earnis collier | program coordinator

As a young child, my ultimate dream was to become a network administrator or become a grand musical entertainer. My love for computers and music was my saving grace, especially in my household. As the youngest of five siblings and the only male child, I was very shy and an introvert. Music and computers were my solitude and tranquil moments to get-a-way from the giggling family girl hive. Being a shy child, I gravitated to computers and music, because I never had to interact with a radio, like I would a human being. The computer was my personalized programmed robot, and I had the opportunity to feed it what I wanted based on my input. Both of these things did not require me to speak, which I loved, because I was so shy back then. However, in 2009 everything in my personal life began to shift, and my life began turning into a scary place. Little did I know, the journey that I would embark upon would bring me fulfillment and joy.

In 2009, a very close friend, more like a brother, informed me that he was HIV positive. He didn’t just blurt the news out; it sort of rolled off his tongue during an unexpected conversation. He was having issues in his romantic relationship, just venting, and disclosed his HIV status during the conversation. When my friend disclosed that he was HIV positive, my insides turned and somersaulted. I immediately began to reflect on my life. I cried, sniffed back the wounded tears, and wondered how I dodged the bullet. Why my friend? Is he going to die? However, through the tears, I was able to encourage my friend, and also help him on his journey. Although he was attending his doctor’s appointments regularly, I felt compelled to share some of the weight, and lift him up when he needed it the most.

The telephone conversation with my brother and friend not only numbed me, but it pulled all of that shy fire outside of me. Instantly life clicked. I didn’t want to wade in a stream of tears, be downtrodden, or be an emotional wreck. I knew that this was my time, my moment to let go of the shy kid. For my friend, for my brother, I decided to pursue a career in the field of Public Health. I didn’t take any scholarly classes and didn’t have an academic background in the field. I jumped feet first off the diving board and just started swimming in the field. I volunteered with local community-based organizations and public health studies that focused on HIV transmission and Linkage to HIV Care.

Through my brother’s journey, I became empowered to be an agent of change. I was not only my brother’s support system; I was his advocate. I attended his doctor’s appointments and learned everything about HIV to ensure that he had a fighting chance at life. Attending his doctor visits provided me with clarity and the knowledge of the importance of Linkage to Care. Linkage to Care is an instrumental component in leading the way to improving the outcomes of individuals living with HIV. Clients must feel empowered and confident that their health care providers are providing them with quality care, so they can have a sustainable, long and healthy life. My brother is a living witness that doctors treating their clients with dignity and respect aids in clients being medically adherent and knowledgeable about their viral load and CD4 count.

As the Linkage to Care Coordinator at the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies, I understand the importance of linking clients to care, always being compassionate and client-centered. Regardless of a client’s age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or sexual preference, I ensure that the clients are comfortable. I meet them exactly where they are, and ensure that they have a support system on their first initial visit. I utilize my unique set of skills and link the hardest to reach clients into care because I am honest and genuine in the need to ensure that they are medically adherent. By guiding clients through the process, with soft care and much-needed attention, I know that the linkage chain cannot be broken. Moving forward, it is my desire to continue to be a reliable advocate for my clients, friends, and family.

To learn more about our HIV Testing & Prevention Program, find out our testing times and learn about linkage-to-care, please click here.