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Living Well with HIV: Marnina

It’s actually a little emotional being here.

I did not immediately want to come out my HIV diagnosis, just cause all the stigma and shame that was wrapped around it. So I kind of kept it to myself for a long time.

HIV is contracted sexually and we still live in an era where people think that a sexually transmitted disease is something like the worst taboo ever.

I want people to know that is a chronic manageable illness. I have friends, I have a partner, I have a son, I go to school, I work, and I take a pill to manage my HIV.

Me reaching an undetectable viral load kind of took the weight of living with HIV kind of off of me.

Now I sit my medications right on the edge of my vanity, right next to my toothbrush to make sure that I take it in the morning.

Let’s Talk About HIV Treatment!

Antiretrovirals, the medications used to treat HIV, keep you healthy and prevent the spread of HIV to others.

Even if you do not have insurance, or are underinsured, there are options to get the care and medications you need to stay healthy.

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Care Program offers support services for people with HIV, including mental health care, housing assistance, and more.

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program to help individuals with financial need get their HIV medications.

Click here to find out more about the health and preventative benefits of HIV treatment.