HIV Support Groups Formed

By Ford Mauldin

Johnson City, TN – Two HIV peer support groups have been formed in the Tri-Cities. Linda is a single, white, heterosexual non-drug-user who became HIV-positive in 1987. For the past four years she has educated students at local high schools about HIV and is now organizing the support groups. Linda acknowledges that she does not fit the stereotypical HIV positive person, and says the fact it happened to her shows that no one is immune.

Linda says that after years of living with the disease and the stigma
attached to the victims and their families, she realized the need for
group support, friendship, eduction, respect, and hugs in a totally
confidential setting facilitated by peer members of the community who
are living with HIV.

The HIV Women’s peer support group meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
on the first and third Fridays of each month. The support group for
teens and young adults will meet on the second and fourth Fridays of the
month.

For more information call Linda at (423) 741-4181.