My Turn: Shanti's mission is health education
I would like to thank Mr. Richard Schmitz for his letter concerning Shanti of Southeast Alaska. As sitting president (and a heterosexual male) of Shanti of Southeast Alaska I find his words amusing. He obviously has not done his homework on the subject of HIV/AIDS worldwide or its presence within Alaska.
He starts by attacking Juneau's "Leftists" and saying we are "frightening" middle school students. That is not true! Shanti of Southeast Alaska's Mission Statement is: ".... the dedication to the prevention of HIV/AIDS through prevention, education, advocacy and referral and to the factors that contribute to the transmission." In order to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, we (and that includes Mr. Schmitz) must "educate" our youth about this disease. For it is now entrusted in them that this disease be eradicated.
This year's theme for World Aids Day is Youth. Mr. Schmitz referred to Shanti's talks to middle school students as a "propaganda blitz." In order to accomplish our educational part we must talk to people willing to listen. In case he is not aware of it, Shanti presenters asked the various schools if we could come in and speak. We at Shanti are also very restricted in what we can say in front of the students. How can this is a propaganda blitz?
He states that our candlelight vigils are an excuse for attacking political and social conservatives. These vigils are worldwide, not just local. I think he misunderstands the work Shanti does. So again I refer to our mission statement above. Regarding the comment about Shanti being "more about politics than it is about curing disease," I don't think he understands politics, fund-raising or how diseases are cured.
Concerning our upcoming fund-raiser at the Silverbow, is just that, a fund-raiser. The movie referred to, "Chocolate Babies," is a drama but it is also an attempt to bring some comic relief to the tragedy of HIV and AIDS. Has he ever seen the movie? Get a clue and lighten up!
I'm certainly not going to get into a media debate with Mr. Schmitz over the statistics of HIV and AIDS. That would in essence be a "propaganda blitz". For more, and most of all, correct information, visit the CDC's web site, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/dhap.htm. Also visit the state Department of Epidemiology's web page, http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/programs/aids&stds/hppg/default.htm. and also the 2001-03 Alaska HIV Prevention Plan. These provide the information lacking in his assessment.
The State of Alaska has praised Shanti for its efforts in the area of prevention and education in the fight against HIV and AIDS. And, when Dr. John Middaugh, chief epidemiologist at DPH, addressed the House HESS Committee last Jan. 16, he informed them that at the current infection rate HIV and AIDS is on the rise among our youth. Dr. Middaugh also stated that the hepatitis C virus was progressing faster than the HIV and AIDS viruses.
Mr. Schmitz brought up the issue of drug users and homosexual men. A majority of the intravenous drug users in this community are using clean needles through the efforts of Shanti's needle exchange. There are quite a few homosexual men and women in our community who are well aware of the HIV and AIDS virus and how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for teens and college students in our community, regardless of sexual orientation or habits. Mr. Schmitz refers to anonymous sex partners. Juneau is too small to be anonymous.
In closing I would ask Mr. Schmitz what is the message Shanti is delivering to the youth of this community? I think it is one of health education that will keep them alive and well-informed. I would not like to see an educated man embarrass himself further.
Michael Lammlein has been president of Shanti since June 1 and previously was vice president.