FLINT, MI — Progressive, healthy conversations about sexual health are prevalent in today’s social climate, but multiple reports indicate continued work is still needed when it comes to expanding educational efforts to prevent new HIV diagnoses and infection rates across Michigan.
Such important work is happening right here in Flint, thanks to Wellness Services, a nonprofit organization working to address and treat sexual health issues within the community.
Wellness Services focuses on caring for individuals diagnosed with HIV, but also offers a variety of resources to patients, including PrEP (a combination of two medications that prevent the virus from spreading in the body if exposed to HIV), food and medication assistance, case management assistance, syringe access and overdose education, and HIV self-testing kits, which can be picked up or mailed to you.
Stevi Atkins.
Stevi Atkins, CEO of Wellness Services of Flint, has a background in social work and began working with the organization as an intern more than 20 years ago. Her experience serving marginalized communities shines through as she speaks with conviction and passion about the vital work Wellness Clinic staff do.
Flintside had the opportunity to speak with Atkins about his experience working in wellness services, the harsh reality of the health disparities facing the Flint community, and what it will take to close those gaps.
While May is known as Mental Health Awareness Month, it is equally important to highlight awareness around sexuality and how the two intertwine and intersect.
FlintsideTell us about what sparked your passion to provide preventive care and sexual health services in Flint.
Stevi Atkins: “I was assigned to Wellness [Services] I joined this organization over 20 years ago as an intern. I really didn’t know what to expect. Within the first few days of being here, I was amazed that such a small organization could have such a large community impact. They provided services I had never seen before and worked with people who faced a lot of prejudice and discrimination. After completing my internship, I was invited to apply for a position in prevention and outreach. I have held many positions over the years and each one has given me valuable insight that has guided my leadership roles.
My internships and frontline experiences gave me the opportunity to work with people with lived experience who really wanted to care about their communities. It was inspiring. Donald Slaughter and Richard Hillaker were two of those people. They’ve both passed away, but their legacy lives on. They both taught me long-lasting lessons about advocacy and the importance of this work that an academic education could never have given me. I’m forever grateful for the impact they had on me.”
Flintside: Can you talk about some of the positive changes you’ve seen in terms of STD/STI prevention in Genesee County because of the work Wellness Services has been doing over the years?
S. Atkins“I think what’s been most impactful is the community partnerships and mutual aid that have existed to fill the gaps in sexual health services in Genesee County. Many of the efforts go unnoticed and there are really few funding sources to support sexual health services. It only takes the combined efforts of just a few organizations to ensure we can do our part to reduce sexual health disparities in Flint by providing services that are free or low-cost and available to anyone who needs them.”
Flintside: What additional resources does Wellness Services provide for low-income and uninsured people seeking treatment, screening, and preventive care?
S. Atkins: “Wellness has a variety of free services and programs. Our prevention and harm reduction services include HIV/Hepatitis C/STI testing, PrEP navigation, safer sex kits, harm reduction supplies, naloxone, overdose response training, and we also do community education and outreach. We host monthly Naloxone/Narcan trainings called “Respond and Reverse” that teach people how to use these medications to reverse an opioid overdose.
For those living with HIV, we offer on-site medical care, medical case management services, early intervention services for those recently diagnosed with HIV, medication assistance, housing assistance, transportation assistance, tobacco reduction programs, emergency financial assistance, and a food pantry that includes items for personal needs.
Our wellness staff are great at navigating resources, so if they have a need that we can’t address, we’ll do our best to leave with a resource list, community contacts, or direct referral.”
FlintsideWhat actions can individuals take to create safe spaces for vulnerable people to discuss topics like sexual health and sexuality?
S. Atkins: “It’s important not to let your own stigmas influence how you feel about sexual health. These perspectives can further reinforce stigma and prevent people from seeking help. Educating yourself is also an important step. When we don’t understand something, there’s often a lot of fear and criticism. Be open to discussions that may be outside of your comfort zone. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions when you don’t understand. There are plenty of online resources to help you on your journey to being a great ally.”
Flintside: Why is it important to you to ensure that inclusivity and compassion are offered to all who visit Wellness Services for resources and treatment?
S. Atkins“Wellness was founded in response to the HIV epidemic and to address the stigma born out of fear. For founder Jill C. Ramseyer, it was important to her that people living with HIV were supported and connected to caring, inclusive community members. Because the time between diagnosis and death is so short (often two to six months), she wanted to ensure that people were shown dignity in their deaths.
Jill ran a hotline where volunteers paired individuals with them to provide medical and social support until the person passed away. Jill also did her best to provide medical supplies and items that people might not have access to, like a hospital bed at home.
As the years go by, we continue to look at expanding our services to continue to focus on programs for populations that have been historically excluded. We now serve many at-risk populations in a variety of ways. The work can be really difficult at times, but meeting the needs of our community keeps us moving forward. I know Jill would be proud to know where we are and have her priorities at the forefront of the work we do with wellness.”
FlintsideMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, what self-care habits or routines have you been using lately to look after yourself?
S. Atkins: “That’s a great question! I’ve been focusing on setting more boundaries around work-life balance. I love my job and am passionate about giving back to my community, but in the past I haven’t been very good at taking time off work to take time for myself and my family. I’m getting better at it, but there’s always room for improvement.”
Our leadership team is adamant that all staff have ample time away from the office, and it’s important that you model this behavior – so set up out-of-office notifications, avoid checking email outside of work, take paid time off and encourage your colleagues to take paid time off, don’t ignore warning signs of burnout, and ask for support when you need it.”
Those interested in Wellness Services’ services can find them at Prevention & Harm Reduction Services, 311 E. Court St., and Live Well Clinic, 5103 Pierson Rd. For more information on hours of operation and other resources, visit WellnessAIDS.org.
Enjoyed this story? Sign up to receive our free weekly solution-based report.
