By Anthony Randolph, Amida Care Member and Board of Directors Member

Wednesday, September 18, is National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day, an annual observance focused on the increasing number of people who are living long, full lives with HIV because of major advancements in treatment.

I was diagnosed with HIV exactly 20 years ago, in 2004. I had become sick and I didn’t know what was going on, so I went to the hospital. When I tested positive for HIV, I thought it was a death sentence. I was sick, scared, and alone, going through the New York City shelter system and living in a tiny room with basically nothing. I isolated myself from family and friends. I was tired and depressed, and believed I had nothing left to live for. At the time, I didn’t think that living into my 60s was possible.

Luckily, I found my way to Harlem United, a community health center that is one of Amida Care’s provider partners. They understood what I was going through and made me feel like I was more than just my diagnosis. I kept going back. Within three months, my health had stabilized, and I had my own apartment. At the time, I had to take multiple pills to keep my HIV under control. It was challenging, but I did it for myself and my health. Now it’s much easier, you can take a daily pill or you can get a shot every two months to treat HIV, but we still need to eradicate the virus.

Every morning that I wake up, I make an effort to make things better for people living with HIV and AIDS.  I currently work as a Peer Worker in Business Development as well as an advocate for Harlem United, the same community organization that provided such crucial support 20 years ago. I am proud to serve on Amida Care’s Member Advisory Council (MAC), a group of member representatives that provides input help Amida Care improve its member services. As a MAC member, I was elected to sit on Amida Care’s Board of Directors. I have also spoken at HIV awareness events in the Bronx alongside Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

I am grateful to be able to use my knowledge and experience to help others—as well as myself—stay healthy and thriving.