Career Aspirations and Reflection on Skills Development Essay

Career Aspirations and Reflection on Skills Development - Essay Example This paper examines the author’s long term career plan as to be able to open and establish his own string of SPA and Wellness Centers in London. The researcher envisions himself as a successful entrepreneur, managing and operating not only one, but several shops, even to the point of offering low cost franchise for those who have aspirations to attain financial freedom and stability through opening their own business. To accomplish this dream, the researcher sees himself building the necessary resources to open his own business in the city. Apart from the financial requirements, he also has to be equipped to establish and oversee his own SPA and Wellness Centre. So the author could be trained thoroughly in business management, his medium term goal is to be able obtain a management position as an Operations Manager in one of the top SPA and Wellness Centers in London. The researcher’s first step towards achieving these goals is first, to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Management. The researcher considers this his short term career goal, as this will serve as his stepping stone towards his dreams. The author is now juggling both his studies and a job within the same industry, which to him, are perfect training grounds both in his chosen field of studies and his personal development as well. A SPA and Wellness Business Manager should have excellent leadership skills, superior people skills and extensive knowledge on the SPA business. Successful careers are deemed not to be based on academic qualifications alone, but more importantly, on the person’s ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills in the workplace (MIB – Master of International Business in Hotel, Resort and Spa Management 2011). In this sense, I must be able to develop strength in character, and solid decision making skills to I could eventually lead my own team towards a prosperous business venture. Leadership skills are essentially the ability to motivate a group of people towards particular goals (Leadership 2011). I would only be able to do this if people have reasons to look up to me. The SPA and Wellness business is lucrative business, which has gained immense popularity on the global front simply because of the growing interest in holistic wellness. More than going to the doctor for treatment of particular diseases, people have embraced the concept of prevention. Release from tension and stress allows us to become healthy individuals (Spas and the Global Wellness Market: Synergies and Opportunities 2011). Just like any other industry, the trends are evolving. Technology plays a big part in the development of this segment. And so to be able to be an effective SPA and Wellness Manager, I must be constantly in touch with the developments on a global level. I must know, understand and more importantly, enjoy the specifics of this business to succeed. People skills are one of the most important qualities that a SPA and Wellness Business Manage should have. The Wellness industry is a service-oriented vocation. The products are all about pleasing people and giving them good levels of health and wellness services. There should be a strong connection between the service providers and the customers. The people behind this service should be able to understand the demands of the market and be able to come up with ways to deliver

In what ways have your previous educational experiences prepared you Essay

In what ways have your previous educational experiences prepared you to be a college scholar - Essay Example As a result, my grades have fallen and due to the low GPA, I could not pursue college education. Later, after I earned a job in a bank and got married, I saw that people around me are continuing their education irrespective of the other commitments in their lives. This has made me fully realize the value of education and further motivated me to pursue college studies so that I can get a better job and thus improve the quality of my life. During my school years, especially when I was studying in high school, I have not given much priority to my studies. I did not fully realize that lower grades at this stage will hamper the chances of my going to college. Thus, I failed to pay the required attention to my academics and rather focused on other activities. After high school, when some of my friends who have taken their studies seriously received college admission and began pursuing higher studies, I realized my mistake. Even then, I did not feel like pursuing my studies and instead I started looking for a job thinking that this will compensate my lack of education. However, none of the jobs I got was good enough to motivate me to stay on and I kept switching between workplaces until I finally got a job in a bank. It is here I understood that people can pursue their studies even after getting a job and being settled in life. I saw my colleagues as well as seniors doing higher studies part time and this motivated me to c ontinue my education. I joined an evening class, being determined that this time I will take my studies seriously and work hard for higher education. The best part of failure is that it enables people to realize where they have gone wrong and help them make appropriate amends. During my school years I have never attempted to understand any subject thoroughly but just read my textbooks to gain pass marks. Now I know that this will not help me gain in depth knowledge in any subject and I will

