Christopher Hetzer, MSN, RN, ACRN (He/Him)

Program Manager of Infectious Disease Investigation, Columbus Public Health

TikTok: @freakbetweenthesheets

Years as an ANAC member: 2

Member, Ohio ANAC Chapter

Member, Awards Committee

Co-chair, Chapters Committee

What does National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) mean to you?

NGMHAAD is a day to remind us that we've still got work to do! It is a chance for us to amplify our voices and raise awareness around HIV/AIDS. This day gives us the ability to reach folks and break down the lethal stigmas. The observance of NGMHAAD offers an opportunity for us to empower people to get tested, learn about prevention, and seek treatment for HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men. This group of people face challenges of racism, homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, and prejudice. This day gives representation and visibility to a community who have been failed by typical healthcare and political settings.

Why did you join the fight to end HIV/AIDS?

This September, I am 10 years free from meth and being positively Undetectable! In my personal rock bottom, I lost literally everything… everything; but my two dogs, car, and nursing license. This was one of the darkest and loneliest times of my life. I do not want anyone to feel that stigma, shame, guilt, and hopelessness. I have joined the fight to end HIV/ AIDS because I understand the stigma surrounding this virus. (One of my catch phrases is that the stigma is much more deadly than the virus.) After the Harris/Trump debate, we heard JD Vance literally blame the Haitian immigrants in my home state for the “skyrocketed” communicable diseases like HIV. My personal experience in life has defined my purpose in nursing and that is to break down barriers so folks can get adequate testing and treatment to live long, health, and happy lives.

What’s your favorite aspect of ANAC membership?

Being an “honorary” Palm Spring Chapter member of course! Just messing around! I love that I have been able to create friendships all over the country.

Who inspires you?

T.K. inspires me! In my first year of nursing, I assumed care of T.K. He was my first patient with full blown AIDS. Please read my very moving article in Positively Aware: Reaching T.K. I have also found inspiration in finding unique ways to bring awareness around HIV and sexual health through writing, TikTok, Podcasts, T.V. interviews or panel discussions. If anyone has a connection, I would love the opportunity!