Stephanie Williams: Her death became call to action
Cars lined the road near the little country church nestled into the Bamberg County countryside in October 2007. Inside, mourners packed the pews; others lined the walls of Gethsemane Baptist…Click to...
View ArticleFor discussion: How would you approach your partner about getting an HIV test?
For discussion on thestate.com today: How would you approach your partner to ask him or her to get an HIV test? Would you have a baby if you were HIV…Click to Continue »
View ArticleColleen Yates: How a grieving mother found a new calling
Colleen Yates spoke at the funeral when her son Charlie died of AIDS in 1988. This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased, she said, quoting from…Click to Continue »
View ArticleThe successes and challenges for a new generation
Not many babies are born with HIV in South Carolina fewer than three a year, on average. But young adults continue to be infected at an alarming rate, considering…Click to Continue »
View ArticleAfrican-Americans and HIV
More blacks live with and die from HIV/AIDS than any other racial group in South Carolina. That isnt a recent development.Click to Continue »
View ArticleDayshal Dix: How a 14-year-old girl lives with HIV
At the tender age of 14, Dayshal Dix already has a long story to tell. Shes HIV positive. Has been since the day she was born.Click to Continue »
View ArticleSam Givens: How he savors the gift of life
Sam Givens didnt expect to be spending his 60s lifting weights, or knitting colorful socks with his little old lady friends.Click to Continue »
View ArticleDr. Robert Ball: How he found the first case of AIDS in South Carolina
When he diagnosed South Carolinas first AIDS case in 1982, infectious-diseases specialist Dr. Robert Ball made the history books.Click to Continue »
View ArticleJohn Courson: How a personal favor became a turning point
When a group serving mainly gay men with AIDS sought its first state financing in 1986, it found an unlikely ally: Republican party elder Sen. John Courson.Click to Continue »
View ArticleAdvocates: Reporting system is a success
The state health department since 1986 has recorded the name and vital statistics of every South Carolinian who has tested positive for HIV.Click to Continue »
View ArticleJoe Neal: How he fights HIV in the State House
Senator Bubba leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest, ready to face a group of HIV advocates who had come to see him in his…Click to Continue »
View ArticleThe list: Waiting for medicine
South Carolinians who have HIV/AIDS and little or no insurance rely heavily on a public drug assistance program that keeps them alive and healthy enough to work.Click to Continue »
View ArticleFor discussion: How much should the state contribute?
How much should the state contribute to efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and treat those who are infected? What do you think is the role of the private…Click to Continue »
View ArticleLynda Kettinger: How a public-health leader pushed quietly for change
When Lynda Kettinger began working quietly and diligently in the field of HIV/AIDS in 1987, the South Carolina health department had logged only 200 cases.Click to Continue »
View ArticleBambi Gaddist: How the AIDS lady gets things done
Bambi Gaddist is so striking its hard not to stare. At 5 feet 9½ inches tall and with tight blond waves lying against her skull, Gaddist never slips into a…Click to Continue »
View ArticlePart III: Answering the call to serve
Dr. Robert Ball lost his medical practice after treating people with HIV/AIDS in South Carolina.Click to Continue »
View ArticlePam Brantley: The Condom Lady takes it to the streets
Pam Brantley walks the back roads and alleys of Florence, an evangelist carrying the message of HIV prevention. She strips off her jewelry, handbag and high heels, wearing instead a…Click to Continue »
View ArticleDiAna DiAna: A hairdresser took on HIV
Hairdresser DiAna DiAna first learned about HIV/AIDS by chance. When I was cleaning up the shop one day (in 1986), I saw a magazine that said something about AIDS, recalled…Click to Continue »
View ArticlePart I: The generations of AIDS
Sam Givens almost died of AIDS, but survives almost 20 years later.Click to Continue »
View ArticlePart II: HIV and the halls of power
The battle against HIV/AIDS is about people.Click to Continue »
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