Gail Graham, HIV Patient Advocate

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

In 1997, Gail Graham went to her doctor for a routine HIV screening. On April 29, her results came back positive. As a mother of two young boys, her first thought was, “I just want to live long enough to see them graduate.”

The diagnosis shook her to the core, but Gail was determined to face the challenges ahead, including the stigma associated with HIV.

Gail recalls how her diagnosis affected her relationships. Some family members treated her differently, even insisting she use paper plates and cups. However, many friends and loved ones educated themselves about HIV, and her two sons openly discussed her condition with their peers, a source of pride for Gail.

Rediscovering Faith

In 2006, Gail’s best friend encouraged her to attend a service at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Though hesitant to join due to fears her diagnosis might reflect poorly on the church, Gail met with Reverend Franklin Lance, whose words transformed her perspective: “Gail, this is your ministry.”

Since then, Gail has embraced her role at Mt. Lebanon, becoming the Director of HIV/AIDS Outreach Services and Ministry. She created a safe space where community members can access free, confidential HIV testing and counseling.

Building Community Connections

Gail’s work at Mt. Lebanon extends beyond the church. She collaborates with local organizations to address Baltimore’s high rates of HIV/AIDS. Initially skeptical of external groups, she was surprised by the PATIENTS Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. After inviting them to her World AIDS Day event, she was moved by their compassionate approach, particularly how they engaged with community members by “holding their hands.”

Participating in Clinical Research

In 2014, Gail joined an HIV/AIDS clinical trials group at Johns Hopkins University. Motivated to do more, she enrolled in a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although the trial ended early due to the medication’s ineffectiveness, Gail found the experience rewarding. “I would gladly do it again,” she says, highlighting how valued the research staff made her feel and how much she learned about her disease.

Living Undetectable and Untransmittable

Thanks to advances in HIV treatment and her dedication to advocacy, Gail’s disease is now undetectable and untransmittable. To those newly diagnosed, she offers encouragement: “It’s just a diagnosis; it’s not you. You can still live a long and healthy life.”