 04/02/2009
Event Type: Education Program
Subject: Case Management/Administration; Nurse Education; Program Management; TB Treatment
Description: This curriculum is intended for public health TB nurses and program managers who are actively engaged in the case management, identification, and treatment of patients with TB infection or disease. The goal of the conference is to provide an in-depth training experience covering the knowledge and skills essential for nurses with primary responsibility for TB case management. The course is designed to provide coverage of the evaluation, treatment, and case management of medically and psychosocially difficult-to-treat patients. The workshop is designed to go beyond the basic TB curriculum and to enhance the participant's ability to be accountable for all facets of case management by capturing the experience and competencies of expert TB public health nurses now working in settings throughout the Heartland Region.
Sponsor: Heartland National TB Center.
Contact: For more information contact Heartland National TB Center, E-mail: jessica.quintero@uthct.edu; Phone: (210) 531-4568; or access the Web site at: www.heartlandntbc.org/training.asp.
Notes: Enrollment is limited and pre-registration is required. Application deadline: March 9, 2009. This course is approved for nursing continuing education hours.

Title: 4th SA AIDS Conference: Scaling Up for Success
City: Durban
Country: South Africa
Dates: 03/31/2009 - 04/03/2009
Event Type: Conference
Subject: Epidemiology; Ethical Issues; HIV/AIDS Prevention; HIV/AIDS Treatment or Therapies; Human Rights; Socioeconomic Factors
Description: The theme of this conference "Scaling up for success" recognises that there is an urgency to take stock of best practices in treatment and prevention and to scale these up sufficiently to begin to roll back the onslaught in numbers and impact that the epidemic is currently waging in Southern Africa. Abstracts submission are invited and will be reviewed according to the following tracks: Track 1: Basic Sciences; Track 2: Clinical Sciences; Track 3: Epidemiology, Prevention and Public Health; Track 4: Social and Economical Sciences, Human rights and Ethics; Track 5: Best Practices & Programs; and Track 6: Community Exchange Encounters.
Sponsor: Foundation for Professional Development.
Contact: For more information contact Neo Sithole, e-mail: neon@foundation.co.za; or access the Web site: www.saaids.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1.
Notes: Abstract submissions deadline: October 31, 2008. Early registration deadline: October 31, 2008.

In The Courts | Wisconsin Advocacy Group Files Lawsuit Against Medical Clinic for Allegedly Refusing To Perform Surgery on HIV-Positive Woman

2009-02-17T21:19:00Z

In The Courts | Wisconsin Advocacy Group Files Lawsuit Against Medical Clinic for Allegedly Refusing To Perform Surgery on HIV-Positive Woman

[Feb 17, 2009]

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin on Thursday filed a civil lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee against a Fond du Lac, Wis., medical clinic for allegedly refusing to perform surgery on an HIV-positive woman, the AP/Chicago Tribune reports. The suit alleges that the defendants in the case -- Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, Agnesian HealthCare and physician Steven Cahee -- violated state and federal laws, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, when they denied gallbladder surgery to Melody Rose, an HIV-positive inmate at a state prison, after learning her HIV status.

According to the suit, prison physicians referred Rose to Cahee for the surgery because of "increasingly frequent pain" and additional medical problems. The suit adds that Cahee said he would not operate "because he was concerned Rose might infect him and/or his surgical team." Rose received the surgery in June 2008 by a surgical team at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, according to the lawsuit.

Shelly Haberman, a spokesperson with Agnesian Health, in a statement said the lawsuit's allegation of discrimination has no merit. She also said ARCW can "confirm that Agnesian HealthCare policies do, and always have, comply with state and federal requirements for treating individuals with disabilities" and that the clinic provides care to "patients [with] all types of disabilities and diseases, including HIV." However, Peter Kimball, director of legal services at ARCW, said, "Discrimination in health care remains a major problem for people living with HIV." Scott Schoettes, an attorney with civil rights advocacy group Lambda Legal, said Cahee's decisions "fly in the face of ethical behavior" for a medical professional, adding that CDC has "established that using universal precautions, which are required in all sorts of medical situations, including surgeries, makes it extremely unlikely for [HIV] to be transmitted in this setting" (AP/Chicago Tribune, 2/12).

