In 2000 while living in Denver, at just 24, AFC client DeMarsh received a life-altering AIDS diagnosis – or ”full-blown AIDS” as he says the team of doctors phrased it back then. Despite warning signs like fatigue, he initially dismissed his symptoms, attributing them to Denver’s high altitude. His world changed when he passed out behind the wheel of his car and was rushed to the hospital. “I had a viral load of 296,000 and just eight T-cells. I thought I was going to die,” DeMarsh recalls.

At the time, HIV/AIDS carried significant stigma, particularly in the Black community, adding emotional strain to his diagnosis. “I wasn’t ready to tell my family and I was away from home. So, the isolation was overwhelming,” he says.

The Need for Cultural Competency

While the medical treatment in Denver was adequate, he felt disconnected from a predominantly white healthcare system. “I needed to be around people who understood what it’s like to be a Black man,” he says. For this reason, he soon moved back to his hometown of Chicago. Care that speaks to the specific needs of individuals of color is key to offering the help needed for individuals living with HIV.

This experience is one reason AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and Pride Action Tank worked to pass Illinois House Bill 2450 (Public Act 103-0531). Starting in 2025, Illinois providers must complete cultural competency training as part of their continuing education. The law ensures that medical professionals are better equipped to serve patients from diverse backgrounds, including people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation aims to reduce health disparities and improve care for marginalized populations.

Family and Community

After returning to Chicago, DeMarsh’s paternal family became his main support system. “They didn’t just stand by me—they educated themselves,” he says. Their acceptance helped ease the emotional burden he felt.

Community plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and promoting wellness. Research consistently shows that support from loved ones greatly adds to the success of people living with HIV.

“I ended up going to live with my father’s side of the family, and man, my aunts, my grandmother and my great aunts, these women nurtured me and loved on me, they were amazing.” However, even with the aid of his loved ones, DeMarsh faced tremendous psychological struggles. Suppressing his emotions led to a nervous breakdown at age 30. With the help of a therapist named Felicia, who was also Black, he spent six years confronting his trauma. “Facing trauma is hard, but necessary,” he stated. “As I was going through therapy, dealing with all this mental health stuff, I began to realize that I am not my diagnosis, I am not HIV, I am not manic depression, no, I am actually a reasonably intelligent individual. And I realized something else… I’m still here.” he said. Mental wellness care paired with cultural knowledge and familiarity, is a key component in the comprehensive approach to wellness.

Housing Stability with AFC

After experiencing homelessness, DeMarsh found a permanent residence through AFC, allowing him to focus on his health. “Stable housing is everything,” he said. “You can’t stay healthy if you don’t know where you’re going to sleep.”

Having a place to call home is essential for people to be healthy. For people living with HIV, housing improves their health and safety, medication adherence, and connections to care providers. AFC’s housing programs are designed to address the social determinants of health and to help individuals regain the stability they need.

Representation and Empowerment

Seeing other Black men and women working in healthcare and advocacy has been inspiring for DeMarsh. “Representation matters,” he explains. “It builds trust and leads to better care.” AFC’s commitment to diversity aligns with DeMarsh’s belief that representation in healthcare leads to stronger connections between providers and patients.

With the cultural competency law set to take effect in 2025, medical professionals will be better prepared to offer affirming, compassionate care, which will in turn reduce stigma and improve lives. Reducing stigma in the healthcare sector for people living with HIV and chronic conditions or experiencing homelessness is a core objective of the Getting To Zero Illinois 2.0 Plan, and will lead to better patient outcomes and help to end the HIV epidemic.

Looking Ahead

With his viral levels now undetectable, DeMarsh focuses on giving back through advocacy and continuing his career in the HIV field. “I want to help others by sharing my story and experience,” he says. As he nears 50, he’s committed to learning, growth, and embracing new opportunities.

DeMarsh Tarver’s journey makes evident the profound effect of care that speaks to the needs of black and brown individuals, and the importance of a stable home and a strong community. DeMarsh’s resilience reminds us that with the right support, anyone can rebuild and thrive.