Bell explains that infection with HIV is not the same as AIDS, but that new medicines are transforming HIV infection from a possible death sentence when it transforms into AIDS into a chronic and manageable disease. An interpreter enters the room and Bell goes through the informed consent process, making sure to answer Felix's questions. Before Felix leaves, Bell explains when he should follow up to get his HIV test results and hands him a bottle containing four antibiotic pills, which he is to take all at once. Bell spent about 30 minutes with his patient. As a result of this outreach, the clinic will serve 2,000 young men this year, up from 1,200 about a year ago.
Patients pay on a sliding scale.
Armstrong will not turn away people who can't pay or have no insurance, so money is always tight. This shows in the reception area, where Rodrigue has been waiting for three hours to see a doctor. He says he doesn't mind, though. If you don't take care of yourself, anything can happen. Rodrigue says the neighborhood needs a clinic like this.