The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) is a nursing organization that formed in 1987 to focus on educating and supporting nurses who work in HIV care, research, prevention, and policy. ANAC is made up of more than 40 chapters from around the world and includes nurses, healthcare professionals, social workers, pharmacists, physician assistants, lawyers, doctors; and others who are committed to addressing the HIV epidemic. Thanks to The Well Project, I had the pleasure of attending the 32nd Annual ANAC 2019 Conference which was held November 7 - 9 in Portland, Oregon at the Downtown...
Lovinglife101's blog
I have a confession, I am a medication hoarder. I first started taking medication in the early 1990s after finally finding a doctor who was willing to see me. At the time I had great health insurance, but doctor after doctor refused to see me. Much has changed since then.
As I sat at my computer this morning and logged onto Twitter, I realized that today is the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (September 18th). This made me smile, as it confirms that treatment works, and people living with and diagnosed with HIV today can expect to live a 'usual' lifespan. Things have changed since the early days of this epidemic. What once was a death sentence is now a controllable disease for those who have access to care and treatment. On this day, I reflect on those who are no longer with us, those who are not standing beside us, those who didn't have access to...
Living with an HIV diagnosis today is quite different than it was just a few decades ago.
Just imagine being able to spend a weekend with 349 other people who understood and could identify with what you have been through and what you are dealing with today.
My first HIV related protest was in Tampa, Florida in the early 1990's. A group of us living with HIV marched down Bayshore Blvd. towards Tampa General Hospital carrying coffins, urns, and the memories of loved ones. We drew chalk bodies on the sidewalks representing the friends we had lost along the way. We begged for healthcare, for medication, for respect - hoping someone, anyone would hear us – hoping someone, anyone would listen – hoping someone, anyone would help us. Too many died too soon. The pain and fear were unbearable, but we stood as a community - a united front. Always supporting...
This photograph was taken the summer of 1989. I had traveled from Florida to NY with my boyfriend for a mini vacation. As you can see, I was excited to have caught this little fish. We were in a small rowboat enjoying the warm day and I had no cares or concerns. Except that it had taken me a long time to reel that fish in.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the PWN SPEAK UP! National Summit for Women Living with HIV with more than 200 other women. The days were filled with workshops, activities, empowerment sessions, and hope. Although much has changed in the past 30 years, and there are now women specific policies and guidelines, there is still more work to be done. Advocating for women's rights is a continued process.
I think the last couple of blogs I wrote I started with, "it has been a while since I have written", and I could start this blog the same way. I have been overloaded, overwhelmed, and overstressed. I am now a 2 nd year doctoral student, and at times it has taken its toll on my health. Today is one of those times. My doctor has ordered me to stay in bed for the next couple of days and rest. With only 4 more weeks left in the semester I don’t have time to relax, I have too much to do. There are papers to write, presentations to finish, and data to analysis. But I guess all that will have to wait...
It has been a while since I have written. It’s not because I haven’t wanted to. I think of all my fellow bloggers, and I wish I had more time to share and more time to read your blogs. I am overloaded with school, work responsibilities, doctor’s appointments, etc. Squeezing a few moments in the week for me is almost impossible. As some of you know, I started a doctoral program last fall. I am getting my PhD in Public Health specializing in Behavioral Health. My research objective includes exploring the use of evidence-based interventions in community settings and how these interventions can be...