Suzie Harrison He risked a lot to...

Suzie Harrison

He risked a lot to try and help other people, ignoring the advice

of his lawyer, family and doctor. Dr. Jeff Vihinen, 41, was a

successful podiatrist in Newport Beach when he decided to become a

spokesperson for HIV Stops With Me.

“My doctor and attorney begged me not to do this,” said Vihinen,

who tested positive for the virus eight years ago. “I’ve treated

4,000 to 5,000 patients in Newport in my 10 years of practice. A few

of them got wind of it and were upset.”

HIV Stops With Me is sponsored by the AIDS Services Foundation of

Orange County and funded by the state Office of AIDS and the federal

Center for Disease Control. It’s a campaign that aims to reduce the

stigma associated with HIV and recognize the power that positive

people can provide in helping to try and end the epidemic.

Vihinen was routinely tested every three months because of his

occupation and responsibility to his own health. In 1995, while he

was getting a routine blood test, Vihinen learned that he had HIV. At

the time, he was in a long-term monogamous relationship with a Danish

man who he said had lied about his status. He later confessed and

eventually died from complications due to AIDS.

“I had such an incredibly difficult five to seven years after

that, to the point of attempted suicide,” Vihinen said. “If I had met

someone like me that could let me know I can go on, it would have

really helped.”

Within four weeks of his results, he found out his partner and his

best friend in San Clemente had tested positive for the virus.

“There is nothing more helpless than watching someone die and

there’s nothing you can do,” Vihinen said.

Vihinen has had a few bouts with HIV but has been doing well the

last 18 months since he made the informed decision to stop taking

medication.

“The side effects were terrible,” Vihinen said. “I still cannot

understand how people think using a condom is a hassle and taking 26

pills a day is not.”

Vihinen was taking 26 pills every day when he stopped taking his

medication.

Being a part of HIV Stops With Me means he is a part of national

advertising campaigns, speaks publicly and is very much visible.

“I realize my involvement brings some attention because I don’t

fit the stereotype,” Vihinen said. “I’m white, middle class and have

lived in Newport Beach. Not a lot of people are endeared by this in

Newport.”

He said it’s received a lot of attention, but that’s all right

with him.

“But if I can get attention, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“Because no matter where or who you are, it has to affect your life

in some way.”

He became aware of the campaign as something unusual and cutting

edge as far as health prevention. Most campaigns aim to reach people

with a message not to get it.

“This is aimed at people who are HIV positive and gives the

message that they can do something for themselves and other people

trying to get a handle on this epidemic,” Vihinen said.

He explained that it was important for him to say that AIDS and

HIV are still around and that lives are permanently affected by it.

“It’s not fashionable or trendy to talk about it,” Vihinen said.

“But one person every seven to 10 seconds is infected in the world.”

Half the infections today are women and people under 25, and he

said that they are the ones who need to hear it.

“Younger kids don’t take it seriously,” Vihinen said. “They equate

it on the same level as diabetes.”

Some people he knows have had HIV for more than 18 years. But he is getting used to thinking, when he sees some infected people, that

they aren’t going to be around much longer.

“I wonder if anyone is paying attention,” he said. “I want to say,

‘Can you hear me now?’”

According to Vihinen, California is $18 million short with its

AIDS Drug Assisting Policy funding, a federal program for people who

need medicine. Federally, it climbs to being $162 million under

budget.

“If you’re dying, it’s too bad; it means being on a waiting list,”

Vihinen said. “So if you’re on the wrong part of the list, you die.”

He said he’s always been fortunate and has had the support of

family and friends. Though telling someone about being positive is no

easy task, it is crucial.

“The feeling of keeping it closeted, the issue of disclosure is

such a difficult thing,” Vihinen said.