Effectiveness of Risk Assessment in Preventing Pressure Ulcer Research Paper

Effectiveness of Risk Assessment in Preventing Pressure Ulcer - Research Paper Example The objective of the study will be as follows: To assess whether incorporating risk assessment in nursing practice can reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers; Establish whether risk assessment can reduce the overall preventive measures used on a patient Investigate whether the detection of pressure ulcers in its early stages could reduce its severity and prevent other illnesses from developing. Background Pressure ulcers are local injuries to skin and/or underlying tissues due to pressure from an object pressing and/or rubbing against the skin. Pressure usually leads in insufficient blood flow and occurs mostly in bony areas such as the sacrum, coccyx, hips, and heels. Insufficient blood supply can lead to death of skin cells leading to the formation of an ulcer. In the US, the prevalence of pressure ulcers varies among states widely, with some states such as Ontario recording incidence rates of 53% in poorly managed healthcare institutions (Clarke, Bradley, & Whytock, 2005).... The staff will also be trained on early detection of the injuries. c) Comparison Data on patients at risk from developing pressure ulcer will be collected before and after training. The data will also include the number of patients who will develop ulcers over a four-week period before and after the training intervention. Data collected after nursing staff have undergone training will be compared to that collected before the training using various statistical analyses to determine whether there was a significant decline in the number of patients at risk of developing ulcers. d) Outcome Results of the analysis will also indicate whether training of nursing personnel in the assessment of pressure ulcer risk is effective in reducing the number of patients developing pressure ulcers. e) Time The study will run for a period of three months. Data on the number of patients developing ulcers and those at risk will be collected for a period of four weeks followed by training of personnel. Dat a will be collected again after training for a period of four weeks. Critique of Literature Clinical studies have shown that development of pressure ulcer during hospitalization can be alleviated by adopting appropriate mitigation measures (Severens, Hobraken, Duivenvoorden, & Frederiks, 2002; Vanderwee, Clark, Dealey, Gunningberg, & Defloor, 2007). These measures can include the development of methods and ways of determining risk factors. Early action can alleviate pain and improve quality of life among persons at risk or those already affected. Healthcare institutions can also benefit from early detection of pressure ulcers by reducing fiscal and time expenditure on the care and treatment of patients. Clarke et al. (2005) mention that pressure ulcers directly kill at least

