Learning through Serving

Learning never stops when all the questions have been answered. For me, learning is an ongoing, boundless, and sometimes uncomfortable process, especially in unfamiliar situations where questions remain unanswered. It is a journey that calls upon creativity and, above all, the willingness to continue seeking knowledge. These thoughts ultimately helped guide my decision to join the National Health Corps (NHC). I chose my current position as a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (Hep C) Health Educator not because it aligned the most with my previous skill sets and knowledge, but because it would require me to grow the most.  

I currently serve at CAN Community Health, a clinic that provides care and treatment for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases. My role involves conducting HIV, Hep C, and STD testing, opioid use screenings, and linking uninsured clients to health insurance for Hep C treatment. Prior to commencing my service at CAN, most of my volunteer experiences revolved around noncommunicable diseases, such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, nothing at all related to infectious disease. I knew that starting this role at CAN would require a great deal of learning and relearning. 

The main lesson I’ve come to grasp is the importance of always affirming an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity, a fundamental but sometimes ignored principle in healthcare. A significant number of CAN’s clients are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, many of whom have previously faced discrimination in medical settings, negatively impacting their ability to trust the healthcare system. The topic of mistrust and lack of access to healthcare is regularly brought up in dialogues with my clients. 

One such interaction happened recently with a senior client named Madeline, who came in for a rapid HIV & Hep C test. Upon asking her if this was part of routine testing, she nervously admitted that she was already aware of her positive status for Hep C but that she had never sought treatment in over 20 years due to fear of discrimination over her sexual orientation and poverty status. Rather than immediately focusing on the technical aspects of treatment and insurance assistance, the initial priority was to make her feel heard and validated. Building rapport and affirming her sexual orientation made a world of a difference during our session. After voicing her concerns and experiences, she felt comfortable and requested additional STI screening, educational materials, and followed through with next steps for health insurance enrollment. Her words as we wrapped up spoke volumes: “no one has ever really let me talk about my health like this before.” 

Using people-first language and correct pronouns is crucial. It can be tempting to direct conversations about sexual health and STDs solely through a scientific lens of facts and figures. But I have realized through my training that shifting the discourse to one that revolves around the client’s own perceptions and experiences creates an empowering dynamic for clients that allows for honest reflections and discussions about risk behaviors. In healthcare, people cannot be reduced to their individual pathologies to be better understood. Instead, it is important to rethink some of these terms as reflections of socially significant “signs” rather than “symptoms.”

Developing the skills necessary for delivering personalized care and linkage services is a process that takes time - a journey I am still navigating. Remaining inquisitive and open has been essential along every step of the way. Even though I may not know the answer to every question a client asks me or the nuances behind every complicated situation I encounter, I am optimistic that, through service and compassion, I am on the right path.