After watching my best friend Randy Jones die in 1989, I found myself at a loss. I felt the need to do something but was unsure what “that” was. I remember the hospital being the hardest place for Randy. The hospital was the hardest place for a lot of people living with HIV/AIDS. Many were left there alone, to die with no-one to visit them, no-one to just sit with them, no-one to be there when they needed someone the most. I talked with the nursing staff to see what they thought, could I make a difference by just being there? The response was an overwhelming “yes”! That is when I started my visitation to the hospital. From that experience I learned the importance of living and dying. I saw how important it was to be honest and not play games with people. I learned what an amazing process death is and I saw how one’s attitude could affect your health and body. I saw men being incredibly courageous in spite of being abandoned by their family and friends.

In the fall of 1991 I started working with a local church, First MCC as their AIDS Ministry Coordinator. That turned into Care Coordination Team (CCT) which has evolved into Positive Directions. Somewhere along the way I began providing educational programs at the correctional facility in Hutchinson, KS as well as with the American Red Cross. That all seems like a lifetime ago and the details have become fuzzy. So much has happened and it all runs together. However if I had to do it all over again, I absolutely would. There have been so many people who have helped make this organization the success it is today, countless volunteers, dedicated board members and devoted staff. All have been so instrumental in helping to meet the needs of our clients on an ongoing basis. I always say our success is due to the flexibility we have to meet the changing needs of our clients and I truly believe we are here today because of that flexibility.

Cody Patton
Executive Director
Positive Directions Inc.