25 faces: Leaders fighting HIV/AIDS in Colorado

14 Mary Beth Luedtke

“I’ve always been interested in working with those who feel like they may not have a voice,” Said mary beth Luedtke, Regional Director for Western Colorado of CAP.

Luetdke, 44, started working as a case manager 11 years ago, which meant helping HIV-positive clients access medication and medical care, mental health services, help with substance abuse, housing and financial assistance. The goal, she said, is to create a long-term plan to stay healthy and empowered through years living with HIV.

“The needs of people coming in have increased” in that time, Luedtke said – especially pertaining to mental health issues, not just depression but other issues like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as well. She’s seen more women and heterosexuals coming in, and more HIV cases in the Latino community.

She attributes that change to the organization’s ability to reach out to different communities, encouraging more people to come in and get tested and to be aware that organizations like CAP are there to provide assistance.

“We walk with clients on a really long journey,” Luedtke said, “and see all their successes and challenges. Their perseverance and resilience has always amazed me.”

And despite some positive signs in the management and treatment of HIV, there is still a lot that HIV-positive people must deal with. For Luedtke, awareness is key. New medications and other advances have gone a long way keeping people with HIV alive, Luedtke said, but those medications are only available if you know your status and get tested. “People can live much healthier lives if they know their status,” she said.

And even then, HIV leaves no room for complacency.

“The medications are toxic, and have created side effects that aren’t pretty,” she said. “It’s still something you have to emotionally wrap your head around – disclosure is a big stressor for people with HIV, not just with sexual partners but family and friends.”

Luedtke said, “It’s not a death sentence, but it’s not an easy road. That’s the message we send.”