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=56987

Chicago Hospital Continues Program Offering No-Cost HIV Tests

2009-02-17T21:17:00Z

Across The Nation | Chicago Hospital Continues Program Offering No-Cost HIV Tests

[Feb 17, 2009]

Advocate Trinity Hospital in Chicago will continue a program offering no-cost oral HIV tests to patients waiting to be seen in its emergency department, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The hospital launched the program in May 2008 with a $150,000 grant from CDC and received an additional $180,000 this year to continue the program.

According to the Sun-Times, Trinity offers the program to all ED patients between ages 14 and 64. Of the patients offered the test, less than 20% decline to take it, Donna Sinclair, HIV coordinator for the hospital's ED, said. Health workers administer the tests in a private area, and patients receive results in about 20 minutes. More than 5,000 people have taken the no-cost tests since the program's launch. However, data on the number of positive test results are not available, the Sun-Times reports.

According to the Sun-Times, Trinity's efforts are part of an "unusual program" aimed at encouraging more people to take HIV tests. "We don't wait for patients to come to us," Sinclair said, adding that Trinity's "health educators go to each patient awaiting treatment and provide them with a wealth of information -- everything from how the virus is spread, to who is at risk, to what they need to know about the test." According to Andrea Poicus, Trinity spokesperson, the hospital received funding for the program because it is located in an area with a high HIV prevalence. In addition, most of Trinity's patients are black, which is a group that has been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, the Sun-Times reports (Thomas, Chicago Sun-Times, 2/13).

http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=56984

Ex-girlfriend files suit, says Alomar exposed her to AIDS

2009-02-17T19:58:00Z

Ex-girlfriend files suit, says Alomar exposed her to AIDS

Story Highlights
Ex-girlfriend says he denied having HIV/AIDS, had unprotected sex with her

Woman says Alomar endangered her health by lying to her about disease

Court papers say tests in 2006 showed Alomar had full-blown AIDS

Alomar's representative says claims are part of "frivolous lawsuit"

From Kristen Hamill
CNN

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A lawsuit filed January 30 by baseball great Roberto Alomar's ex-girlfriend alleges he engaged in unprotected sex with her while suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Ilya Dall is asking for $15 million for "personal injuries" suffered due to Alomar's negligence. She and her two children lived with the former New York Mets slugger for three years.

She alleges that he started exhibiting signs of HIV as early as 2005, but twice refused recommendations for an HIV test by his doctor, saying that earlier tests for the disease had come back negative, according to court papers.

Alomar's lawyer, Charles Bach, was not available for comment, but attorney Luke Pittoni, who also represents Alomar, said, "We believe this is a totally frivolous lawsuit -- these allegations are baseless, he's healthy and he'd like to keep his health status private. We'll do our talking in court."

Anthony Piancentini, who is representing Dall, said he has "no comment" at this time.

Dall says in court papers that Alomar told her "I don't have HIV." She alleges he "lied and purposefully misrepresented his physical condition" and "that he was endangering the health and well being of [Dall] by continuing to have unprotected sexual relations with [her]," according to the lawsuit.

Court papers list several physical ailments that Dall says Alomar exhibited from early 2005 on, including white spots on his mouth and throat, extreme fatigue, back and vision problems, and shingles.

In early 2006, Alomar submitted to an HIV test that, according to court papers, confirmed he was HIV positive in February 2006. Dall says she went for an HIV test shortly afterward and the results were negative.

The couple visited a disease specialist shortly after Alomar's diagnosis, who found a mass in Alomar's chest and advised the couple that he was suffering from full-blown AIDS, according to the lawsuit. Dall alleges that a few days later, Alomar's skin was turning purple and he was foaming at the mouth; a spinal tap on February 21, 2006, confirmed he had full-blown AIDS, court papers said.

Dall claims in the lawsuit that Alomar's negligence caused her severe "emotional distress" over the health of her children. Court papers say that because the couple lived with the children, they may have been exposed to Alomar's saliva or blood in the bathroom, through things like toothbrushes and other items.

Dall claims to suffer from "permanent emotional distress" even after repeatedly testing negative for HIV. The lawsuit claims her fear of contracting the disease is known as "AIDS phobia" and that she suffers from permanent post-traumatic stress disorder.

Alomar requested Tuesday that the suit be moved to Brooklyn, New York, federal court. It was originally filed in Supreme Court in Queens, New York. An initial conference on the case is expected on April 15 in Brooklyn federal court.

