Take Control of Your Health
Do You Know Your HIV Status?
Whatever your test result reads, knowing your status is the first step of your HIV journey. Read some of the stories of others in the Baton Rouge HIV community and learn how you can take control of your health.
“PrEP makes me feel like superman – like I can conquer the world”
Rhanel was never one to be concerned with his HIV status, but his significant other – someone living with undetectable & untransmittable levels of HIV – showed him the importance of knowing his status. After getting tested and learning he was negative for HIV, Rhanel understood that for his own health, and for his community, he should take PrEP and play a part in controlling the contraction of HIV.
“Look at me. Do I look like I’m about to die? I’m living my best life.”
In 2004, Kerry was given just 6 months to live. After unknowingly living with HIV for a long time, she started showing severe symptoms such as dementia and blackouts. It was a wakeup call for Kerry, and she took her treatment seriously. To the doctor’s surprise, she was surviving — and now, she’s thriving. HIV has completely transformed Kerry’s life, and even given her a career. She’s now a certified counselor and tester, sharing her story and the knowledge she’s gained along her journey with others.
“Here I am 12 years later, thriving with HIV.”
Just a sophomore in college, Gjvar received a positive HIV diagnosis that completely shook his world. Believing the stigma around HIV at the time, he understood his diagnosis to be a death sentence. While he initially fell into a dark place — even attempting to take his own life — he was lifted up by the supportive, empowering and loving community that he surrounded himself with. With effective treatment, Gjvar’s viral load is now undetectable, meaning he can no longer transmit HIV to anyone else as he continues to live a full life despite his diagnosis all those years ago.
“Once I stood up and realized that I loved what I saw in the mirror, nobody could stop me.”
When Millicent received her diagnosis in 2002, she was told that she would be lucky to make it to Christmas. Just eight months after that diagnosis, her daughter passed away, leaving her to care for her two-year-old grandchild while also dealing with a drug addiction. Millicent knew she had to make a change, moving to Baton Rouge and joining support groups to begin this new chapter of her life. It took seven years of being HIV positive before Millicent was confident enough in herself to go public with her diagnosis. Now an HIV survivor of 19 years, Millicent has been undetectable for 17 of those thanks to effective treatment and her drive to be the best version of herself.
“Knowing your status saves lives”
With a mother that works directly on the frontlines of the HIV Epidemic in Baton Rouge, Anya was taught at an early age about the importance of knowing her HIV status and taking control of her personal health. As someone living without HIV, Anya believes she has an important role to play in stopping the stigma around HIV as an advocate for testing and smart, safe and healthy living.
“Knowing my status is about my own personal health and safety”
Scott learned the importance of knowing his status early in his college career. As part of outreach and informational groups surrounding the HIV epidemic in Baton Rouge, he learned about the power of information and now works to be a catalyst for change surrounding the stigma of people living with HIV. Knowing his status ensures that he doesn’t put himself, or anyone else at risk, while playing his part in ending the HIV epidemic.
“As long as you get on that medication early, there’s nothing stopping you”
While pregnant with her now-25 year old daughter, one of Sonya’s closest friends disclosed that she had an AIDS diagnosis. Since then, she has understood the importance of getting regularly tested and began getting tested for HIV every year as part of her regular self care routine. Because of her proactive testing, Sonya found out she was HIV positive just six months after contracting the virus. This early detection meant earlier treatment, and after only three weeks, Sonya‘s viral load was lowered to a point where she was undetectable and can no longer transmit the virus to anyone sexually. After later moving to Louisiana, she got connected to a local support group where she educated herself about HIV and built a network that has enabled her to get involved in the advocacy work and further the mission to ending the HIV epidemic.
“PrEP makes me feel like superman – like I can conquer the world”
Rhanel was never one to be concerned with his HIV status, but his significant other – someone living with undetectable & untransmittable levels of HIV – showed him the importance of knowing his status. After getting tested and learning he was negative for HIV, Rhanel understood that for his own health, and for his community, he should take PrEP and play a part in controlling the contraction of HIV.
