A two year old foster child infected with HIV from birth was recently denied entrance to the Wales West RV Park in Spring Hill, Alabama during a family vacation. Dick and Silvia Glover stated during a national interview on ABC that park owner Ken Zadnichek gave them two options, either keep two year old Caleb out of the public showers and pool or leave.
Zadnichek stated he wasn't sure if Caleb could infect other park visitors if he "upchucked" on them and it was his job to ensure the safety of all patrons and not just Caleb. This situation truly saddens me. I think it's absolutely ridiculous that in 2007 people are still unaware of how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and I'm equally embarrased that this incident took place in my home state.
This story is living proof that the social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS is still alive and well. Education is the key to prevention and ultimately a major factor in the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS and how they are treated by those who are lucky enough not to carry such a huge burden.
I challenge everyone who's reading this post not to become a reflection of the park owner, but to become well informed of the facts about HIV/AIDS. For more information click here and here .
We are nearly 30 years into this epidemic and there are still idiots among us who don't know basic HIV transmission information. Shameful!
ReplyDeleteA swimming pool is one of the many ways HIV is NOT transmitted.