Gender and subject choice Essay Example for Free

Gender and subject choice Essay To carry out these interviews, I would take a sample of 20 sixth-formers, preferably within my own sixth-form to allow easier, speedier access and consisting equally of both males and females. In order to do this I would use quota sampling, this is a way in which variables can be controlled and the participants with similar characteristics are chosen, hence the overall sample can reflect the characteristics of the population as a whole. These samples would also preferably include students that had chosen to study any of the sciences, however particularly focusing on Biology. This sample would also take into account ethnic and class differences in order to allow me to differentiate between males and females according to different variables, providing sufficient extra data to measure gender against class roles and the intersections. Whilst this will provide qualitative clues as to subject choices by gender it will be limited in illustrating the impact of the learning environment and gender roles, as this would demand more qualitative analysis such as that of Anne Colleys. However, I would expect the results to be generalisable to a wider population. I will anchor these questions in previous research such as that of Anne Colley. Within the interviews, I am going to focus on Biology in particular when asking about the science/favourite subjects, etc. My reasons for doing this arise from the evidence that Science at GCSE level is more popular with males whereas at A-level it is more commonly chosen by females. I would begin the interviews with a number of open-ended questions, so as to give the participant a chance to provide me with worthy feedback, eg. Why did you choose Biology? , and What did you think of it ?(in comparison to GCSE level), etc. I would record the answers to these open questions as it would be time-consuming to write down many long answers, etc. This would enable me to extract a varied viewpoint on many different students perspectives of subject choice and preference. Then I would ask a series of closed-ended questions which will generally be more appropriate to achieve a table of results for clear comparisons to be made. These closed-ended questions would include similar questions to: Do you think Biology is a girls subject? and Do you think Physics is a boys subject? , etc. Questions would be piloted on a small group of males and females to ensure its adequacy. This is in fact a small-scale preliminary study which will allow me to check that things will run smoothly during the interviews and also allow improvements to be made to the design of the research, should there be any faults. (471 words) Potential Problems As this is a such a small piece of research, it would a problem to generalise from it, especially to schools and pupils different from the sample, eg.ethnic minorities, private education, etc. It would give an idea of the reasons in which a particular small group of students chose their A level subjects and their own individual reasons for doing so. However it could give a fair impression of reasons for subject choice in other cases, eg. similar circumstances to other pupils studying the same subjects etc. The usage of quota sampling does have both theoretical and practical drawbacks in some circumstances. It isnt truly random as each person within the population doesnt have an equal chance of being chosen. The lack of this genuine randomness may have a significant effect on the results. For example, the quota sample within my study would be only those illustrated on the biology class register, however the results may have more of an impact if a quota sample had been taken from all those who achieved a high grade at GCSE biology and were in fact considering going on to study it at a higher level, etc. There is of course, with my research an interviewer bias. As my opinions on the topic are set by doing the research, participants may be influenced by my asking of the questions and will therefore respond by giving a respectable answer as they may find the real truth embarrassing, eg. I fancied a lad who was taking the course. However I am similar in status to my chosen sample group, therefore they may wish to impress or please me by giving me answers that they think I want to hear. Another problem may be the reliability of the interviewees memory, they arent currently making their choice and might not remember their thoughts on it at the time. Also during interviews, a crucial factor as a way of achieving a reliable outcome of the research is to not put ideas into the students head before having asked open-ended questions. For example, closed-ended questions especially may put forward ideas that werent there before and therefore mislead me about their thoughts on the matter, etc.

