When AIDS was discovered 20 years ago this month, a number of stereotypes were attached to the disease, such as calling it “gay cancer.”

Local volunteers and experts said Ames, like other parts of Iowa, still associates AIDS with homosexuality.

“And I’m sorry to say rural Iowa is not accepting of AIDS patients,” said Kathy Highland, Ames AIDS activist.

Highland, library assistant at Parks Library, has been involved with the AIDS Coalition of Story County for more than 10 years.

“Fifteen years ago individuals were very sick and dying,” she said. “They were given up on by their families for being homosexual. We were their family. We were their support system.”

Five years ago the coalition members reexamined the goals of the group.

“AIDS was a little better under control,” Highland said. “As the money got tighter and tighter, we looked at MICA.”

Mid-Iowa Community Action, 126 S. Kellogg St., is an agency that organizes several social programs, including HIV financial assistance.

Janelle Durlin, HIV case manager, said most cases have experienced some form of discrimination.

“The stereotypes, unfortunately, are common,” she said. “People are not accepting of the disease yet.”

Durlin said her 40 clients in five counties vary in age and sexuality. She helps one heterosexual couple in which both partners are positive.

There is also an 8-year-old girl who was infected by her mother during birth. The mother didn’t know she was HIV-infected until after the baby was born.

“When they come in here, they have gone through a lot,” Durlin said. “I provide them with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen.”

Durlin said more support groups are needed in Ames and the surrounding areas. She is coordinating a new group in Ames called “Living with HIV” to offer support and education. The first meeting was 6 p.m. Monday at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave.

The group will meet every other Monday, and the consulting sessions will focus on topics such as health insurance options and locating doctors.

“It will be very difficult for people to come,” Durlin said, “but the door is open.”

Highland became involved with AIDS support groups and events about 20 years ago when her son told her he was gay.

Besides the AIDS Coalition, Highland is also involved with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), a support group. PFLAG meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church, 159 N. Sheldon Ave., at 7 p.m.

Both Highland and Durlin said the focus of AIDS should be on education and prevention.

For example, the AIDS Coalition supplies free condoms at a bar in Ames.

“We encourage safe sex, not sex,” Highland said.

Durlin said she thinks the way to eliminate stereotypes is through education, starting with middle school students.

“Have AIDS patients or loved ones who have lost a family member to AIDS invited into the classrooms,” she said. “Get the kids’ attention. When people educate themselves or get to know someone with AIDS, their attitude would change.”