Alomar is the son and brother of major leaguers -- father Sandy Alomar was a second baseman with several teams between 1964 and 1978 and brother Sandy Alomar Jr. is a former catcher who played from 1988 to 2007.

Roberto Alomar retired in 2004 with a .300 lifetime batting average, 12 All-Star game selections and 10 Gold Gloves. He was the All Star Game MVP in 1998 and played on two Toronto Blue Jays World Series champion teams.

Alomar, then playing for the Baltimore Orioles, is also known for an incident in 1996 during a game against the Blue Jays when he spat in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck following a heated argument over a third strike. After the incident, Alomar claimed the umpire uttered a slur to him during the argument.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/11/alomar.aids.lawsuit/

Anti HIV Gene Therapy Trial Promising

2009-02-17T19:55:00Z

Anti HIV Gene Therapy Trial Promising

16 Feb 2009

The first phase 2 gene therapy trial for treating HIV has shown some promising results, although it is too early to say if this kind of treatment will be viable, there is enough evidence to justify further research into how to improve the approach, said the investigators.

The research was the work of Dr Ronald T Mitsuyasu of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and colleagues from UCLA and other research centres in the US, Australia and Germany, and was published online in Nature Medicine on 15 February.

Mitsuyasu is the Director of the Center for Clinical AIDS Research and Education at UCLA (CARE), a Professor of Medicine in Residence at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, and an Associate Director of the UCLA AIDS Institute.

Although this first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in 74 HIV infected adults did not show a statistically significant difference in viral load between the treatment and the placebo groups at the primary endpoint, other analyses "did reveal that the gene therapy seemed to have a modest, but statistically significant, effect at reducing viral load in the treated subjects versus the placebo arm", said the article summary, which also suggested that the trial provided useful clues about what to improve for the future.

Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has greatly improved quality of life and extended the lives of people with HIV, there is a risk of adverse side effects and the virus is starting to mutate into forms that are less responsive, so the need for a new kind of treatment is increasing every day.

Gene therapy has the potential to be a once only treatment that reduces the amount of HIV present in the body, preserves the immune system and avoids having to be on HAART for life.

For the study, Mitsuyasu and colleagues took blood stem cells (CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells) from the patients in the treatment group, modified them to carry an enzyme called OZ1, and then reinjected them back into the patients. OZ1 targets two proteins that stop HIV replicating itself. The patients in the placebo group underwent the same procedure except that they received a placebo.

The trial was double blinded, so neither the patients nor the health care team treating them knew whether their stem cells carried the active enzyme or a placebo.

After 48 weeks the results showed there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the viral load (the amount of HIV circulating in their bloodstream).

But after 100 weeks, the patients who had received OZ1 had higher levels of CD4+ cells circulating in their bloodstream: CD4+ cells are key immune cells that are targeted and destroyed by HIV.

The authors concluded that:

"This study indicates that cell-delivered gene transfer is safe and biologically active in individuals with HIV and can be developed as a conventional therapeutic product."

According to BBC News, Mitsuyasu told the press this was the first study to undergo the tight protocols of a controlled clinical trial where patients didn't know if they were in the treatment or the placebo group.

Mitsuyasu said that while the treatment is a long way from being ready for clinical use compared to the well tested HAART, the study showed it has potential: they now have "proof of concept" that inserting a single anti-HV gene into patients' blood stem cells can reduce the virus' ability to self-replicate.

"Gene therapy has the potential of needing only a one-time or infrequent administration of product and would allow the patients to control their own HIV internally without the need for continuous drug therapy," he said.

But Mitsuyasu said more trials and long-term follow up were needed to make sure the therapy was effective and safe in the longer term.

