To Live and Die

I have been a patient at 5P21 AIDS outpatient clinic at County-USC for 2 1/2 years. The nightmare of dealing with the bureaucracy was accurately described.

However, there is a remarkable group of people that somehow manages to make the system work in spite of itself: the staff at 5P21. The doctors, nurses, receptionists, technicians and social workers all work as a team with efficiency and true dedication. They are the ones burdened by the county’s inadequate funds and facilities. Overworked and understaffed, they face one crisis after another on a daily basis. But they remain calm and in control. Every patient is greeted as a friend with warm smiles and compassion. I feel fortunate that not only am I receiving the best medical care available, I am also receiving loving emotional support.

K. YOUNG

Glendale