PHOENIX — For those like Christopher Dozier who are ambassadors for the program, the impact of being “Positively You” is undeniable, meaningful and powerful.

Dozier hopes to use his HIV diagnosis to educate people in the Valley while also being a light to those suffering in the shadows.

He is one of those participating in the “Positively You” campaign launched in 2021 by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Its goal is to help end stigma in society by connecting people with free or low-cost resources under the Ryan White program. HIV/AIDS.

More than a dozen videos posted by people living with HIV on the campaign websitetell about their personal and courageous journeys. This is an effort to make things as easy as possible for the next person.

“Make yourself a priority. Whether it’s at work, at home, wherever you are, then you can stop giving people’s opinions to flying fat monkeys and just live your life.” ,” Dozier said in a video posted on the Positively You website.

Dozier says she has been living with HIV since 2009 and wants to impact and save lives.

“We truly believe we are saving lives,” Dozier said. “I believe there are people here who are listening to everything we have to say. Literally, my story is not the same as the other ambassadors on the panel. Hmm, and we’re all the same.” It’s different from that, but there are people out there who can understand themselves, and I think that’s a strong thing, and that’s powerful, and that’s meaningful. ”

Maricopa County public health officials say that since the launch of the Positively You campaign, they have had a direct role in connecting more than 300 people to the Ryan White program, which helps approximately 4,000 people in Maricopa and Pinal counties. I am.

Want to learn more about Positively You? click here.

We will also have a booth at the Phoenix Pride Festival this weekend at Steele Indian School Park. For more information, visit PhoenixPride.org.