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Panos [12132007]

Dear...,

I am writing to thank you sincerely for your letter dated November 8, 2007. Your efforts to address issues facing young people in regard to HIV is very commendable. I hope this will be just one of many more such efforts to come.

In regard to your concern about the lack of support groups for young people infected and affected by HIV, JN+ shares your concern. Since the JN+ support groups have been created for adults, they are not suitable for the special needs of young people. Since most young people get their support from their families, our approach has been to empower parents or caretakers within our support groups with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide for those in their care. However, we do recognize that young people may have needs beyond the family that could be met by a support group of peers with a properly trained facilitator. We have been exploring this possibility for some time and will continue to seek opportunities to for implementation. In the meantime, we provide youth specific information to our members and the public through our website: www.jnplus.org.

Your other suggestion for youth-oriented fun days is an excellent one. Our support groups periodically organize family social events where young people with HIV and their parents can meet and enjoy themselves. If you would like information about a support group in your area, please have your parents call our office at 929-7340 for more information.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your letter and activism in regard to HIV issues affecting young people in Jamaica.

Best wishes,

Anthony Hron
Advocacy Officer

Patricia Watson
Regional Director, Panos [12132007]