Modern Hot Metal Desulfurization

Modern Hot Metal Desulfurization Modern Hot Metal Desulfurization And Dephosphorization Technologies Introduction The purpose of phosphorus and sulfur removal is to decrease the concentration of these particles along with the undesired inclusions (oxides, borides, nitrides, carbides, and chlorides) to accomplish the final product quality requirements [5]. Dephosphorization involves low temperature, high slag basicity (CaO/ SiO2 ratio) and high oxygen activity whereas desulphurization entails high temperature, high slag basicity (CaO/ SiO2 ratio) and low oxygen activity. Initially, dephosphorization was performed by the addition of iron ores in the blast furnace runner. Soda ash (Na2CO3) was used in the blast furnace house during desulphurization. Subsequently, dephosphorization was improved by the subsurface injection of reagents in vessels, such as torpedo or submarine cars. Desulfurization was enhanced by co-injection of lime and magnesium into the hot metal transfer ladles [6]. The following dephosphorization and desulphurization technologies are reviewed: 1. Dephosphorization by the multirefining converter (MURC) process 2. Dephosphorization using CaO aggregates 3. Desulfurization by Magnesium 4. Desulfurization by flux injection using a new kinetic model 5. Desulfurization by the CFD modeling 1. Dephosphorization By The Murc Process The multirefining converter (MURC) process claims to improve the efficiency of the dephosphorization procedure by reducing the cost and minimizing the slag volume. It is a new hot metal pretreatment in which dephosphorization and decarburization processes are developed in the same converter for further reduction of the decarburization slag. The MURC process reduces the amount of slag by 50 % in comparison to the conventional pretreatment processes (30 %). The decarburization slag is continuously recycled (Figure 1). A low basicity dephosphorization slag is discharged from the MURC due to the high amount of total iron in the slag (T Fe) and no desiliconization treatment of the hot metal. This results into a valuable utilization of the dephosphorization slag in the steelmaking process. 2. Dephosphorization Using Cao Aggregates The multiphase dephosphorization slag is analyzed through the addition of calcium ferrite flux powder into hot metal. It is observed that high [Si] content (0.15 %) shows a similar CaO efficiency for dephosphorization than low [Si] content (0.00 %). The low [Si] content exhibits calcium phosphate (3CaO.P2O5) whereas high [Si] content shows a combination of calcium silicate (2CaO.SiO2), and calcium phosphate. The formation of these solid phases explains a similar CaO efficiency under different [Si] content. 3. Desulfurization By Magnesium Desulfurization is enhanced by the stirring effect of Mg bubbles in the hot metal. The reaction speeds up by the addition of lime and CaC2. These desulfurization reagents were tested in ArcelorMital Indiana Harbor. The typical inclusions before reagent injection were TiC and MnS. TiO2 is added to protect the graphite lining in the blast furnace. MgS + TiC and MgS were the most frequent inclusions after the reagent injection. MnS inclusions were not observed after this stage. This means, most of these inclusions floated up at the end of desulphurization. Further improvement of desulfurization can be achieved by Al addition. The latter reacts with lime to form lower melting point calcium aluminates. 4. Desulfurization By Flux Injection Using A New Kinetic Model Desulfurization is performed by introducing powder reagents (CaO, calcium carbonate, calcium diamide carbonate) into the hot metal using either core wired or a carrier gas (nitrogen). This creates a complex variety of interfaces in torpedo ladles (Figure 2) [7]. There are two reaction modes that are present in the heterogeneous/ immiscible phases. The first mode is related to the transitory reaction between the liquid steel and powder particles. The second mode is the permanent reaction between the slag on the surface and the molten steel. Desulfurization in torpedo ladles. The interfaces are: (1) Jet zone; (2) bubbles and particles rise in the plume zone; (3) bubbles emerge in the breakthrough zone; (4) slag zone; (5) gas-slag-metal emulsion forms in the dispersion zone; (6) metal reacts with lining in the lining zone; (7) lowest stirring intensity in the intermediate zone Several parameters influence the desulfurization of hot metal and are predicted by a new model of submerged powder injection. The total amount of the flux is considered to be liquid at steelmaking temperature and the injection