FAQ
SAVE, Inc. is the leading social service agency dedicated to providing housing solutions for individuals and families living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS in the Kansas City Metro Area. Below you will find answers to a few frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact us if you have a more specific question or concern.
- Why the name SAVE?
SAVE used to stand for 'Saving AIDS Victims Endowment' as our first property - SAVE Home - was designed as a hospice where those struggling with the disease could pass with dignity. Today, we no longer refer to our residents as AIDS victims, as we recognize that they are not 'victims' but rather individuals living with this disease who, thanks to the power of housing, have control over their own destiny with the ability to live with personal dignity. - Why the need for housing for those living with HIV/AIDS?
We know that 60% of all those infected will need some form of housing assistance in their lifetime.* The majority of SAVE clients have a very limited income due to the impoverishing, debilitating and unpredictable effects of HIV/AIDS. It is important for those infected to maintain a healthy, drug-free, safe, and stable housing environment to better manage their disease and adhere to their strict medical regimen. - How is SAVE, Inc. related to the AIDS Service Foundation of Greater Kansas City?
SAVE is one of the four founding members of the AIDS Service Foundation and has 2 appointments to the ASF Board of Directors. SAVE receives a generous portion of all funds raised by ASF events, including AIDS Walk. - What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through fluid-to-fluid and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. Most people with an HIV infection will develop AIDS. - What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for aquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An HIV-postive person does not necessarily have AIDS. An HIV-infected person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses or on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4+ counts). A doctor makes the diagnosis of whether a person has AIDS using clinical criteria. - Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?
No. Medical treatments are available to help slow the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system and there are a variety of these treatments, but there is STILL NO CURE. Regular testing and early detection offer more options for treatment and preventative care.
* Statistic from the National AIDS Housing Coalition, June 2005