Client 1 Profile

Story 1:

On April 4, 1999, Mary*, a recent immigrant, went to a midwifery clinic to discuss her pregnancy. During this routine visit, she was told she was HIV positive. In this time of need, Mary turned to AIDS Athens where a Case Manager worked with Social Workers at Athens Regional Medical Center to secure medical care for her. Fortunately, because of modern drugs, Mary had a successful pregnancy and her daughter was born HIV negative.

Modern drugs are highly effective at preventing HIV transmission during pregnancy, labor and delivery. When timely administered, a complete course of treatment, including formula feeding, can cut the risk of transmission to below 2%.Over the next two years, Mary's marriage ended and her application for citizenship was denied. However, she continued to fight for her goals. She enrolled in Athens Technical College Adult Education Program for literacy and the General Equivalency Diploma Program (GED). Later, she enrolled in school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. She was able to complete this training and education because of the financial assistance she received from AIDS Athens.

In 2005, AIDS Athens helped Mary again through a new program which provided subsidized rental assistance on a long-term basis for clients. Mary enrolled in our housing program with two goals- to go to nursing school and to purchase a home. Currently, she is in nursing school, has obtained her green card, and has been pre-qualified for a home loan. She graduates from our housing rental assistance program in June. And most importantly, her daughter is healthy and doing great in school.

Mary is the perfect example of the work that AIDS Athens can do to support clients in all aspects of their lives for their entire well-being.

*Real name protected