Working with Other Online Health Advocates

Last yr, I met Josh Robbins at HealtheVoices 2016. This was a tremendous time the place Jansen introduced advocates from varied psychological and bodily well being areas collectively to collaborate and community. Even although Josh and HIV and I’ve Type 2 diabetes, we discovered that we had quite a bit in widespread. Both situations deal with a variety of stigma and misinformation. I take into account myself an informed lady, however that weekend I discovered a lot about HIV and altered my views about a lot.

I used to be a teen within the 1980s, when the HIV scare was excessive. The media and uneducated folks unfold a lot misinformation that I assumed was true. Twenty years later, Josh and different HIV advocates have set me straight with loving, caring phrases meant to enlighten and never condemn. I discovered much more throughout HealtheVoices 2017.

The need to teach alongside with my need to be educated helped to type some fairly tight friendships. Those who I’ve gotten to know haven’t simply turn into connections that I can refer pals to; they’ve turn into my pals as effectively.

Recently Josh offered at TedX in Nashville, speaking in regards to the significance of social media as a method of help. During his presentation, he talked about some advocates from areas outdoors HIV. I used to be honored to be the diabetes advocate that he talked about. Even although he could not pronounce my final title (RARE-ick-ah), the gesture was not taken frivolously. I’m honored and humbled to have been talked about by Josh, a tremendous man, advocate, and pal. Thank you, Josh!

Disclaimer‬: Janssen Global Services paid for my journey bills for the convention. All ideas and opinions expressed listed here are my very own.