Planting Seeds..

Previously posted at The Body.

My first clear memory of AIDS is not quite 30 years ago. But I can say I’ve seen the evolution of the care of those living with HIV/AIDS over the past 20 years. I recall in my early years of medical school, doctors still debating on whether they would operate on an HIV patient. Then there was the near farcical ritual of hospital staff gowning up to just enter the rooms. Even though AZT was on the market, the “deathwatch” that seemed to pervade the room. All the while, in the back of my mind I knew this was wrong. It became personal in two ways. The first was when my cousin passed. I had noticed him gradually losing weight, etc. But it didn’t dawn on me he was dying of AIDS. He was a close cousin, just spending time with him was all that mattered. Evident when he made a point to take me out for my birthday four months before he passed. Even now, many of my efforts are in memory of him. The second moment was when I applied for life insurance as a surgery intern and it was “highly” recommended I get an HIV rider to “protect” myself. I kept asking myself, was I really at risk? I understood the necessary precautions, but where was the common sense approach? It was that time, holding the hands and sitting in the rooms of many patients that I made the choice that there has to be a better way to treat those who are HIV positive with dignity, humanity, and respect that we are now witnessing.

A guest post by Skyy Banks (@SkyyBanks)

I’m writing this post today commemorating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day although this is a topic I speak on almost daily. So much that I’ve had others say enough already or question my status. Enough only comes when behaviors are changed and there are no new infections. Read the rest of this entry »

As the Director of Development for Aniz. Inc, my role is to find resources and create partnerships that support the agency’s mission. My work brings me in frequent contact with many organizations that focus on the health of women. And as these organizations face new challenges to their missions, standing to the side and remaining silent regarding bills to limit reproductive health choices that are working their way through Congress was not an option. Read the rest of this entry »