rate along with the time lapse can be determined. The total sulfur removal rate for both the permanent contact (top slag) and transitory (injection powder) mode is obtained by the following equation, The right hand side of the reaction is related to the transitory reaction. This equation is only useful during the powder injection. After that, the right hand side becomes worthless. Sulfide solubility in slag is restricted. Once the sulfide solubility limit is reached, a pure sulfide phase grows within the slag to absorb the excess of sulfur. Sulfide saturation may occur before the slag and metal reach equilibrium. The speed of the reaction is reduced until the sulfur content is dropped. Excess of sulfur in permanent reactions produces a reversion reaction and further desulphurization cannot occur. The transitory reaction removes the excess of sulfur by the continuously addition of fresh powder into the torpedo ladle. It is also recommended to deslag after powder injection. Figure 3 is divided into [% S] wt % and reaction rate. The experimental results are obtained from the 20 CaO-60CaF2-20Al2O3 (by weight) powder injection under an argon atmosphere into 3.4-3.8 kg cast iron at 1310 Â °C. Once the slag (permanent-contact reaction) experiences an excess of sulfur at 420 s, the sulfur concentration decreases continuously until 950 s. The contributions of the permanent and transitory reactions are also displayed. The permanent reaction increases with time until it is saturated. The transitory reaction never approaches to saturation conditions. The difference between these two reactions is not significant large. Therefore, the contribution of these both reactions is generally equal. 5. Desulfurization By CFD Modeling Synthetic slag is used on the desulfurization process due to its reuse in several treatments. The sulfur is transferred to the synthetic slag followed by slag regeneration. Slag regeneration is performed by the oxygen injection to produce gaseous sulfur dioxide (Equation 3). The sulfur distribution also differs from the slag and the metal once desulfurization begins (Figure 4). A porous plug at the bottom of the vessel is used to inject nitrogen in the hot metal. The fluid velocity is increased to optimize the desulfurization rate to improve sulfur transport. Therefore, CFD analyzes the desulfurization and slag regeneration processes to optimize the plug position and calculate the drift velocity of gas bubbles, desulfurization rate, among other parameters, for future design of desulphurization processes. Conclusions Multirefining converter (MURC) (1) Dephosphorization and decarburization are carried out in the same converter, reducing the slag volume for better industrial, economical and environmental purposes (2) The dephosphorization efficiency is increased by greater amounts of CaO to produce solid phases, such as 3CaOP2O5 and 2CaSiO2 Desulfurization by Mg (1) TiC particles are nucleation sites for MnS and MgS (2) MgS inclusions are the most frequent particles after the reagent injection Desulfurization by flux injection using a new kinetic model (1) A new model is developed to evaluate and identify separately the transitory and permanent reactions (2) This model helps to predict the excess of sulfur to avoid reversion of it in the hot metal (3) The contributions of the transitory and permanent contact reactions are observed to be in a similar proportion, concluding equal influence in the powder injection technique CFD Modelling (1) The desulfurization and slag regeneration are successfully modeled using thermal and transport mechanisms References [1] S.Y. Kitamura, K. Yonezawa, Y. Ogawa, N. Sasaki (2002). Improvement of reaction efficiency in hot metal dephosphorization, 29 (2), 121-124 [2] Q. Liu, H. Pielet, P. Kaushik B. Chukwulebe (2009). AISTech 2009 Proceedings. An investigation of hot metal desulfurization by Mg, 1, 821-827 [3] S. Ohguchi and D.G.C. Robertson (1984). Kinetic model for refining by submerged powder injection: Part 1 Transitory and permanent contact reactions, 11(5), 261-274 [4] S. Pirker, P. Gittler, H. Pirker J. Lehner (2002). Elsevier. CFD, a design tool for a new hot metal desulfurization technology, 26, 337-350 [5] X. LV and L. Zhang (2008). Removal of impurity elements from molten aluminum: part 1. A review. 1, 1-35 [6] R.J. Fruehan (Ed.) (1998). The making, shaping and treating of steel (11th ed.). Pittsburgh: The AISE Steel Foundation [7] M. Sadmi S. Ashhab (2007). Jordan Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Application of neural net modeling and inverse control to the desulfurization of hot metal process, 1 (2), 79-84

