We have all seen the horrible images of oil-soaked beaches; wildlife fighting to stay alive while drenched in thick crude oil; and millions of barrels of crude flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. We can all imagine the affects this will have on the enviroment but has anyone considered its impact on the HIV population of those coastal communities affected by the oil spill? Could the oil spill have a negative effect on HIV services in those communities? To answer that question, the HIV service organization HealthHIV conducted a survey of people living with HIV along the Gulf Coast, asking them if their families had been impacted by the oil spill. Of the respondents, 54% did say they had been impacted by the oil spill. In addition, HIV service organizations in the Gulf Coast region were polled and 49% indicate they need assistance planning for clients displaced by the oil spill. These results raise concern about the public health impact the disaster may have on HIV services as populations migrate due to the economic and environmental impact from the oil spill. The authors of the survey admit it is way too early to make conclusions about the oil spill's impact but it does raise awareness that the oil spill may impact HIV services as well.
More Information
Sources
Maldonado, V.; "U.S. Oil Spill Impacts HIV Services Along Gulf Coast"; HealthHIV; 19 Jul 2010.
Staff Reporter; "U.S. Oil Spill Impacts HIV Services Along Gulf Coast"; gltnewsnow.com; 10 Jul 2010.
As we enter one of the most aggressive hurricane seasons on record, I cannot even imagine what a hurricane would do with oil in the Gulf of Mexico. Dealing with oil on the beach is one thing, but what if we had to deal with it in our streets, in our businesses, in our homes? What if we had to rescue humans covered in oil? What if this is no longer isolated to just the Gulf Coast but found its way up the great rivers to our inner cities? Now imagine if you will, the dispersants mixed with oil which could possibly cause untold diseases and catastrophic health hazards of a biblical proportion. It staggers the imagination, or is it prophetic? What if we are dealing with the wrath of God? Please visit my website at http://www.revelation-truth.org Author of Final Warning