The Golden Rule to HIV Awareness in the Black Community; Part 2
Learning the importance of understanding your medical records and the struggle of living with HIV.
By Kelby McIntosh, Freelance Writer
The interviewee wanted to remain anonymous for personal protection and the sensitive information discussed in this article. Furthermore, I will refer to the victim as “Jane Doe” when recounting the story elements discussed in this interview. Moreover, If you haven’t read the first part of this two-part series of articles, I encourage you to read The Golden Rule To HIV Awareness In The Black Community.
It was 1999, and Jane Doe went into the Mississippi State Hospital to get a blood transfusion following her hysterectomy. While for many of us, a blood transfusion might not seem like a big ordeal by medical standards today, this transfusion would change the course of her life for Jane.
Jane had contracted HIV through a bad blood transfusion.
While jane is just one of many victims, to understand her and so many others with stories like hers, we must go to the beginning. The early 1980s were an unsettled time for the individuals and organizations responsible for blood safety in the United States. According to The National Library of Medicine, “the public’s confidence in government and public institutions was gradually eroding, with hostility towards government agencies’ involvement in social matters growing.”
The new Republican presidential administration had strong sentiments against government regulations, even those that addressed public health and safety. In contrast, it would take another 12 years, in 1992, when testing blood donors for HIV-1 and HIV-2 would be implemented. But while the medical world was making up for the lost time in the battle against AIDS and new practices were being established, it was too late for Jane.
“I know I didn’t do anything wrong, but what people don’t understand is that they have you sign an affidavit before getting a blood transfusion,” Jane said. Jane further stated, “when I found out, I told the doctor in passing my situation; back then, there were so many people contracting the disease – so my doctor immediately made an appointment to see me. I know I wasn’t sexually active.”
“This has been something that has cut out a lot of things in my life, but I’m living, and God has been taking care of me for a long time.” – Jane Doe
“Living with the virus has genuinely impacted my abilities to seek companionship, and I’ve missed a certain part of my life when it came to having a personal life – all human beings have feelings,” Jane said. Yet, it was through a friend who she took a Life & Living class with that introduced her to Golden Rule Services.
“I’ve been (mostly) taking care of myself, but Golden Rule Services has been helping me,” Jane stated. Though Jane has only been with Golden Rule Services for a few months, she mentioned what a tremendous help the service has been. “Whether it’s been Mr. Rhodes’ monthly check-ins or gift cards to help with financial needs – Golden Rule Services seems to assist in the ways that Medicare doesn’t cover,” Jane stated.
“I have a church family that loves me and my family that loves me – they are my torch that keeps my fire lit.” – Jane Doe
While Jane’s beautiful spirit burns bright from the love of everyone around her, she still urges us to “be knowledgeable about your medical history” and “have a watchful eye, because doctors and nurses are human and can still make mistakes.” Jane further stated, “I’m sure I’m not the only victim, but I’m happy knowing that my story is the one that can prevent many of these things from happening to other people.”
If you or a loved one want to receive more information on HIV and AIDS awareness, reach out to sacgrs.org or your local state agency.
