The Roper St. Francis Health Services Center honors the strength, resilience, and experiences of all who are living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In honor of HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day, we sat down with a Health Services Center patient who has been living with HIV for more than 25 years to share their story, highlighting the importance of access to care, community support, and the power of hope in healthcare.
What does HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day mean to you?
To me, HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day is about recognizing and celebrating people who have been living with HIV for 30 years or more. It is a celebration of life and survival. As someone who has lived with HIV for more than 25 years, I am grateful for the advancements in research, medications, and education that have helped people like me maintain our health and continue living full lives. This day reminds us how far we have come and gives us an opportunity to honor those who have survived and thrived despite the challenges.
Over the years, what has helped you stay hopeful and resilient through life's changes?
First and foremost, my support system has been important. Family, friends, and the support services available to people living with HIV have made a tremendous difference in my life.
Access to medications that suppress the virus has also been essential. The support services available to people living with HIV help provide stability, encouragement, and guidance. I truly believe these services are a very important part of the process and help people to continue moving forward in a healthy and positive way.
How have you seen awareness, support, or conversations around HIV change over time?
I have seen significant changes in awareness through television, radio, and public health campaigns. I especially appreciate the outreach efforts that help educate both people living with HIV and those who are HIV-negative. There is much more information available today about prevention tools such as PrEP and PEP, which helps reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The more we educate people and increase awareness, the better chance we have of reducing new HIV diagnoses in the future. Education continues to be one of our most powerful tools.
What message would you want to share with someone newly diagnosed with HIV?
My first piece of advice would be to take your medications exactly as prescribed and keep all of your medical appointments. That includes appointments with your infectious disease provider, case manager, mental health professionals, and any other healthcare providers involved in your care. Most importantly, understand that HIV is not a death sentence. People living with HIV can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. It is also important to educate yourself. Learn the facts and separate fact from myth. As you gain knowledge and experience, you may even find yourself in a position to educate others and create teachable moments that help reduce stigma and misinformation. After more than 25 years of living with HIV, I feel healthy, remain undetectable, and continue to live a full life because I follow my treatment plan and make my health a priority.
What does wellness and living well mean to you at this stage of your journey?
I believe wellness and living well go hand in hand. Wellness means practicing self-care and taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. This includes keeping medical appointments, taking medications, and maintaining your overall health. Living well means continuing to enjoy life. It means staying active, participating in activities you enjoy, exercising when appropriate, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that supports both your physical and mental well-being. Receiving an HIV diagnosis does not mean you have to stop living your life. It means learning how to manage your health while continuing to do the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
How has the care and support you've received throughout your journey impacted your life?
My journey began long before today's healthcare services and support systems evolved into what they are now. One of the most important factors in my journey was having people who listened. My case manager was supportive, never judgmental, and always offered guidance and advice. That support helped shape the person I am today. Over the years, support has come in many forms, including access to medications, financial assistance, counseling services, peer support, dental care, food assistance, and other resources designed to help people living with HIV maintain stability and health. The support I received helped me move beyond simply surviving. It allowed me to continue doing the things I enjoy and to focus on living a meaningful life. Most importantly, my journey has taught me that I can be a role model by educating others. It has taught me to live without guilt, shame, or stigma and to challenge misconceptions about what it means to live with HIV. My experience has shown me that with education, support, and access to care, people living with HIV can live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
To anyone who has been newly diagnosed with HIV, remember this: HIV is not a death sentence.
Take your medications, keep your medical appointments, educate yourself, and seek support when you need it. There are resources available, and you do not have to face the journey alone.
With proper care and treatment, you can live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
About Roper St. Francis Health Services Center
The Roper St. Francis Health Services Center is a comprehensive sexual healthcare provider reflecting a commitment to total wellness and high quality, patient-centered care. We are a one-stop-shop in the Charleston area providing access to essential medical care, case management and other supportive services for people living with HIV, along with STI/STD prevention and treatment services and access services like PrEP and nPEP. The Center provides an array of low, or no-cost clinical and support services for patients living with HIV, and a number of services for those who are not living with HIV.
To learn more, visit: https://www.rsfhealthservicescenter.com/