"Phase 2 gene therapy trial of an anti-HIV ribozyme in autologous CD34+ cells."
Ronald T Mitsuyasu, Thomas C Merigan, Andrew Carr, Jerome A Zack, Mark A Winters, Cassy Workman, Mark Bloch, Jacob Lalezari, Stephen Becker, Lorna Thornton, Bisher Akil, Homayoon Khanlou, Robert Finlayson, Robert McFarlane, Don E Smith, Roger Garsia, David Ma, Matthew Law, John M Murray, Christof von Kalle, Julie A Ely, Sharon M Patino, Alison E Knop, Philip Wong, Alison V Todd, Margaret Haughton, Caroline Fuery, Janet L Macpherson, Geoff P Symonds, Louise A Evans, Susan M Pond & David A Cooper.
Nature Medicine Published online: 15 February 2009.
doi:10.1038/nm.1932

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/139117.php

New Law Endangers Healthcare of HIV Patients

2009-01-05T03:24:00Z

New Law Endangers Healthcare Of HIV Patients

The “right of conscience” rule passed by the Bush administration December 18 protects health workers who refuse care that violates their personal beliefs, reports The Washington Post. Originally targeted at abortion procedures, the final rule includes a broad scope of scenarios, such as treating HIV patients who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

The right of conscience regulation cuts off federal funding for any state or local government, hospital, health plan, clinic or other entity that does not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other employees—even secretaries and janitors—who refuse to participate in care they find ethically, morally or religiously objectionable. That could include servicing same-sex couples or offering end-of-life care and birth control.

“Doctors and other health-care providers should not be forced to choose between good professional standing and violating their conscience,” said Mike Leavitt, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, which issued the regulation.

According to the article, the rule, supported by abortion opponents and other conservative critics, will cost more than $44 million to implement and gives more than 584,000 health-care organizations until October 1 to turn in their letters of compliance. Organizations that don’t comply could have their funds cut or be required to return previous funding.

Senator Patty Murray (D–Wash.) introduced a bill last month with Senator Hillary Clinton (D–N.Y.) to repeal the rule. “We will not allow this rule to stand,” Murray said. “It threatens the rights of patients across the country.”

http://www.poz.com/articles/conscience_rule_hiv_1_15807.shtml

Rise in HIV cases may end condom ban

2009-01-05T03:22:00Z

Rise in HIV/AIDS Cases May End Texas County’s Condom Ban

A condom distribution ban in Dallas County is still intact despite the steady increase of residents living with HIV/AIDS over the past five years, reports The Dallas Morning News.

This county had the highest HIV rate in Texas in both 2007 and 2006, which is why two court members are looking to reverse a Commissioners Court policy that was passed in 1995. The policy deems the distribution of condoms as encouraging illegal and immoral behavior and requires health programs to emphasize abstinence instead of comprehensive sex education.

Though free condoms are available at all county health departments in Texas, AIDS awareness experts say that not all who are at risk will come to the county health department and ask for them.

“Any barrier to receiving condoms needs to be eliminated,” said Raeline Nobles, executive director of AIDS Arms, a Dallas nonprofit. “It’s better to go in the communities that are high risk because they may not come to you.”

http://www.poz.com/articles/Texas_condom_ban_1_15815.shtml

Cellphones that test for HIV?

2009-01-05T03:19:00Z

Ring, Ring: Cell Phones That Test for HIV?

Scientists from the University of California in Los Angeles converted an ordinary mobile phone into an inexpensive portable blood analyzer that can detect diseases such as HIV and malaria, reports Science Daily. The device could possibly save lives in poorer countries that can’t afford expensive testing equipment.

Aydogan Ozcan, PhD, MS, BS, a UCLA researcher, developed the software that allows blood samples to be analyzed with off-the-shelf camera sensors and a filtered light source. The key is the software’s ability to analyze thousands of blood cells at once, providing accurate results in minutes.

“This technology will not only have great impact in health care applications, it also has the potential to replace cytometers in research labs at a fraction of the cost,” said Ozcan.

Blood analysis usually involves large and expensive machinery or a trained technician to manually examine the material. Neither necessity is accessible to remote areas in Africa or other Third World countries.

http://www.poz.com/articles/1_15831.shtml

Condom Effectiveness

2009-01-05T03:13:00Z

Condom Fact Sheet In Brief

Consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. However, condom use cannot provide absolute protection against any STD. The most reliable ways to avoid transmission of STDs are to abstain from sexual activity, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, many infected persons may be unaware of their infection because STDs often are asymptomatic and unrecognized.

Condom effectiveness for STD and HIV prevention has been demonstrated by both laboratory and epidemiologic studies. Evidence of condom effectiveness is also based on theoretical and empirical data regarding the transmission of different STDs, the physical properties of condoms, and the anatomic coverage or protection provided by condoms.

Laboratory studies have shown that latex condoms provide an effective barrier against even the smallest STD pathogens.

