Women Living Positive: It's My Life

On Friday, September 25, Boehringer Ingelheim hosted Women Living Positive: It’s My Life, a daylong summit to empower women living with HIV to take an active role in their health care. Local partners for the New York City–based event included the Women’s Institute at GMHC and Iris House.

Long-term survivors Andrea Williams, the woman who inspired the HBO movie Life Support, and activist Michelle Lopez each shared personal stories about living with the virus. Nereida Ferran, MD, spoke about the unique issues that positive women face, such as family planning and caregiving. The Reverend Mariah Britton discussed the role of faith-based organizations and how to get the support that you need. Valerie Wojciechowicz, an HIV-positive motivational speaker and HIV/AIDS educator, encouraged women to live a healthier life through diet and exercise.

Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, executive director at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and Robin Wilder, director of harm reduction and women’s support services at Iris House, each shared a list of community resources and services available at their respective organizations.