| My name is Bernadette
and I am a winner.
Bernadette Gladden, with GMHC since 1998.
Last year, GMHC served over 600 families, reaching more than 1100 children.
When I first found out I was positive I don't know how I made it. I was worried
about how this one is going to find out, or that one is going to find out. Mostly,
what I really cared about was my son; I didn't want them to snatch him from me.
A friend brought me to GMHC because she wanted me to know that it is not only
for males; it's for females also. And families. I got into the Child Life Program
and I've been here ever since. My son loves it here. GMHC lets him know that he's
no different because he knows that his parent has the disease. They spoil him too
much!
But it's for parents too. Parents definitely have needs — nutrition with their
children, nutrition with ourselves, the importance of seeing a doctor, and taking
care of ourselves.
At GMHC I can go to the chiropractor, get massages, and theatre tickets, we
have all different groups — for stress, and dealing with loss, dealing with wellness,
and dealing with drugs, whether you've used them or haven't ever used them.
I went with GMHC to Albany to talk about... I think it was budget cuts. We needed
money because they were cutting the HIV/AIDS funds. It's awesome to be able to go
into the different offices and meet important people. GMHC gives you the opportunity
to get into certain things and go places and that makes me feel better about myself
because I have proved that I'm not a loser. I'm a winner.
You have to live your life, and try to make it the best. Teach your child as much
as you can. Teach the child safe things, like safe sex. If you allow something to
plague you, you will not be able to grow. Yes, we are going to die. But you're
wasting time when you have so much to keep on living for.
GMHC's Public Policy work benefits the lives of everyone
infected or affected by HIV and AIDS
GMHC helps to harness the voice of those not used to being heard so they can
find ways to communicate their needs and experiences to lawmakers at all levels
of government. Bernadette's experience of testifying before the legislature and
speaking one-one-one with policy makers is not an isolated event. GMHC's commitment
to grassroots organizing has brought hundreds of men and women with HIV to Albany
to speak on their own behalf, and on behalf of all people with AIDS. The benefits
of personal testimony are both powerful and therapeutic, for both audience and
speaker. Empowered and informed, GMHC's clients have a significant impact on their
own lives, and on the lives of their peers, in ways that may have seemed unthinkable
before. And they're not alone. GMHC's Public Policy staff lobbies the government
for fairer and more fully-funded AIDS policies every day. We continue to demand
support for AIDS services. We fight for humane and fair laws for HIV-positive
people in the workplace, anti-discrimination legislation, equal rights for gays
and lesbians, and affordable, accessible, health care for those most in need.
GMHC is also dedicated to the fight against AIDS on an international level. We
are present and vocal at major health conferences throughout the world, partnering
with our peers across the globe, and active in encouraging the United States to
take a leadership role in the international fight against HIV and AIDS.
GMHC at-a-glance
More than 20% of those who came to GMHC for the first time last year were women,
90% of whom were from communities of color.
Last year, the number of GMHC clients over the age of 50 increased by 13%.
77% of our new clients last year made less than $10,000.
GMHC's public policy endeavors removed systemic barriers to access Medicaid,
protected and restored essential AIDS funding, and fought for the protection
of effective HIV-prevention efforts and initiatives.
Last year, GMHC solidified its leadership role in forming and cultivating
partnerships with national AIDS organizations to influence domestic and global
AIDS public policy.
Next
Contents
© 2004 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|
home 
