This is James, the Mobile Medical Unit Manager for Nashville CARES.  One day, I asked him why he came to work at Nashville CARES and wanted to be a part of Nashville CARES’s DART Syringe Services Program.  This is James’s story.

James was raised in the landlocked state of Missouri, nestled on the fringes of the Bible Belt, in the heart of rural Midwest America. As the son of a preacher man, James grew up immersed in the participatory culture of the Pentecostal church. Surrounded by worshipers speaking in tongues and bearing witness to miraculous signs of God’s presence.

As a shy and awkward kid, he endured bullying at school from his peers. Yet, where James lacked in self-esteem, he compensated with a strong sense of responsibility. At the tender age of fourteen, he embarked on full-time work, forging connections with an older group of friends who introduced him to the world of alcohol.

For James, alcohol became both an escape and a catalyst for transformation. Shedding his inhibitions, he blossomed into the life of the party, embracing a newfound sense of confidence. Amidst this journey of self-discovery, James grappled with his sexuality, navigating a path fraught with uncertainty. While he recognized his attraction to men, he hesitated to label himself, seeking solace in the acceptance of his older friends.

Yet, the sanctuary of his life outside school was marred by the harsh reality of prejudice within its walls. Taunted by hurtful slurs, James attempted to deflect attention by dating girls, but these relationships proved hollow and unfulfilling. As he delved deeper into the world of underage drinking, James found himself ensnared in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, escalating to the experimentation of various drugs.

In the stifling atmosphere of the Pentecostal church, James struggled with his sexuality, feeling unloved and unsupported. Despite masking his pain, he faced severe inner turmoil, attempting suicide three times by graduation. Fleeing to Nashville only brought his struggles with him, highlighting the depth of his internal conflict.

The turning point came when James found himself on the brink of oblivion, grappling with addiction and facing the specter of death. Hospitalized and diagnosed with AIDS, he confronted the stark reality of his mortality. Yet, in the midst of despair, James discovered a glimmer of hope. Buoyed by medical breakthroughs in HIV treatment, he defied the odds, emerging from the brink of death with a newfound appreciation for life.

Determined to chart a new course, James resolved to break free from the grip of addiction. Returning to Nashville, he embarked on a journey of redemption, channeling his energy into volunteer work with Nashville CARES. Over the years, James has become a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction and living with HIV, leveraging his own experiences to inspire others on their path to recovery.

Today, James stands at the forefront of CARES’s Mobile Medical Unit and Drug Awareness Response Team, leading the charge against substance use while championing the fight against HIV and Hepatitis C. With boundless compassion and unwavering dedication, he tirelessly serves his community, extending a hand of support, empathy, and love to those in need.

James’s journey is a poignant reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Through his unwavering advocacy and unyielding determination, he embodies the very essence of hope, strength, and positivity. His story illuminates the path toward healing and serves as a beacon of inspiration for all who encounter it. In his actions, James offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of compassion, proving that even in the face of adversity, love and kindness have the power to change lives.