Jane Campions The Piano - A Metaphor for European Domination Essay

Jane Campion's The Piano - A Metaphor for European Domination The exact nature of the encounters between Captain James Cook and the Polynesian natives of Hawaii as well as all interactions and exchanges between Europeans and native Polynesian peoples of the Pacific while Cook was exploring the islands of Hawaii and after has been investigated by anthropologists and historians for many years. Captain Cook died at the hand of Polynesian natives while he was at Hawaii in 1779. Marshall Sahlins stated that Cook was seen as the god Lono during the celebration of the Makahiki festival taking place at the time of Cook’s visit. Gananath Obeyesekere, in his noted work, The Apotheosis of Captain Cook: European Mythmaking in the Pacific, argues that Sahlins is incorrect in his conclusions about Cook and his myth models, which are defined as indigenous people not using rationality in the same way as Europeans. They underestimate the flexibility and pragmatism of indigenous cultures and cosmology. Obeyesekere argues that the Prospero myth and the Kur tz myth are evident in the works of Sahlins and other historians as well. The Prospero myth that is of the European explorer who brings forth peace and a "civilized" culture to the native peoples of the lands he or she explores. The name "Prospero" is taken from a character in Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. The Kurtz myth is that of the explorer, who witnesses the raw nature and "uncivilized" culture and ideology of the native peoples and becomes himself "savage". The name "Kurtz" originated from Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness and is adopted in Francis Ford Coppola’s cinematic masterpiece Apocalypse Now. Obeyesekere’s ideas are prevalent in The Piano, a feature film involving a lov... ...rts Obeyesekere’s arguments by having the savage element awakened, then subdued with force in the supposedly civilized Europeans, as opposed to Sahlin’s denial of European savagery in the explorations of Cook and the denial that Cook was a savage and bloodthirsty male seeking to kill, using "civilization" as an excuse for killing. This idea is seen in the domination of Ada by both Stewart and Baines, and the males’ violence and sexual aggression toward the innocent and mute Ada. The inability to speak on Ada’s part is a metaphor for her domination by the males, a trait of european culture in the ninteenth century. The piano is the means by which she is able to communicate, embodying both the Kurtz persona in the raw, beautiful sound that flows from the piano, and the Prospero persona in the intricate and ordered melody and harmony with that a skilled pianist plays.

