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Local HIV long-term survivor thanks county for program support, urges continued backing
Summary
Aging HIV survivor and participant in Cascade AIDS Project’s Aging Well program thanked the board for past and ongoing local support and urged sustained backing for services amid federal funding threats.
Gene Bishop, who said he lives in Multnomah County District 3 and has been living with HIV for more than 28 years, addressed the board during public comment to mark HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day (June 5). Bishop said he is HIV-undetectable thanks to medications and credited programs like the Cascade AIDS Project and its Aging Well program with reducing isolation and supporting older adults living with HIV.
Bishop described health considerations for long-term survivors, saying low levels of the virus can still affect cardiovascular health, bones, joints and brain health, and he urged continued local support given concerns about federal funding reductions for HIV organizations and research.
Why it matters: speakers said local support remains important for services that reduce isolation and provide navigation, education and advocacy for older people living with HIV.
Board response: Commissioners thanked the speaker for attending and for his remarks; no further action was taken during the meeting.
Ending: Bishop’s public comment reaffirmed the role of local nonprofit programs in supporting aging people living with HIV and requested continued county backing.
