I am the Commission: Claudia Tejada and her compassion for people to find a bright light even in hard times.
Claudia Tejada is the Counseling, Testing and Referral Specialist at the Latino Commission on AIDS and spends the majority of her time in the 5 boroughs of New York City reaching out people to provide them the HIV test. Claudia was born in El Salvador and was raised in Washington Heights. Being surrounded by Latinos she developed a passion for providing her community with services they deserve. Besides her passion for her work, Claudia also enjoys the arts and crafts as a way to relax and express her creativity.
  As the person who conducts the HIV testing at the Commission, both in house and outside, what did you learn of the current state of the HIV in Latino Community in New York City? Does it vary from borough to borough?
 I would not say that it varies from borough to borough, because people seem to engage in similar types of activities within New York. It is still very important for us to work within the Latino communities because we often come across many people who have never been tested for HIV.
Do you see many Latinas taking the test?
Yes I do, and I am very proud of them for their decision.
After someone gets tested for HIV and the results comes positive, how do you get the strength to communicate the results to the client?
I use the pre-test session to inform the person of some of their options if they are found to be positive, once the results indicate that the person is positive, I focus on the immediate needs of the client. If a client is overwhelmed by the results, I try and let them express their emotions, if they want to cry or sit in silence, that is alright with me. I believe it is important to have a confidential place to share emotions. I try and not be pushy, because I find that it is more important to let the client feel comfortable enough to ask as many questions as they deem necessary. Once they are ready, I discuss the option of getting connected into medical care.
The Office of National AIDS Policy is inviting community input to Shape the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. If you have 1.5 minute to give your recommendation (the real allocated time) what will you say?
Increase access to medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS.
I understand you are attending school for your master in Social Work. How do you see yourself in the future in your professional life?
I would love to provide clinical mental health support to HIV positive Latinos, as well as immigrants. As a Social Worker I would also like to advocate for increased HIV/AIDS services.
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