Examining Government Regulations

The current government regulations I researched pertain to the clinical guidelines and the civil rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Portland, Oregon. Many people living with HIV/AIDS, at some point during their illness, find themselves in need of housing assistance and support services. Stable housing promotes improved health, sobriety or decreased use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and, for some, a return to paid employment and productive social activities. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow in both urban and rural areas throughout the United States, stakeholders must find new ways to address their needs to promote the health and well-being of these individuals and their families. Increasingly, maximizing the resources available to people who need them requires partnering across mainstream housing and human services systems to ensure continuity of care, program efficiency, and that there is â€Å"no wrong door† to assistance for clients at risk. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommended public health law reform as part of its Healthy People 2010 initiative. Public health law in many states is ripe for reform. Oregon state legislature has suggested that existing state statutes are ineffective in responding to contemporary health threats for many reasons. These statutes pre-date modern scientific and constitutional developments and lack adequate standards of privacy, due process, and risk assessment. Forty percent of Oregonians with HIV need housing assistance, and a survey of Oregon service agency representatives cited the lack of affordable housing as the number-one barrier to stability for Oregonians living with HIV/AIDS. Critical issues were identified and recommendations developed to improve the ability of these systems to cooperatively meet the housing and services needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Oregon. The obstacles that would prevent me from meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS are 1. Limited Awareness of Resources Dedicated to People Living with HIV/AIDS Many potential housing and services partners lack awareness or accurate knowledge of existing resources dedicated to, or which can be used to serve, people living with HIV/AIDS, and that lack of awareness may limit partnerships. 2. Confidentiality Concerns The need to maintain client confidentiality restricts the ways that OHOP housing coordinators and other organizations and individuals can publicize their activities and resources. . Limited Staff Capacity and Knowledge HIV Care and Treatment staff may lack familiarity with aspects of partner systems, including affordable housing, and have limited resources and time to conduct marketing and outreach to potential partners and planning bodies. Discrimination adds to the daily struggles faced by the growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States – people who are predominantly poor and disproportionately African American or Latino. Every agency’s biggest problems facing their clients involve meeting basic needs – coping with poverty, hunger, illiteracy, inadequate medical care, lack of transportation, and homelessness. In addition to those basic needs issues, people with HIV face a series of critical civil rights problems. Individuals living with HIV/AIDS need to know their rights and need the resources to advocate for themselves when their rights are threatened. They also need national legal organizations like the ACLU AIDS Project to enforce their civil rights and civil liberties through litigation, public education and legislative advocacy. Recommendations: †¢ Develop simple, discreet material to publicize OHOP and related services and opportunities, and distribute it widely. †¢ Present to current and potential partners, including faith-based and community-based grass roots organizations with information tailored to their interests. †¢ Engage provider agency staff, clients, and other regional participants in publicizing the need, opportunity, and benefits of investing in housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. †¢ Focus attention on improving coordination with planning, data, and other elements of homeless systems. †¢ Promote Shelter Care and other bonus projects through agreements to streamline or share sponsor administrative costs. †¢ Conduct outreach and seek partnerships with landlords and property managers. Oregon Housing and Opportunities in Partnership (OHOP) Program Many people living with HIV/AIDS find themselves in need of housing assistance and support services at so me point during their illness. As many as 60 percent of all persons living with HIV/AIDS report a lifetime experience of homelessness or housing instability. Stable housing promotes improved health, sobriety or decreased use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and, for some people living with HIV/AIDS, a return to paid employment and productive social activities. The federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program provides funding, distributed by both formula and competition, dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This funding is not only necessary but critical to have the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS met adequately. Examining Government Regulations The current government regulations I researched pertain to the clinical guidelines and the civil rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Portland, Oregon. Many people living with HIV/AIDS, at some point during their illness, find themselves in need of housing assistance and support services. Stable housing promotes improved health, sobriety or decreased use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and, for some, a return to paid employment and productive social activities. As the number of people living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow in both urban and rural areas throughout the United States, stakeholders must find new ways to address their needs to promote the health and well-being of these individuals and their families. Increasingly, maximizing the resources available to people who need them requires partnering across mainstream housing and human services systems to ensure continuity of care, program efficiency, and that there is â€Å"no wrong door† to assistance for clients at risk. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommended public health law reform as part of its Healthy People 2010 initiative. Public health law in many states is ripe for reform. Oregon state legislature has suggested that existing state statutes are ineffective in responding to contemporary health threats for many reasons. These statutes pre-date modern scientific and constitutional developments and lack adequate standards of privacy, due process, and risk assessment. Forty percent of Oregonians with HIV need housing assistance, and a survey of Oregon service agency representatives cited the lack of affordable housing as the number-one barrier to stability for Oregonians living with HIV/AIDS. Critical issues were identified and recommendations developed to improve the ability of these systems to cooperatively meet the housing and services needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Oregon. The obstacles that would prevent me from meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS are 1. Limited Awareness of Resources Dedicated to People Living with HIV/AIDS Many potential housing and services partners lack awareness or accurate knowledge of existing resources dedicated to, or which can be used to serve, people living with HIV/AIDS, and that lack of awareness may limit partnerships. 2. Confidentiality Concerns The need to maintain client confidentiality restricts the ways that OHOP housing coordinators and other organizations and individuals can publicize their activities and resources. . Limited Staff Capacity and Knowledge HIV Care and Treatment staff may lack familiarity with aspects of partner systems, including affordable housing, and have limited resources and time to conduct marketing and outreach to potential partners and planning bodies. Discrimination adds to the daily struggles faced by the growing number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States – people who are predominantly poor and disproportionately African American or Latino. Every agency’s biggest problems facing their clients involve meeting basic needs – coping with poverty, hunger, illiteracy, inadequate medical care, lack of transportation, and homelessness. In addition to those basic needs issues, people with HIV face a series of critical civil rights problems. Individuals living with HIV/AIDS need to know their rights and need the resources to advocate for themselves when their rights are threatened. They also need national legal organizations like the ACLU AIDS Project to enforce their civil rights and civil liberties through litigation, public education and legislative advocacy. Recommendations: †¢ Develop simple, discreet material to publicize OHOP and related services and opportunities, and distribute it widely. †¢ Present to current and potential partners, including faith-based and community-based grass roots organizations with information tailored to their interests. †¢ Engage provider agency staff, clients, and other regional participants in publicizing the need, opportunity, and benefits of investing in housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS. †¢ Focus attention on improving coordination with planning, data, and other elements of homeless systems. †¢ Promote Shelter Care and other bonus projects through agreements to streamline or share sponsor administrative costs. †¢ Conduct outreach and seek partnerships with landlords and property managers. Oregon Housing and Opportunities in Partnership (OHOP) Program Many people living with HIV/AIDS find themselves in need of housing assistance and support services at so me point during their illness. As many as 60 percent of all persons living with HIV/AIDS report a lifetime experience of homelessness or housing instability. Stable housing promotes improved health, sobriety or decreased use of alcohol and illegal drugs, and, for some people living with HIV/AIDS, a return to paid employment and productive social activities. The federal Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program provides funding, distributed by both formula and competition, dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. This funding is not only necessary but critical to have the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS met adequately.