Health care advocacy for AIDS patients

The ombudsman position was created at the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York to link AIDS patients with the health care system. The department, which has served 3,400 clients since 1982, handles complaints and problems relating to such areas as ambulatory care, home attendant care, and advocacy for improved patient care. Social work, discharge planning, and mental health issues are discussed. The efforts of the ombudsman office has led to many supportive relationships with providers and increased awareness of the needs by political organizations.