Drew CARES

Drew Center for AIDS Research, Education, and Services

One Client’s Story

Odell Walker had been clean from drugs for three years when he found out that he  was HIV-positive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the help of Drew CARES, Odell has gained an understanding of how HIV affects him and to advocate for his medical needs.  “Anytime you go to Drew CARES, there’s always new information,” he explains.  With help from Drew CARES, Odell has learned how to relate to his healthcare providers.

 

Through Drew CARES, Odell has found encouragement and friendship.  “We have field trips; we go to plays, ball games,” he explains.  “We do a lot of different things.  We just share.  It’s a place where you can open up freely, express anything you're dealing with.  We all deal with the same issues.  Drew CARES gives us a place to connect.”

 

Odell credits Drew CARES for being a catalyst in changing the direction of his life.  “I’m really glad that Drew CARES was there when I became HIV-positive,” he says.  “If it hadn’t been there, maybe I would have gone back to what I was doing before.  Drew CARES gave me some structure.

 

“Before, I was doing what I wanted to do.  Now l learn to do what I need to do.  Drew CARES teaches you how to do that.  They really teach you.”

 

“That was a devastating blow,” he now recalls.  “When you learn that you’re infected with HIV, you want to totally isolate yourself from other people.”  Odell decided to disclose his HIV status to a close friend, who helped connect him to the peer support program at Drew CARES.  Odell has been actively involved in Drew CARES programs ever since.