Activist for HIV testing retiring

It was nothing for Eleanor Harrison to spend hot summer afternoons on some of Richmond's roughest streets giving out condoms and offering free HIV tests.

Some of those getting HIV tests were regulars -- greeting Harrison like an old friend before going into a mobile health clinic to be tested in private. Other test-takers may have just happened to stop at the convenience store nearby to pump gas or buy a snack and wandered over or Harrison smiled and waved them over.

Over the years, Harrison's efforts to make HIV testing more widely available in the community and her one-on-one advocacy for clients has probably saved hundreds of lives, said one of her former bosses last week. National HIV Testing Day events being held today will go on without Harrison working in an official capacity. After more than 32 years with the Richmond Health Department and an additional seven years with the Fan Free Clinic, Harrison is retiring.

"She was on the street, providing outreach and caring for people the rest of the world considered disposable," said Jim Beckner, a former director of the Fan Free Clinic. He recalled how Harrison baked hot rolls for a client with HIV who had "wasting syndrome" in which weight loss, chronic diarrhea, fever and weakness worsen symptoms or result from disease progression.

As she departed public service, Harrison took a few minutes to talk about her work in HIV education and outreach.

You have had to tell someone that he or she is HIV-positive. What is that like?

"In the early days it was devastating due to the fact we did not have the resources we needed, as far as support groups, medication and other resources we needed the individual to connect with. However, today we have all those resources in place. We definitely have made progress."

Some national TV networks recently rejected condom advertisements. What does that mean for HIV prevention?

"We are trying to make people healthy, promote healthy living. It takes time for things to happen. Certainly we have patience to endure. It just takes time for different entities to come onboard. We appreciate that they are advertising something about herpes medication."

How many condoms do you think you have given out?

"Between all the community-based organizations in the city and the health department, I would say millions."

What have you accomplished?

"HIV awareness and testing is heightened, also the promotion of safer-sex has been heightened, the resources that are available for medical services, support group services and advocates. . . . We still have a lot of work to do. . . . Resources in the faith community have really been a help to us. It took us many years to get in that faith community."

What are you going to do in retirement?

"I will be doing some volunteer work and also continuing to be a consultant for several community-based organizations. I will be spending more time with my husband, James R. Harrison, and two daughters and four grandchildren."