“Look at me. Do I look like I’m about to die? I’m living my best life.”
In 2004, Kerry was given just 6 months to live. After unknowingly living with HIV for a long time, she started showing severe symptoms such as dementia and blackouts. It was a wakeup call for Kerry, and she took her treatment seriously. To the doctor’s surprise, she was surviving — and now, she’s thriving. HIV has completely transformed Kerry’s life, and even given her a career. She’s now a certified counselor and tester, sharing her story and the knowledge she’s gained along her journey with others.
“Here I am 12 years later, thriving with HIV.”
Just a sophomore in college, Gjvar received a positive HIV diagnosis that completely shook his world. Believing the stigma around HIV at the time, he understood his diagnosis to be a death sentence. While he initially fell into a dark place — even attempting to take his own life — he was lifted up by the supportive, empowering and loving community that he surrounded himself with. With effective treatment, Gjvar’s viral load is now undetectable, meaning he can no longer transmit HIV to anyone else as he continues to live a full life despite his diagnosis all those years ago.
“Once I stood up and realized that I loved what I saw in the mirror, nobody could stop me.”
When Millicent received her diagnosis in 2002, she was told that she would be lucky to make it to Christmas. Just eight months after that diagnosis, her daughter passed away, leaving her to care for her two-year-old grandchild while also dealing with a drug addiction. Millicent knew she had to make a change, moving to Baton Rouge and joining support groups to begin this new chapter of her life. It took seven years of being HIV positive before Millicent was confident enough in herself to go public with her diagnosis. Now an HIV survivor of 19 years, Millicent has been undetectable for 17 of those thanks to effective treatment and her drive to be the best version of herself.
“Knowing your status saves lives”
With a mother that works directly on the frontlines of the HIV Epidemic in Baton Rouge, Anya was taught at an early age about the importance of knowing her HIV status and taking control of her personal health. As someone living without HIV, Anya believes she has an important role to play in stopping the stigma around HIV as an advocate for testing and smart, safe and healthy living.
“Knowing my status is about my own personal health and safety”
Scott learned the importance of knowing his status early in his college career. As part of outreach and informational groups surrounding the HIV epidemic in Baton Rouge, he learned about the power of information and now works to be a catalyst for change surrounding the stigma of people living with HIV. Knowing his status ensures that he doesn’t put himself, or anyone else at risk, while playing his part in ending the HIV epidemic.
“As long as you get on that medication early, there’s nothing stopping you”
While pregnant with her now-25 year old daughter, one of Sonya’s closest friends disclosed that she had an AIDS diagnosis. Since then, she has understood the importance of getting regularly tested and began getting tested for HIV every year as part of her regular self care routine. Because of her proactive testing, Sonya found out she was HIV positive just six months after contracting the virus. This early detection meant earlier treatment, and after only three weeks, Sonya‘s viral load was lowered to a point where she was undetectable and can no longer transmit the virus to anyone sexually. After later moving to Louisiana, she got connected to a local support group where she educated herself about HIV and built a network that has enabled her to get involved in the advocacy work and further the mission to ending the HIV epidemic.
Find Your Path
Wherever you are on your HIV journey, there are options to help ensure you live a healthy, happy life.
With a simple blood test, you can know your HIV Status.
HIV treatment can prevent you from transmitting HIV through sex or shared needles.
A once-daily pill can prevent you from contracting HIV.
