HEALTHY LIVING WITH HIV
U=U & Why Stigma Persists
The Conversation
Karl sits down with civil rights leader and activist Cecilia Chung and Aaron Laxton, Executive Director of Assisted Recovery Centers of America, to talk U=U, why stigma still shows up in everyday life, and what it really takes to thrive.
People
Cecilia Chung
Aaron Laxton
Executive Director, Social Science Researcher, PhD, Assisted Recovery Centers of America, LLC
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and seasoned healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience, Aaron currently serve as Executive Director at Assisted Recovery Centers of America. In this role, Aaron focuses on expanding access to evidence-based integrated behavioral health services, addressing critical barriers within healthcare systems, and driving systems-level change to improve patient outcomes. His professional and academic pursuits are centered on addiction treatment, mental health, and social science research. With a robust foundation in clinical practice and organizational leadership, Aaron is committed to exploring the cognitive and psychological factors, such as anxiety, impulsivity, and rumination, that influence recovery. Aaron completed his PhD in Social Work at Saint Louis University, where his research examined the intersections of cognitive processes and anxiety in substance use disorder populations.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and seasoned healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience, Aaron currently serve as Executive Director at Assisted Recovery Centers of America. In this role, Aaron focuses on expanding access to evidence-based integrated behavioral health services, addressing critical barriers within healthcare systems, and driving systems-level change to improve patient outcomes. His professional and academic pursuits are centered on addiction treatment, mental health, and social science research. With a robust foundation in clinical practice and organizational leadership, Aaron is committed to exploring the cognitive and psychological factors, such as anxiety, impulsivity, and rumination, that influence recovery. Aaron completed his PhD in Social Work at Saint Louis University, where his research examined the intersections of cognitive processes and anxiety in substance use disorder populations.
Quotes
“It's not just about a viral load. It's really about overall quality of life and moving from simply surviving to thriving.”
“You know, to me, thriving means that, you know, I don't have to, like, think so much about being helpless and have something to look forward to.”
Transcript (English - AI Prepared)
Quotes
“It's not just about a viral load. It's really about overall quality of life and moving from simply surviving to thriving.”
“You know, to me, thriving means that, you know, I don't have to, like, think so much about being helpless and have something to look forward to.”