On June 5, 1981, the CDC’s weekly Morbidity and Mortality Report mentioned 5 young men with a set of symptoms that we now know was caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). At the time, the only thing known was the symptoms and that the young men were dying.
From here, it is easy to see the sadness and understand the real anger of those times. By 1981, many people were already sick and dying and no one knew why. It was already too late for many. We wanted answers and there were none.
Today, we celebrate, remember and fight on against HIV. We celebrate those who are gone, but who fought hard to find out what this disease was and not be victimized by it. We remember our friends as they lived, not as they died without medication and often alone. And we continue to struggle against a disease that has taken over 5,000 lives in Colorado, still looking for a cure.
When Colorado AIDS Project began in 1983, we named ourselves a “project” because we thought this pandemic would soon be over. Since then, we have provided services to nearly 75% of Colorado’s HIV-infected population. The number of clients turning to us for assistance has increased annually, bringing the highest number of clients ever through our doors this year.
HIV continues to circulate throughout our population showing no preference for its hosts. What was known as the gay man’s disease in the 80s now affects people of all backgrounds and communities – gay and straight; men and women; babies and senior citizens; Caucasian, African and Asian alike. HIV continues to thrive and spread in our poorest, most marginalized populations.
Getting healthcare resources to the poor remains a challenge. In tough economic times, no one wants to hear that underfunding HIV care and services this year will make future years’ healthcare costs balloon. And the same HIV stigma that made Ryan White’s mother have to fight for his right to go to school in 1986 still expresses itself today.
We now know the cause of HIV and have medications that have extended the life expectancy and improved the quality of life of those with HIV. We have tests that can tell you your status so you can take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from HIV, but we are still looking for a cure.
We have come a long way, but after 30 years, our “project” continues.
Ruth Pederson is the executive director of the Colorado AIDS Project.