Know Your Status
Testing for HIV
Getting tested for HIV is something everyone should do — it’s the only way to really know your HIV status. A simple blood test can help you better understand your own health and the steps you need to take to stay safe.
| Organization | Address | Zip Code | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OLOL Regional Medical Center | 5000 Hennessy Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70808 | 225-765-6565 | ololrmc.com |
| BR General Medical Center | 3600 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-387-7000 | brgeneral.org |
| 8585 Picardy Ave. Baton Rouge | 70809 | 225-763-4000 | brgeneral.org | |
| Woman's Hospital | 100 Woman's Way Baton Rouge | 70817 | 225-927-1300 | womans.org |
| Ochsner Medical Center | 17000 Medical Center Dr. Baton Rouge | 70816 | 225-752-2470 | ochsner.org |
| Lane Regional Medical Center | 6300 Main St. Zachary | 70791 | 225-658-4000 | lanermc.org |
| Baton Rouge Multi Specialty Care Center | 3850 Convention St. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-289-6803 | brmultispecialty.com |
| Open Health Care Clinic | 3801 North Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-655-6422 | ohcc.org |
| CareSouth Medical & Dental | 3140 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-650-2000 | caresouth.org |
| OLOL LSU Health Mid-City Clinic | 1401 N. Foster Dr. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-987-9000 | ololrmc.com |
| HAART Clinic | 3849 North Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-927-1269 | haartinc.org |
| Family Service Greater BR | 4727 Revere Ave. Baton Rouge | 70808 | 225-927-9810 | fsgbr.org |
| AIDS Healthcare Foundation | 8281 Goodwood Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-231-5733 | hivcare.org |
| 4890 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70809 | 225-769-3922 | hivcare.org | |
| Baton Rouge Aids Society | 4560 North Blvd. Baton Rouge | 70806 | 225-923-2437 | batonrougeaidssociety.org |
| Metro Health | 950 East Washington St. Baton Rouge | 70802 | 225-338-9333 | brmetrohealth.com |
| 4000 Gus Young Ave. Baton Rouge | 70802 | 225-338-9333 | brmetrohealth.com | |
| Capitol Area Reentry Program | 1364 Swan Ave. Baton Rouge | 70807 | 225-775-7988 | carpbr.com |
| YWCA Greater Baton Rouge | 11404 Lake Sherwood Ave. N Ste B | 70816 | 225-383-0681 | ywca-br.org |
Live a Full Life
HIV Treatment and Prevention
With highly-effective, accessible treatment and prevention, your life doesn’t have to change because of your HIV status.
| Organization | Address | Zip Code | Phone Number | Prescribes PrEP | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHF Wellness Center Baton Rouge | 8281 Goodwood Blvd Baton Rouge, LA | 70806 | 225-231-5733 | ✓ | https://locations.aidshealth.org/la-baton-rouge-hcc48-27 |
| AIDS Healthcare Foundation | 4890 Bluebonnet Blvd Baton Rouge, LA | 70809 | 225-769-3922 | https://locations.aidshealth.org/la-baton-rouge-hcc47-1 | |
| Baton Rouge General -MidCity | 3401 North Blvd Ste 200 Baton Rouge, LA | 70806 | 225-381-6620 | https://www.brgeneral.org/locations/baton-rouge-general-mid-city/ | |
| Baton Rouge Primary Care | 8595 Picardy Ave. Ste 318 Baton Rouge, LA | 70806 | 225-763-4500 | ✓ | https://www.brgeneral.org/locations/baton-rouge-family-medical-center/ |
| Care South Medical and Dental | 3140 Florida Street Baton Rouge, LA | 70806 | 225-650-2000 | ✓ | https://caresouth.org/ |
| Metro Health | 950 E Washington Baton Rouge, LA | 70802 | 225-338-9333 | ✓ | https://www.brmetrohealth.com/ |
| Open Health Care Clinic | 3849 North Blvd Baton Rouge, LA | 70806 | 225-655-6422 | ✓ | https://www.ohcc.org/sexual-health |
Finding Resources
Start Your Journey
Plentiful resources are available in your area to help you on your HIV journey. Use the map below to find resources for HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and other supportive services, here in Baton Rouge, LA.
Brought to you by the Baton Rouge Ending the HIV
Epidemic Commission in collaboration with our partners.
