Phyllis Williams was devastated when doctors diagnosed her with HIV in 2015. She had contracted the virus during a blood transfusion, and she felt her life would never be the same.

Hurtful comments from neighbors, family members and friends added to her stress. Some called her “nasty” or looked at her in disgust. She struggled to maintain her relationship with her husband, and she felt alone.

Williams, now 74 and living in Robeson County, found support from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, a federal initiative launched in 1990 to help low-income residents living with HIV access medical care, medication and support services. She said the program paid her electricity bill for four months when each cost more than $1,000. It provided vouchers for air conditioner vents during summer months an

See Full Page