HIV Exhibit Reflects Disease's True Faces

The “Faces of HIV” mobile art exhibit stopped at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa before heading to St. Petersburg over the weekend. The project represents a change from the state Department of Health’s more traditional prevention campaigns by featuring the portraits, journals, and videos of Floridians living with HIV/AIDS.

The goal is to dispel the myth that HIV only affects gay men or drug users. Models in the exhibit - who are identified only by first name - include students, mothers, and professionals. “Whether it’s diabetes or cancer, we all have something to bear,” said Donald Post, one of the models and a USF graduate student who was infected through a needle-stick while working as an emergency medical technician.

Post said his experience is testimony to the benefit of knowing one’s status. The 28-year-old is more attentive now to his health and keeps a close eye on his drug regimen to ensure his immune system stays strong. “I’m healthier than I’ve ever been before,” he said. “HIV does not define who you are as a person.”

For more information about the exhibit, including its upcoming stops, visit http://www.wemakethechange.com/faces/.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!