What uncertainties did the men express about meeting face to face? What about those who did not want to meet?

Question

As an employee of a private, nonprofit HIV/AIDS clinic in a rural North Carolina community, Linda Summerfield’s job was to provide direct services to people with HIV/AIDS as well as to connect them with resources. Aware of their needs, she also respected their need for confidentiality and anonymity in an area where issues surrounding HIV/AIDS were highly charged and prejudice was common. In 1999, Linda was also eager to help six men in her caseload who were struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, and isolation. Aware of their shared needs, she believed in the healing power of group work for such clients. Although initially reluctant, the six men agreed to “meet” via telephone and, despite their apprehension and some technical difficulties, after five weeks all agreed that the experience was helpful. But when meeting via telephone became unworkable, Linda faced decisions over whether and how or where to persuade the men to continue meeting.

Answer 1

After hearing about the advantages of a support group from Linda, the men all remained apprehensive. Meeting face to face meant trusting strangers to protect the anonymity they struggled to maintain. Jason and Darrell were more than apprehensive; they were vehemently opposed to meeting the others face to face. Frank, Kevin, Jeff, and Tim at least asked questions and voiced ”what-if’s.” Linda may have viewed this as a hopeful sign.