Staying in Care

Being diagnosed with HIV can be traumatic. The uncertainty, judgment, stigma—it can be an extremely stressful and confusing time, which is why Damien Center has a Linkage to Care team that helps those newly diagnosed, or those who have fallen out of care, navigate the complexities and start on a path to not just living with HIV but thriving.

“Diagnosis of a chronic medical condition, like HIV, can be overly traumatic to our clients,” said Jaymes Young, head of the Linkage to Care team. “This is exacerbated by other trauma intersecting with discrimination, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia. It informs the decisions we make about healthcare.”

The main goal with HIV treatment is to reach viral suppression, which is a state where the HIV virus is undetectable within the person’s body and cannot be transmitted to another. The community has developed terminology to help press this key point forward in the U=U campaign, which means Undetectable = Untransmissible.

“Ultimately, the key is reaching and maintaining viral suppression, not only does this reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV, it also reduces the chances of developing compounding medical conditions.”

Once a treatment regimen is successful, adhering to the plan has a profound impact on the health and well-being of those living with HIV. Remaining in care and keeping a viral load suppressed helps to relieve the uncertainties and anxieties associated with living with HIV. Clients achieve increased stability, better overall health, and ultimately are able to thrive.

Despite the clear benefits, many of those living with HIV face significant barriers to accessing and staying in care. The judgment and stigma that still exists around HIV cause those living with, or newly diagnosed, to postpone vital treatment. These barriers make them feel marginalized and less likely to prioritize their health and well-being.

“I’ve talked to clients who have stated their biggest fear of engaging medical care was that they would be judged. It’s important for providers to keep this in mind when caring for those living with HIV. That judgment and stigma still exists, they have experienced it, and we cannot minimize that experience.”

By addressing the barriers and stigma associated with HIV, healthcare providers and communities an encourage more individuals to seek and maintain the care they need, ultimately working towards ending the HIV epidemic.

“When you don’t feel like a priority, you don’t make yourself a priority. And at Damien Center, the health of those living with HIV is our priority.”