At New Horizons in Columbus, more and more people are coming to see Gigi Robinson for HCV testing. Word is out that if they test positive for HCV, they will be treated quickly. “When the results come back from the lab, I can get them into treatment immediately and the application for their medication is submitted the same day. The provider and I work together – three months after an individual completes treatment, they send them back to me to re-test for sustained virologic response (SVR).”

Networking is an important ingredient in Gigi’s secret sauce. She gives out her card to representatives of providers at community events like health fairs, promoting her HCV and HIV screening and referral services. She invites them to send clients to her and offers to come to their area to provide testing. Each month, Gigi provides testing to a growing list of partners including Tree of Life, Valley Healthcare, Piedmont Hospital, and Safe House.

Another ingredient is something Gigi brings to every encounter with a client. “A lot of individuals tell me that they get the runaround when they go elsewhere. I think they feel comfortable talking to me because I listen to what they're saying. I’m available to whatever comes my way.”

At the same time, Gigi is committed to self-care. “I take care of myself first: I make sure I get enough rest. I eat well. Before I meet with an individual, I take a deep breath and leave whatever I need to behind. Believe it or not, when you’re preoccupied, the people you serve can feel that. They feel the energy. They worry that they’re not getting what they need. And in that moment they may decide that they don’t trust you.

A final ingredient from the family recipe: “My mom used to always tell me to treat people the way I want to be treated. I treat people as though they are family because, the way I look at things, in life we are all one.”