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It would be lovely to be able to yourself within a work environment.! I was diagnosed 02/05/2000 with HIV. I have been undetected for 18yrs. It’s very hard to endure life to the fullest on a regular job. I talk to newly diagnosed online just about every day. I feel ( I have HIV, HIV don’t have me ). Being able to work in an environment where I can help others with HIV, is what I have been wanting for a very long time.! Lead me to where I need to be to apply for a position. Louisiana
I have lived with AIDS since April 1992 have an MBA in Health Service Administration and cannot get a job, an am American Indian and Two Spirit. I am over 50 to say the least and I may be the longest American Indian living with AIDS in the USA. I hear you Paul Kawata very well in this regards. I would love to attend or comment .
I am a 37 year survivor of HIV/AIDS I was told April 28, 1983 at Piedmont hospital in Atlanta Ga and was given 6 months to live. I guess I proved them wrong, I'm a Executive Chef with a AA degree in OS Culinary arts and bakery from Le Cordon Bleu school of Culinary arts and food sciences. With over 35 years in the foodservice industry casual/fine dining and banquet service. What can I offer to help you out.
I was with an employer for bit less than a year when "called in" to be told "we're letting you go; 'last hired" first to go" in 2008 recession. Yet firm still hiring! Direct supv. stunned and puzzled. Firm self-insured up to first million and I'm convinced 'dismissal" was because monthly RX costs were equal to pay. Naturally no way to prove, or protest in a "work at employer's will" state.
It's true that more people living with HIV need employment opportunities and in addition, drug prices must be MUCH LOWER. The way the HIV+ community is treated by big pharma with patent extensions beyond 10 years and costs that are the highest in the world must change. HIV medications need to move out of "specialty" and into "maintenance" categories. We are treated terribly by both insurance providers and big pharma in terms of pricing. We must self advocate for immediate change.
I believe this article makes an excellent argument to hire persons living with the virus. If I wasn't educated to be able to advocate for my care I would probably be worst off, most case managers at our local AIDS clinic have no clue about the struggle. Also, while most might say it in our heads which part of it is, the eyes and judgment from the case management staff is abhorrent.
Althea Cohen
I appreciate your post it speaks volumes. I wish more people can see through your eyes we really need to Advocacte more about this because this has been the case in many countries including Jamaica
February 29, 2020 • Jamaica