N.O. area, newly + & want to get involved

[peregrine]

Hi,
I am newly diagnosed in the New Orleans area.  I got tested because my partner had an OI and was subsequently diagnosed.  Fortunately, my diagnosis came at an early stage so that I am not currently on HIV meds.  I am interested in getting involved in HIV/AIDS activism.
Prior to my diagnosis, I was unaware of all the medical advances made.  However, the social stigma attached to HIV seems to not have changed.  Also, many still think HIV is a death sentence, which it no longer is.  I would like to help change this.  I think I can be of great assistance because I am not from a so-called "high-risk" group.  Therefore, I believe people will see me and say, "hey, if she got it, I can have it, too!"  One of my main priorities would be to motivate people to get tested.  Forget all that "high risk" crap.  If you've had unprotected sex, YOU ARE AT RISK!!!  That's the way it is.
I am bilingual, english/spanish and am computer proficient.  My email address is peregrineschild@live.com. Please contact me with any info on how I can be useful in the activism movement. 

[Assurbanipal]

If you are interested in getting involved locally, you can use the ASO finder on this site to bring up a list of links to local organizations.  It's on the home page under "survival tools" or just click here.

http://directory.poz.com/

Searching under New Orleans brings up 29 organizations.

Good luck
A

[peregrine]

Thanks, A.  will check it out!
Peregrine

[YaKaMein]

Welcome to the Forums, Peregrine
I live in New Orleans and am willing to discuss the various resources concerning HIV/AIDS in our area with you or any others in our affected community. Like many of us dealing with life's issues, HIV notwithstanding, I've made a decision to become involved overall, including HIV concerns. Recently, I became a member of our local AIDS planning council, which welcomes input.

Feel free to IM me and we can go from there.

Sounds like you're on great path to dealing with your status and a desire to educate others about HIV/AIDS.

Wanna get involved? Be careful what you wish for! LOL, Again, welcome aboard!
-YaKaMein

[sharkdiver]

Let's be clear here,

HIV infection is no longer a death sentence IF you don't have resistance and/or  You can afford the cost of medication.

[YaKaMein]

hey Sharkie,

Good points and well taken. All things considered, appropriate access and/or affordable medical care and medication along with supportive resources of education and intervention, etc. can go along way to enhancing quality and quantity of life with HIV infection. Unfortunately, some still face a battle and sometimes lose the fight far too soon. Although, drug resistance creates obstacles for many; hopefully, more safe and effective drugs [including a cure] are developed to extend healthful lives for us all. 

[hotpuppy]

You know, getting involved is the hard part.

There is no shortage of organizations that want to provide me services, solicit donations, etc.

I'm personally interested in education, speaking, talking to others, and perhaps writing.  I don't mind getting up in front of a group and helping open their eyes. 

The challenge is where to start.  I've talked to a couple of ASO's locally and offered to be involved.  Perhaps someone could share a recommended road map on getting involved? or a getting involved 101?