Why Panhandle AIDS Support Organization (PASO)

You may be asking, “Why do I need to know about PASO?”. There are many reasons, but I want to focus
on one – HIV does not discriminate. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, does not pick and choose
who it infects. Any human body is the right environment for HIV to thrive in, so we need to make sure
we are safe and take steps to prevent the spread of HIV.

How HIV is and is not transmitted

HIV is mainly transmitted by unprotected sex. Sharing syringes or other injection equipment is another
way HIV can be transmitted. You CAN’T get HIV from mosquitos, coughing or sneezing, or using the
toilet. For someone to get infected with HIV, they must come in direct contact with blood or sexual
fluids with someone who had a detectable viral load. That’s the key – a detectable viral load. A person
who’s taking their medication as directed by their doctor can suppress the virus so much that it can’t be
detected in a lab test. Now that doesn’t mean they are cured – it just means that it isn’t able to copy
itself, and it can’t be transmitted to someone else.

How PASO helps

So, why PASO? If someone does get HIV, we are here for them. We can help make sure they are getting
to the doctor to be monitored and treated. We can help them get enrolled in the state of Texas
medication program, so they can get their medication at an affordable rate. HIV medication is
expensive! One month of medication is approximately $3,775 out of pocket with no insurance or
medication assistance program. That is not something most people can afford! But PASO has the
resources to help.

PASO can provide financial assistance with insurance costs, housing and utilities, mental health
counseling, assistance with healthy food, and referrals to eye doctors and dentists.

PASO has a network of providers that all have experience with the effects of HIV on the body, and PASO’s case managers can connect people with the care they need. The case managers at PASO are compassionate, caring, and have the best interests of the client in mind.

Let PASO help you

If you or anyone you know is HIV positive, please reach out to us. We want to be there for you! Call 806-372-1050 to get started.