An Interview with Dr. Gail Barouh: Long Island’s History with HIV/AID LIAACGailBarouh | Page 2

Island’s only bi-county, comprehensive community service-provider, with the region’s only HIV/AIDS
Hotline.
It would be easy to say there is no bright side to an epidemic that has affected an immeasurable number
of people throughout the world. However, with more than three decades of experience, Dr. Barouh
states that there is a silver lining. First, with intense activism in the early days, people did not tolerate
the amount of time it took to test drugs. Therefore, lifesaving medication was fast-tracked, a big step for
HIV/AIDS, as well as other diseases such as cancer and hepatitis. Additionally, Dr. Barouh believes that
rights for the LGBTQ community would not have reached the progression towards equality of today had
it not been for HIV/AIDS. Prior to the epidemic “people lived in the shadows” but began coming out of
the shadows and into the public eye because they were sick, and caring for loved ones who were sick. As
a result, families and society started to see the LGBTQ population “as real people and a real
community.” In this way, HIV/AIDS gave people the ability to be more themselves and overcome
discrimination.
Since 1986, Dr. Barouh states that she has seen both positive and negative changes in the epidemic, and
in society. She fears young people will fall into the cyclical nature of disease, in that currently the
atmosphere of HIV/AIDS is that “most people think it’s not a problem anymore.” Advances in medication
and technology have been invaluable to those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, extending life expectancy and
calming the panic of the disease. However, that does not make the disease devoid of hardships. Dr.
Barouh reminds us that being on medication for HIV is a lifetime responsibility, and there is an extreme
toll that the disease takes on the body.
Today, LIAAC has become a premier agency in educating the region about inaccuracies surrounding
HIV/AIDS, preventive measures to diminish the spread of HIV/AIDS, as well as other infectious diseases.
As a pioneer for suburban-based service providers, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Dr. Barouh’s expertise
and compassion is irreplaceable. With Dr. Barouh’s guidance, LIAAC navigated a difficult path to success,
and continues to serve as a role model agency of perseverance, diversity, and adaptability both
regionally, and nationally. With unending gratitude, LIAAC wishes Dr. Barouh much happiness and
success in all of her future endeavors.