Epidemiologic studies that compare rates of HIV infection between condom users and nonusers who have HIV-infected sex partners demonstrate that consistent condom use is highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV. Similarly, epidemiologic studies have shown that condom use reduces the risk of many other STDs. However, the exact magnitude of protection has been difficult to quantify because of numerous methodological challenges inherent in studying private behaviors that cannot be directly observed or measured.

Theoretical and empirical basis for protection: Condoms can be expected to provide different levels of protection for various STDs, depending on differences in how the diseases or infections are transmitted. Male condoms may not cover all infected areas or areas that could become infected. Thus, they are likely to provide greater protection against STDs that are transmitted only by genital fluids (STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and HIV infection) than against infections that are transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact, which may or may not infect areas covered by a condom (STDs such as genital herpes, human papillomavirus [HPV] infection, syphilis, and chancroid).

STDs, including HIV

HIV Infection

Consistent and correct use of latex condoms is highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Other STDs and Associated Conditions

Consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk for many STDs that are transmitted by genital fluids (STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis).
Consistent and correct use of latex condoms reduces the risk for genital ulcer diseases, such as genital herpes, syphilis, and chancroid, only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected.
Consistent and correct use of latex condoms may reduce the risk for genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV-associated diseases (e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer).

Consistent and Correct Condom Use

To achieve maximum protection by using condoms, they must be used consistently and correctly.

The failure of condoms to protect against STD/HIV transmission usually results from inconsistent or incorrect use, rather than product failure.

Inconsistent or nonuse can lead to STD acquisition because transmission can occur with a single sex act with an infected partner.
Incorrect use diminishes the protective effect of condoms by leading to condom breakage, slippage, or leakage. Incorrect use more commonly entails a failure to use condoms throughout the entire sex act, from start (of sexual contact) to finish (after ejaculation).

How to Use a Condom Consistently and Correctly:

Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal and oral sex—throughout the entire sex act (from start to finish).
Before any genital contact, put the condom on the tip of the erect penis with the rolled side out.
If the condom does not have a reservoir tip, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect. Holding the tip, unroll the condom all the way to the base of the erect penis.
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw. Then gently pull the condom off the penis, making sure that semen doesn't spill out.
Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it.
If you feel the condom break at any point during sexual activity, stop immediately, withdraw, remove the broken condom, and put on a new condom.
Ensure that adequate lubrication is used during vaginal and anal sex, which might require water-based lubricants such as K-Y JellyTM, AstroglideTM, AquaLubeTM, and glycerin. Oil-based lubricants (e.g., petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oils, body lotions, and cooking oil) should not be used because they can weaken latex, causing breakage.

Sources

Carey, Lytle, & Cyr (1999). Implications of laboratory tests of condom integrity. Sex Transm Dis, 26(4): 216-20.
Lytle, Routson, Seaborn, Dixon, Bushar, & Cyr (1997). An in vitro evaluation of condoms as barriers to a small virus. Sex Transm Dis, 24(3):161-164
CDC (2006). Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 55(RR-11).
Steiner, Cates, & Warner (1999). The real problem with male condoms is non-use. Sex Transm Dis, 26(8): 459-62.
Warner, Stone, Macaluso, Buehler, & Austin (2006). Condom use and risk of gonorrhea and Chlamydia: A systematic review of design and measurement factors assessed in epidemiologic studies. Sex Transm Dis, 33(1): 36-51.
Weller & Davis (2001). Condom effectiveness in reducing heterosexual HIV transmission. Cochrane Database Syst Rev; 3:CD003255.

http://www.cdc.gov/condomeffectiveness/brief.html

A Porn Star is Reborn

2008-12-15T05:24:00Z

December 2008

A Porn Star is Reborn

by Regan Hofmann

Darren James was on top of the adult film industry before unintentionally infecting female costars with HIV. He’s kept silent in the media storm aftermath—until now.

When former porn star Darren James tested HIV positive in 2004, it rocked the adult film industry—and brought it to a grinding halt. By industry standard, James took a PCR-DNA test for HIV at least once a month (each test cost about $100; the expense was his to cover). After he was infected while working on set, he infected three other women before his own test came back positive. All of those women worked for a while before learning they were HIV positive. As a result, the adult film industry shut down while other actors got tested to determine their status.

