( NL- I generally keep my opinions to myself, but I gotta say one thing-For the record, I totally disagree with Shelley. I am personally very unhappy to see AIM close. While not perfect, I think they did a lot of good things for the health of porn performers. )
Porn Star Clinic Closes Down
OP/ED by Shelley Lubben | Thu, 05/05/2011 – 3:42pm
AIM (Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation) aka the "porn star clinic" has been SHUT DOWN.
It’s official. AIM is closed after 13 years of lying to performers and the public thanks to organizations AHF, Pink Cross Foundation, RHIG, UCLA School of Public Health and Los Angeles Public Health who fought tirelessly to see the mafia-ruled clinic shut down.
Over the past two years non-profit organizations have worked tirelessly to expose the rampant STD and health crisis among performers in the porn industry which were under the care of negligent doctors, fraudulent doctors and a board of directors made of pornographers and porn stars.
But no more. AIM IS CLOSED.
From Adult Video News (the porn liars):
“It is our understanding that AIM is now closed. Our hearts go out to AIM and its dedicated staff. We know that it has been a very difficult time for them,” FSC Executive Director Diane Duke said. “Rest assured that FSC is committed to making sure that the industry and its performers are well-protected.”
Well protected? Not according to credible doctors at Los Angeles County Public Department of Health.
In September, 2009, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 2,396 cases of Chlamydia, 1,389 cases of gonorrhea, five syphilis, and 26 HIV cases among porn performers. It was also reported that Chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalence in porn performers is ten times higher than that of Los Angeles County 20-24 year olds and five times higher than that of one of Los Angeles County’s highest risk populations.
These statistics are alarming to the public yet AIM stated in a video of their clinic that, "We’re the largest early detection HIV testing facility in the country and we keep the adult entertainment industry safe."
AIM doesn’t keep anyone safe. AIM is off target as usual.
Porn industry ring leaders continued to deny that there was any STD problem in the porn industry even after the report by LAPHD. However, the people making those statements were not the ones risking their lives on dangerous porn sets.
Even the main "doctor" Sharon Mitchell, founder of AIM, who is not a medical doctor, admitted there was an STD problem among porn performers. Dr. Mitchell estimated that, "7% have HIV, and 12-28% STDs. Herpes is always about 66%. … Chlamydia and gonorrhea, however, along with hepatitis, seem to stick to everything from dildos to flat surfaces to hands, so, pardon my expression, but we are usually up to our asses in chlamydia.”
Now AIM Is up to its ass in lawsuits. Porn stars are currently suing AIM for breach of privacy. AIM began in 1998 and officially ended in 2011. Nothing is impossible with God.
PERFORMERS: WE CARE ABOUT YOU. Find out where to get free, confidential STD testing and treatment at a location near you.