Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Arlana's Story at Chicago Women's aids project (CWAP)

Arlana Harris:



        My journey with HIV began in 2009. At that time I was dealing with substance abuse, I went into treatment to try to get my life on the right track. Obviously a different path began my way. 

        A health educator at the facility I was receiving treatment at, asked, “Did anyone want an HIV test?” I said yes, only to the fact of getting out of one of my classes. But I realized today that it was nothing but God leading me on another journey that he wants me to explore in life. About a week later the educator pulled me to the side and counselled me to let me know that I was HIV positive. At that time, I felt my life was over. I wanted to give up but that inner voice within myself said no, I have better things in store for you. During my journey it has not always been easy. I have dealt with guilt and depression among other things that I felt might have hindered my progress as a normal person. 

        As I learned more about the virus that I have, I learned that I can be an asset to the cause. I educated myself about the virus and also learned how to be an advocate for the cause. Through working with the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project has been a very rewarding experience. It has taken me to new platforms that I felt that couldn’t be reached. With that, I would like to encourage others to get to know their status, educate themselves and be an advocate to help reduce the contraction of the HIV/AIDS virus. Furthermore, through investigation I have learned that our communities and resources are in need of finances to help the women who need the encouragement, empowerment and education to also help fight the virus at hand.

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