From the moment he was aware of his HIV-positive status, James stopped working. He did not spread the virus knowingly. Coworkers and directors affirm that he was one of “the nicest guys working in the business,” someone who always respected the women he worked with. And yet, the women to whom he passed the virus waged an angry campaign in the media that drove James underground. Four years later, James is ready to tell his side of the story—not to refute accusations or point fingers at the porn industry, but rather, to hopefully help others, especially those making adult films, stay safe and HIV free.

Tell us about your background.
I was born in Detroit in 1964. I grew up a poor kid in the projects. I loved to build RC [radio controlled] models. That was my thing (and still is), and I also liked to play guitar. I had an older brother named James—that’s where I got my stage name—who I really looked up to, and he looked out for me. After high school, I joined the military and went off to conquer the world. I spent seven years in active duty in the Navy and decided that I wanted to go into law enforcement. I studied and tried really hard but ultimately wasn’t successful. I ended up in L.A. and was homeless until somebody turned me on to a modeling agency that was looking for nude models. It wasn’t modeling as such; it was more modeling in action, if you know what I mean.

What is life like as a porn star?
Once you’ve been in for a while, it’s easy to lose touch with reality, and the industry becomes your family. The rest of society might watch you in their bedrooms but won’t admit they know you if they see you on the street. So you hang out with people like yourself. Emotional relationships are difficult.

Most guys I meet are like “wow” when they find out what I did for a living. They say stuff like, “Dude, you’re the man, you’re living my dream!” and for a while I guess I was. Sex with beautiful women (sometimes two and three at a time), money, glitz, glamour, parties, cars, travel. It was one big rush.

Surely some fans must acknowledge you on the street?
I never really thought of myself as having fans, but I guess there are a few people out there who sort of, well, appreciated my work. When people recognize me, they usually have this intent expression on their faces as if they are trying to remember where they saw me last, and then it suddenly dawns on them. They’re either like, “Hey it’s you! That guy!” or they say, “What’s up buddy?” and then they shake my hand, or sometimes they just shoot me a wink or give me a nod up. Sometimes I end up giving sexual and romance advice to guys who want to spice it up for their ladies.

It’s funny, but women who recognize me are sometimes pretty aggressive—even when they’re with their partners. Others are really shy once they realize where it is they know me from. You’d be pretty surprised, just as I was, at some of the people I’ve encountered who have watched my films. Some of them have been pretty influential. It just goes to show you that we are all sexual beings with desires and fantasies yet to be explored.

Your reputation for treating women with emotional and physical sensitivity on and off set precedes you…
I have always loved women in general. Everything about them. I always respected them during scenes. I suppose that’s why it was so easy to fall into this work in the first place. I’ve been privileged to have had some pretty amazing women in my life at various times (some were actresses and some just friends), and I appreciated every single one of them.

Working in adult films, were you concerned about getting HIV?
We always thought being tested was our safety net. Even though there’s a lot of information out there about the disease, a lot of actors gauge their risk based on pre-existing beliefs and values. Some guys, and even me to some extent, were like, “I only do chicks.”

This gave us some sort of comfort—even though the activities may have been just as risky. I think it briefly crossed my mind at times—but it was a fleeting thought. After while you start to feel invincible. Just like most people, you never think it’s going to happen to you.

Were you surprised to discover that you were HIV positive?
Hell yes! I thought I had been doing everything right. As some of my peers who worked with me over the years will tell you, I was one of the more health-conscious actors out there.

I rarely drank, I didn’t get high, and I took care of my body. I worked out and tried to eat well. I got regular medical checkups and tried to live a fairly normal life considering the work that I was involved in. I had an apartment, a dog that I loved, some fish and a few hobbies. I was just a regular guy.

How did you feel when you were diagnosed?
I was devastated. It was like a huge kick in the gut. In an instant, everything in my life was turned upside down. One moment I was working and happy—at the height of my game—and in the next, I was unemployable, my name was all over the news, and instantly I was an outcast.

Did you tell anyone?
My friends and family found out from the media before I had a chance to tell them. They were horrified and shocked. I felt ashamed and bad for bringing them into this.

