The author proposes that, "In order to practice competently, all social workers need to have a grounding in HIV issues so they can serve those populations at risk." This book provides that grounding. Offering cutting-edge information about HIV/AIDS, it shows how the disease affects communities, and how social workers work within those communities and with those affected with HIV/AIDS. It brings together the latest medical, psychosocial, and values and ethics issues around HIV, through vignettes that illustrate the problems and challenges social workers face. Dr. Lynch and a number of contributors are recognized national leaders in HIV/AIDS in social work. The book begins by discussing the key medical, psychosocial, and ethical contexts within which social work with HIV/AIDS clients takes place, then looks at who in the U.S. today is most impacted by the disease. Taking an ecosystem perspective, it examines in particular how the epidemic has ravaged poor communities and communities of color. Finally, the various roles of the social worker are presented, including prevention, social advocacy and policy issues, treatment, mental health issues, bereavement, and spirituality. For social workers, related professionals, and community leaders working with populations at risk.