Columbia Symposium Tapes, Transcript Available *****

Tapes and transcripts are now available from the Columbia Gay Health Advocacy Project panel on treatments for antibody- positive persons, which took place on November 17. The panel included nine medical doctors experienced in treating AIDS, and two other persons including this writer. For more information see AIDS Treatment News #44 (November 6).
This panel could only begin in its main purpose: finding consensus among knowledgeable physicians about recommendations for preventing the development of AIDS or ARC by early treatment of antibody-positive persons, even before symptoms appear. The main bottleneck is the reluctance of physicians to recommend treatments without final proof of effectiveness-- proof which will take many years to obtain because of the slow speed with which the disease develops. However, much useful information about treatments in general did come out of the meeting.
Tapes and transcripts can be ordered from the Columbia Gay Health Advocacy Project, Columbia University, John Jay Hall, New York, NY 10027, or call 212-280-2878. The videotape is $100., audiotape $25., transcript $20. PWAs with problems paying can call and discuss--or see if the local AIDS service organization can order the material.