Enhancing health via films for HIV patients with trauma backgrounds

Enhancing health via films for HIV patients with trauma backgrounds

In a groundbreaking move, the educational health narrative film "TRY" is set to premiere at the International Black and Diversity Film Festival in Toronto this June. The film, part of an ongoing research study entitled "Healing our Hearts, Minds and Bodies" (HHMB), sheds light on unresolved traumas related to HIV, promoting deeper understanding and healing within diverse communities affected by the disease.

The film's lead investigator, Megan Ebor, PhD, a researcher at the Center for Culture, Trauma, and Mental Health Disparities at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, draws inspiration from her great-aunt's missed diagnosis of syphilis in late age. Ebor's work with HHMB aims to address the psychological and socio-cultural dimensions of HIV, going beyond biomedical facts to educate about the disease in a meaningful and relatable way.

The HHMB study has transitioned to an online platform in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each participant is provided a tablet and wifi for accessibility. Participants like Carlos Santiago, who struggled with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and lost his job, health insurance, and doctors due to a nervous breakdown, have found solace in the study. Santiago, who found help at the Northeast Valley Clinic, describes it as "pretty wonderful" in helping him manage his HIV medications and providing access to behavioural health resources and health education like the HHMB curriculum.

The film "TRY" follows Leonard's journey, which mirrors Santiago's, in finding the clinic and HHMB program. Each story in the film is inspired by true events. The film's focus on diverse communities underscores the importance of culturally sensitive approaches that recognize varied backgrounds, experiences, and identities. By doing so, "TRY" aims to foster empathy, reduce stigma, and encourage positive change in attitudes and behaviours regarding HIV prevention and treatment.

Among Black and Latinx people living with HIV, histories of trauma are more prevalent. The HHMB curriculum, which concludes with the screening of the "TRY" film for all participants, aims to educate and support clinic staff in caring for patients dealing with several conditions that affect cardiovascular health and histories of trauma. The curriculum also teaches these patients problem-solving techniques, anxiety and stress reducing strategies, trauma writing exercises, and strategies to improve cardiovascular health.

HHMB has been implemented at the OASIS Clinic at Charles Drew Medical Center, The Clinic of Dr. William King, and Northeast Valley Medical Center in the San Fernando Valley. Santiago believes that programs like HHMB help doctors see "the whole picture" of their patients, as each person arrives at care with unique circumstances.

In conclusion, "TRY" is a powerful tool in the fight against HIV, providing a platform for storytelling that educates, heals, and fosters empathy. The film's premiere at the International Black and Diversity Film Festival is a testament to its importance in promoting understanding and healing within diverse communities affected by HIV.

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