—SUSAN RODRIGUEZ
"More than likely I got infected through my husband, but I don't think that's relevant. My husband was very sick and he got an AIDS diagnosis. So my children and I got tested...." (exhibit narrative excerpt: Focus on Living)

FOCUS ON LIVING: Portraits of Americans with HIV and AIDS, showcases sixteen Americans living with HIV and AIDS. This exhibit offers a powerful HIV/AIDS education resource for communities. FOCUS ON LIVING is the work of Roslyn Banish photographer/writer and author of four books exploring human issues by combining photographs and text. FOCUS ON LIVING is based on the book, Focus on Living, (U. Mass Press) with introduction by Paul A. Volberding, M.D., Vice-Chair of the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco.

FOCUS ON LIVING travels nationwide to schools (8-12,) colleges and universities, health and social welfare agencies, medical schools, public libraries, community centers, museums, conferences, hospitals, workplaces, and places of worship.

“The “Focus on Living - Portrait of AIDS” exhibit was very well received by the student body.  It was a very powerful and personable way to reach young people regarding AIDS. . . . This exhibit enabled the student to be the seeker of knowledge, rather than a passive recipient of it.”
—Director, Student Health Department,
University of Minnesota, Crookston, Minnesota

"We had nothing but good responses to the exhibit. Thank you so much for sharing it with us."
—Health Center, Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska

"Focus on Living was a great way for the students to personalize HIV/AIDS and really understand how serious it is. The message that 'HIV does not discriminate' is blatantly obvious with this exhibit. As students would
walk into the room where the exhibit was displayed, they would stop talking. It was that powerful. The message of the exhibit resonated with the students which is necessary for behavior change."
—Wellness Education Coordinator, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"The exhibit was a big hit! Every time I passed it, several attendees were reading the bios and looking at the pictures. We'd love to bring it back to next year's Annual Meeting."
— Susan L. Ainsworth
Director, Member Programs and Services
American College Health Association