Human immunodeficiency virus social work program at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center: a historical perspective

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a pandemic concern for many nations. When this disease first presented itself in a global manner in the early 1980s, it was accompanied by fear, denial, misunderstanding, social stigma, and a paucity of available support services. The U.S. Army was becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact HIV could have on the active forces. A tragic event involving the suicide of a young HIV-infected soldier resulted in the development of a comprehensive medical/psychosocial assessment and treatment program for HIV-infected service members and their families at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Social work services played an integral role in the development of this program as this profession has done historically in meeting other emerging needs of the military. Special attention is given to the unique psychosocial issues and needs of the HIV-infected service member and the comprehensive and compassionate response of the military medical team with its significant social work contribution.