Document 1970
 DOCN  M94A1970
 TI    Developing support structures for HIV/AIDS pastoral care providers.
 DT    9412
 AU    Fuller J; Vitillo RJ; National Catholic AIDS Network, San Francisco.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):41 (abstract no. 137B/D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370605
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Well-trained providers of pastoral/spiritual support are
       essential members of a comprehensive HIV care team. However, pastoral
       caregivers often find themselves unprepared, isolated, unsupported, or
       struggling to reflect theologically with others upon their experience of
       providing care in the context of HIV/AIDS. METHODS: In response to
       requests by Catholic AIDS providers for a national organization to
       support initial training, continuing education, peer support, and
       theological reflection of its ministers, the National Catholic AIDS
       Network (NCAN) was formed in 1990. RESULTS: NCAN now provides technical
       assistance, communications networking, referral, and opportunities for
       theological reflection among 2700 individuals and 600 organizations
       involved in HIV/AIDS care. NCAN also sponsors an annual HIV/AIDS
       ministry conference for several hundred participants from the US and
       abroad, and publishes a national referral directory of organizations and
       individuals providing HIV/AIDS services. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
       NCAN exemplifies one model of a grassroots organization that can be
       developed at a national level to educate and support pastoral ministers,
       to stimulate theological reflection, and to increase the consciousness
       of the churches to their responsibility in the AIDS epidemic.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  Catholicism
       Clergy/*PSYCHOLOGY  Education, Continuing  Human  Organizations
       *Pastoral Care/EDUCATION  *Social Support  Stress,
       Psychological/PSYCHOLOGY  United States  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).