Walgreens unveils 'Well Beyond HIV' campaign

Walgreens is launching a new national campaign highlighting how people are aging well beyond their HIV diagnosis.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a traveling art exhibit, curated in collaboration with the Graying of AIDS, an independent documentary project and educational campaign.

The exhibit provides a glimpse into the lives of older adults living with HIV and will make its first stop in Miami on Jan. 17.

“As the population of older Americans living with HIV/AIDS grows, the daily realities, concerns and successes of their lives remain largely unrecognized,” said Glen Pietrandoni, senior director of virology at Walgreens.

“By sharing stories of challenges and triumphs through the compelling photography and insightful testimonials, we hope to increase awareness of the unique needs of these individuals while being a trusted community resource to help those aging with HIV live well.” A

ccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. For the first time, half of those will be 50 years of age or older this year.

Older adults living with HIV may lack the support needed to help manage medications for HIV and other chronic conditions that are commonly associated with aging.

Recognizing the unique care and support needed, Walgreens launched Well Beyond HIV to provide information and resources for those living with HIV and to help inspire dialogue, eradicate stigmas and amplify the voices, faces and stories of those over the age of 50 living with HIV.

“The public conversation on both aging and HIV generally leaves out the complex experiences of older adults living with the virus,” said Katja Heinemann, co-director of the Graying of AIDS. “Through this campaign, we hope to inspire people living and aging with HIV to achieve an improved quality of life.”

Individuals featured in the campaign share real stories of diagnosis challenges and life triumphs.

“I always thought I had two years to live. And after two years, there was another two years. And after that, another two years, until I realized that I was getting healthier,” said Michael Kasten, a campaign participant. “Then there wasn’t any more two years -- it was more like 10 or 15 years. For me, HIV sits in the background. I accept it, but because I manage it, it doesn’t control me.”

More information is at WellBeyondHIV.com.