As many as 1 million people in the United States may be infected with HIV, but the impact of AIDS extends far beyond individuals and their families. AIDS is different from previous epidemics in that there is no wave of quick death sweeping through the population. AIDS also differs from other epidemics in its concentration among gay men and intravenous drug users and their sexual partners. In addition, many HIV-positive persons come from poor and disadvantaged groups. Disease characteristics of AIDS pose challenges to the way in which health care is delivered. Further, the political organization of the gay community has resulted in new policy directions for using medical test results, experimental drug availability, and other privacy and public health issues. AIDS has fueled the debate about homosexuality, significantly affected law enforcement, and raised questions about testing new prisoners and physically separating HIV-infected inmates. AIDS has had major impacts on social and cultural institutions and on public health. These impacts are discussed in terms of the practice of public health, health care delivery and financing, clinical research and drug regulation, religion and religious groups, voluntary and community-based organizations, correctional systems, and public policies on children and families. The nature of the AIDS epidemic in New York City is assessed. Appendixes contain biographical sketches on contributors to the volume and a list of participants on the panel concerned with monitoring the social impact of AIDS. References, notes, tables, and figures