The author describes her work with AIDS patients and their families, with special attention to issues related to AIDS in women, children, and infants and the reactions of parents of children with AIDS. Also included is a series of letters to the editor expressing public concerns over the establishment of an AIDS treatment center in Virginia. Social and moral issues surrounding AIDS, particularly those related to its high incidence among homosexuals, are examined. Special problems facing hospices in the management of AIDS patients are illustrated. Because of public fears, stigmatization, rejection, and isolation, the need for support systems for AIDS patients is highlighted. The special problems facing prison inmates with AIDS are also discussed. These include a complete lack of support systems, inadequate medical and mental health services, isolation and segregation, and hostility from other inmates and correctional staff, including caregivers. The lack of adequate discharge planning for AIDS inmates also is discussed, and efforts to improve the treatment of inmates with AIDS, including staff and inmate education and training, are described. Epilogue and appended data on the costs of AIDS.