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“National HIV Testing Day is really a spotlight on this epidemic,” says Maria on the episode. “I’m happy that we have the day, because I feel that we’re not talking like we used to years ago. The urgency has gone away.”
There may not be that same frenzy anymore, but per the CDC, one in eight people—including a very large number of African-Americans—in this country don’t know about their positive HIV status. And when left to its own devices, HIV attacks the immune system, allowing life-threatening diseases and cancer to form in the body.
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That’s why you’ll often find Maria standing on the street corner of her Harlem neighborhood, bullhorn in hand, educating people about the importance of getting tested—and practicing safe sex. Maria notes that her work isn’t just aimed at prevention—she wants to reach those who are HIV positive, too. She’s partnered with Merck for the company’s I Design campaign, which encourages those with HIV to talk to their doctors.
“The activism is very important because to be educated is to be liberated,” she says. “If I could reach one person, my activism is not in vain.”
TO HEAR MORE ABOUT HOW MARIA DAVIS IS FIGHTING TO END HIV/AIDS, LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE ON ITUNES OR SOUNDCLOUD NOW.
The Women Promoted on This Episode
Maria cites Maya Angelou as one of her biggest inspirations. “Her words liberated people, and she was a free spirit,” she says.
Follow These Women on Twitter:
Women’s Health: @womenshealthmag
Caitlin Abber: @everydaycaitlin
Christina Heiser: @xtinaph
Episode Credits:
Uninterrupted is produced by Caitlin Abber, and recorded and edited at CBS Studios. Editorial support is provided by Lisa Chudnofsky.
Our theme music is “Bullshit” by Jen Miller.