Macon Magazine

initiation to get people on therapy within 24-72 hours of diagnosis. Even though we're located in Macon-Bibb County, we partner with all 13 counties in the North Central Health District and each county acts as a feeder. We do telemedicine so clients in other counties can go to their local health department where our provider is linked with their nurse. DR. HAROLD KATNER: Locally, Johnny Fambro and Kathy Dillard initiated the HIV/AIDS work in Macon more than 30 years ago. Johnny founded the Rainbow Center, and Kathy, the Central City AIDS network. Eventually they merged. The HOPE Center, now called COMPASS Cares, is the umbrella organization where Dale Wrigley has taken care to the next level, and he's seeking other money so if government funding is lost, COMPASS can function as a standalone clinic. Years ago, we were located in a semi-industrial area because patients didn't want to risk being seen. Today there's a modern facility on Emery Highway with a new, large annex. I collaborate on research with a professor at the University of Connecticut on sexual behavior and suppression rates, and locally with Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, associate professor of Global Health at Mercer University, who studies sexual behaviors that perpetuate HIV. Her research indicates relatively high rates of molestation in our local HIV patient population. The emotional trauma caused by molestation leads to lifelong scars that continue to affect their behavior. When patients drop out of care, stop taking medication or continue to drink, smoke or use drugs, I accept them for who they are with all of their baggage and remain committed to keeping them alive. BESIDES THE STIGMA OF HIV/AIDS, WHAT ARE THE ROADBLOCKS TO A REDUCTION IN CASES? DALE WRIGLEY: Finances. Medication is expensive for providers and clinics, even if it's one pill. It's fantastic when people live longer with HIV/AIDS, but then we must address comorbidity and co-core chronic illnesses. That's a challenge, especially if we don't provide a particular specialized service and someone doesn't have insurance. There are so many challenges, even before we begin care, and we forget that someone whom we consider Basic Facts About HIV/AIDS 1. HIV is a retrovirus, which can be managed but not cured with anti- retroviral therapy. 2. HIV isn't an airborne disease and is spread solely through body fluids — unprotected sex, contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. 3. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of illness. 4. Viral suppression is the key to avoiding transmission. If someone is virally suppressed, there is little or no chance of transmitting the virus. Viral suppression is achievable by taking medication as prescribed by a physician. 5. Most people living with HIV tend to be most infectious in the first few months after being infected, but many are unaware of their status until later stages. 6. Testing is readily available in Middle Georgia with same-day results. non-compliant might not have food or adequate housing, so it's hard for them to take a pill daily for the rest of their lives. DR. HAROLD KATNER: At this point in my life, I don't have adversaries and it's no longer an issue, but for 15 years I couldn't say what I did or where I worked. Today, the biggest roadblock is patients' lack of insurance. Because I'm not an expert in other fields, I lean on other doctors who are friends for assistance. They've been extremely kind to my patients despite the finances. DEMARCUS BECKHAM: I'm open about my work in prevention and risk reduction. The Southeast has more LEFT: DEMARCUS BECKHAM, CENTER, IS THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AT REACH TO IMPACT GROUP INC. ABOVE: HIV TESTING ADVOCATES JOHN GREEN, GREGORY HARRIS, DEMARCUS AND R'JAN MATHIS. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 | maconmagazine.com 85

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