The women you infected were angry, and they vilified you in the press. Why didn’t you tell your side of the story then?
I apologized to the women. Part of the reason I didn’t come forward is because I was in a state of shock. It was like a tidal wave came crashing down around me. Everything was happening so fast, and the entire situation was out of control. The same night they gave me the confirmatory results, I was all over the Internet and CNN and CBS. It was crazy. It was like I was tried, convicted and hung before I even knew all the facts myself about everything that happened. I had so many people pointing fingers at me, people calling saying crazy stuff. The media wanted to rake me over the coals. My life was threatened, and beyond that, I hadn’t even had a chance to come to terms with the fact that I had just tested positive and this disease was going to irrevocably change every aspect of my life as I knew it.

At the time, I didn’t see much light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, in those first hours I didn’t see anything but blackness and hopelessness. A few friends tried to reach out to me but…. [Pause.] I’m sorry, I really haven’t talked much about this period of time. I felt like I had no other options than to check out, and basically that’s what I tried to do. For whatever reason, I wasn’t successful.

What made you decide to come forward now?
There are a lot of reasons, but the main one is the hope that in some small but significant way I will help somebody else.

My story has a prevention angle too. There are a lot of guys out there (and women—even women in the HIV community) who think that men can’t get HIV from sex with a woman. There is so much stigma about that. A lot of positive women don’t want to believe you when you tell them you got it from a female. While I know the risks are greater for the receptive partner in any relationship, I am living proof that straight guys get HIV too. It’s all about the activity and the fluids involved.

Many heterosexual guys with HIV experience a double stigma, which is different from that of our gay and female counterparts. Not only do you have HIV (big stigma there), but everyone you run into, even people within the positive community (even those who profess to be knowledgeable about transmission), will insist you must have gotten it some other way. They might not say it to your face, but they’re usually thinking it. That part about living with this disease as a heterosexual guy really sucks.

Given the nature of the adult film industry, do you feel that you had an obligation to educate yourself better about the risks?
In this industry, getting HIV is a risk. No one in this industry can guarantee you safety from harm—if they do, they’re lying. There are things that can be done to reduce risks to the performers, but frankly few people want to make the necessary changes.

The system is flawed. It’s only a matter of time before it happens again. What are people going to do? Get a really expensive, super-sensitive viral load test at their own expense an hour before every shoot? Some actors work three, four, five times a week. That’s not very realistic.

So who should be responsible when something happens?
There’s a lot of discussion lately about requiring the use of condoms in the industry. It will be interesting to see how that all pans out. I have my own feelings about the issue, but I also understand all too well how the other side thinks and how (condom use) will impact the industry’s bottom line.

I hope that opening up will shed some light on the realities of the work and what the potential hazards are. It’s more than just HIV; there’s a lot of other STDs out there, and the rates of those are increasing dramatically. There are some really good actors and actresses who don’t mind using condoms, but they are not really free to speak out. If they do, they might not get work. I can be a voice for them.

How does it feel to speak about this after four years of silence?
Choosing to talk about it was hard. It is not always pleasant opening up old wounds, and some of the feelings about it had been blocked out for some time. But in the end I know that this is the right thing to do. Like I said before, if I can help somebody else, that’s great.

Tell me about what you see in your future.
I would like to get a Harley, put my dog on the front with some goggles and a bandana, and just ride. Ha ha! You know, be a vagabond and travel the world. Get more tattoos! Maybe be with a special woman along the way.

Are you dating?
A lot of the HIV-positive women I’ve met have had some issue with the fact that I used to do films, or don’t have confidence in themselves as sexy, beautiful women. Somehow this HIV thing has damaged them emotionally. They compare themselves to the women in the films. To a guy who has had everything,
absolute physical perfection is just not all that attractive. I like a woman who looks and smells and feels like a real woman.

Fake HIV Test

2008-12-15T05:17:00Z

Man accused of faking HIV test results

Tuesday, December 09, 2008 | 6:44 PM

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A New Yorker has been arrested on charges that he faked HIV test results so that a woman would have unprotected sex with him.

Department of Investigation Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn says Duane Lang could spend up to eight years in prison if convicted of reckless endangerment and possession of a forged instrument.

Authorities say the pair had unprotected sex eight to 10 times, from December 2007 to March 2008. When the woman later questioned the document's authenticity, Lang allegedly admitted that it was fake and he was HIV positive.

Her medical status is not being made public.

The criminal complaint says the fake document bore the name of a facility where he'd volunteered.

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6546348&pt=print#bodyText

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