Midlands Aids Day

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — According to the Palmetto Aids Life Support Services or PALSS – columbia has one of the highest statistics for the virus throughout the entire country – and the numbers aren’t going down. ” we’ve come a long way , but we just have a lot more work to do. HIV is still a very prevalent threat in our community, it is still very much here.” Some touched by the loss of loved ones taken by the illness – others living with HIV or AIDS themselves gathered for the midlands world aids day commemoration…many searching for peace but leaning on their own amazing grace. ” Over all of the years we’ve been doing this people are now living with HIV instead of dying from AIDS.” A small victory – but a victory nonetheless. Still – as the national AIDS symbol drapes the steps of the state house and flags blow in the wind – participants say that should not be the case when it comes to knowing your status. Something advocate and HIV positive resident Veroncia Brisco says she learned the hard way. ” I didn’t realize it could happen to me. They said all of your tests came back fine, except your HIV test, you’re positive. I couldn’t talk, there wasn’t much I could say.” That was 14 years ago – now Brisco says there isn’t much she can’t say if it means it will educate someone enough to keep them from getting it or prolonging the life of someone already infected. ” Either you can live with it and choose to take this medication or you can choose to die and do nothing.” But for the dozens who hope the event will deter the stigma they say is still associated with the disease and raise awareness – doing nothing is no longer an option. If you would like more information on getting tested confidentially call PALSS at (803) 779-7257.