HIV + Stories

Wayne HIV/STD Medical Director, SC Department of Health Hometown: Columbia, SC His story: As a practicing physician, Dr. Wayne Duffus has seen the face of HIV and AIDS change as the disease affects more and more women in South Carolina. For him, part of the solution is simple; he believes that HIV testing should be a part of routine medical care for all patients, similar to cholesterol or blood pressure monitoring. "I think routine testing is long overdue."

Tania Senior Project Specialist Age: 57 Hometown: Havana, Cuba; currently lives in Miami, FL Her story: It was the death of Tania's husband from AIDS in 1994 that motivated her to begin working to help stop the spread of the disease over a decade ago. Tania encourages all Latinas to get tested for HIV, even if you are married or in a long-term relationship because there is no other way to know your partner's status for sure.

Linda Age: 46 Hometown: Raleigh, NC Year of diagnosis: 2000 Her story: When Linda found out she was infected with HIV, she thought her diagnosis was a death sentence. She didn’t know anything about HIV. She has since educated herself on HIV and AIDS. Linda nows spends time encouraging other women to get tested and educated and to know they are not alone.