Topic: HIV/AIDS: How This Epidemic Affects the Mental Health of the World

"On this World AIDS Day, I urge you to join me in speaking up loud and clear about HIV/AIDS. Join me in tearing down the walls of silence, stigma and discrimination that surround the epidemic. Join me, because the fight against HIV/AIDS begins with you.."

- Secretary-General Kofi Annan, World AIDS Day, 12/01/2003

In recognition of World AIDS Day (December 1), this week’s show will address the impact of AIDS and the emotional and mental health needs of those infected and affected.

Guest: Mandee S. Rowley, MC, CAC, NCC

Mandee Rowley received her bachelor of arts in psychology and religious studies at Arizona State University in 2000, then received her Master's in Counseling at Arizona State University in 2003. She has had a desire to work with people with HIV/AIDS since taking a class during her undergraduate years on HIV/AIDS 101 - basically all aspects of HIV, medical/physiological, legal, historical, social, and psychosocial.

During her graduate studies she had the opportunity to do her internship at Phoenix Shanti Group, a local AIDS service organization in the valley. When she completed her studies and became certified, the agency hired her on as a behavioral health therapist. She currently is involved in providing both individual and group counseling to people who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.