This week, I sit down with an inspiring guest who transformed her HIV diagnosis into a driving force for advocacy, policy work, and community building within the HIV-positive community. Together, we unpack the misconceptions she held before her diagnosis, the realities of living with HIV, and the stigma that continues to shape public perception and personal experiences. We also discuss how storytelling, visibility, and community can create real change, not only for people living with HIV, but for the broader conversation around health, identity, and compassion.

If you or someone you know is living with HIV in Portland, OR, Quest Center offers integrated, affirming care including medical services, therapy, support groups, nutrition, acupuncture, and peer support.

Quest is a nonprofit health center in Portland, OR, with a mission to provide integrative healthcare services, community, and education to all people seeking a wellness-focused approach to living and dying.

Our programs in HIV Services, Substance Use Recovery, Chronic Pain Management, Mental Health, Acupuncture, and Holistic Medical Care recognize that each person has a unique journey to healing. In addition to offerings like individual and group therapy, our programs take an integrative approach to wellness, including elements such as peer support, wellness movement, nutrition, and at the heart of it all community. Our three primary service communities are low-income, people living with HIV, and LGBTQIA2S+. We proudly accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) as well as many other commercial insurance options.

If you’d like to learn more about any of our services, please visit our website at www.Quest-Center.org

Find more HIV Resources here: https://ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/

#hiv

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In this episode, we share Jamie’s powerful journey from years of chronic pain, medical dismissal, and isolation to healing, confidence, and deep community involvement. Jamie reflects on growing up with unexplained injuries and autoimmune conditions, the emotional toll of not being believed, and how those experiences left her feeling invisible and disconnected. Her story takes a turning point when she joins Quest through the WISH program, where patient-centered care, clear explanations, and integrative practices like acupuncture, massage, Qigong, and mobility groups help calm her nervous system and restore a sense of agency. As her health stabilizes, Jamie’s world expands beyond survival into creativity and leadership, from launching community crochet programs to serving on historical society boards and contributing to public art projects. She talks about “planting seeds” through small, intentional steps and surrounding herself with people who reflect the life she wants to build. This episode is a moving reminder that healing is not linear, but with compassion, validation, and community, it can lead not just to recovery, but to purpose, connection, and giving back.

If you or someone you know is living with Chronic Pain, Quest Center offers integrated, affirming care including medical services, therapy, support groups, nutrition, acupuncture, and peer support.

Quest is a nonprofit health center in Portland, OR with a mission to provide integrative healthcare services, community, and education to all people seeking a wellness-focused approach to living and dying.

Our programs in HIV Services, Substance Use Recovery, Chronic Pain Management, Mental Health, Acupuncture, and Holistic Medical Care recognize that each person has a unique journey to healing. In addition to offerings like individual and group therapy, our programs take an integrative approach to wellness, including elements such as peer support, wellness movement, nutrition, and at the heart of it all community. Our three primary service communities are low-income, people living with HIV, and LGBTQIA2S+. We proudly accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) as well as many other commercial insurance options.

If you’d like to learn more about any of our services, please visit our website at www.Quest-Center.org

#chronicpain

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we share Jamie’s powerful journey from years of chronic pain, medical dismissal, and isolation to healing, confidence, and deep community involvement. Jamie reflects on growing up with unexplained injuries and autoimmune conditions, the emotional toll of not being believed, and how those experiences left her feeling invisible and disconnected. Her story takes a turning point when she joins Quest through the WISH program, where patient-centered care, clear explanations, and integrative practices like acupuncture, massage, Qigong, and mobility groups help calm her nervous system and restore a sense of agency. As her health stabilizes, Jamie’s world expands beyond survival into creativity and leadership, from launching community crochet programs to serving on historical society boards and contributing to public art projects. She talks about “planting seeds” through small, intentional steps and surrounding herself with people who reflect the life she wants to build. This episode is a moving reminder that healing is not linear, but with compassion, validation, and community, it can lead not just to recovery, but to purpose, connection, and giving back.

If you or someone you know is living with Chronic Pain, Quest Center offers integrated, affirming care including medical services, therapy, support groups, nutrition, acupuncture, and peer support.

Consider supporting Quest Center’s work to provide compassionate and affirming integrative care with a donation to our Give!Guide campaign at giveguide.org/nonprofits/quest

Quest is a nonprofit health center in Portland, OR with a mission to provide integrative healthcare services, community, and education to all people seeking a wellness-focused approach to living and dying.

Our programs in HIV Services, Substance Use Recovery, Chronic Pain Management, Mental Health, Acupuncture, and Holistic Medical Care recognize that each person has a unique journey to healing. In addition to offerings like individual and group therapy, our programs take an integrative approach to wellness, including elements such as peer support, wellness movement, nutrition, and at the heart of it all community. Our three primary service communities are low-income, people living with HIV, and LGBTQIA2S+. We proudly accept the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) as well as many other commercial insurance options.

If you’d like to learn more about any of our services, please visit our website at www.Quest-Center.org

#chronicpain

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.