Although the title “Great Expressions” Dental Centers may seem like a very inviting establishment, the unbelievably inhumane actions performed on HIV+ employee James White by former colleagues speak to quite the contrary.
White, 26, was diagnosed with HIV after roughly 6 months as a Great Expressions employee in Detroit, Michigan. As soon as he was diagnosed, White wanted to assure his health by making various appointments and visits, thus forcing him to take several days off from his job. When confronted by his office manager, White shared his HIV+ status, thus starting a whirlwind of emotional and mental torture that was to ensue for the following seven months.
After White’s office manager became aware of his HIV+ status, he quickly spread word to Great Expressions’ Regional Director, who refused to acknowledge the difference between an HIV and AIDS diagnosis, and furthermore, spread the information about White’s status to the entire staff.
After months of being followed around with cans of Lysol, banned from touching doorknobs, and enduring endless taunts and criticisms that “degraded [him] as a person,” White was hospitalized with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. He is currently fighting against the actions of Great Expressions in the court of law.
Want to make a difference in this case? You can sign this petition heralded by Change.org, make your voice heard, and ensure the future health and safety of James White, and many other HIV+ individuals who are exposed to this unwarranted, ridiculous behavior on a daily basis.
Information for this article was provided by Change.org and POZ Magazine.
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