6 Feb, 2013

Two Youth-Focused Groups Leading the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in the Black Community

By |2021-08-19T18:02:59-04:00February 6th, 2013|Categories: Equity & Justice|Tags: , |0 Comments

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(Pictured: Members of WE SPEAK, a program of Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition. Kymsha Henry (bottom left) is the Co-Director of YWCHAC, and Claire Simon (middle) is the chair of the YWCHAC steering committee) 

February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), a national effort to encourage more HIV testing in the Black community, education about how HIV is spread, and advocacy around developing sound  interventions that encourage more Blacks to get tested for HIV. National organizations, researchers, academic institutions, and local social service programs continue to provide more ways to encourage the Black community to not only get tested for HIV, but to also become more knowledgeable about ways to reduce HIV transmission, and where to go for treatment if one receives a positive test for HIV.

The biggest focus of NBHAAD is on testing. In many communities, along with the Black community, we often see individuals get tested, via blood testing or through testing the saliva using rapid tests like Oral Quick. While testing is always a bigger component to preventing the spread of HIV, it’s nothing if it’s not paired with education (including how the virus is spread as well as how it’s not spread, when someone as an AIDS diagnosis, and universal precautions to prevent infection) that empowers others to get tested, decrease the stigma of getting testing, and seeking treatment.

Many of these efforts are being led by young people, and especially young women of color, who care enough about their communities to make sure that their peers do not fall victim to HIV/AIDS. Through creative workshops, campus and community advocacy, social media, and entertainment, many young people are becoming the face of HIV activism.

Here are two youth-focused groups that hold a special place in my heart and are changing the way we look at HIV activism. Learn more about their effect in their communities and school campuses, and find out how you can support their efforts: (more…)

5 Mar, 2012

Guest Post- HIV 101: Killing the Stigma Behind the Disease

By |2021-08-19T17:42:19-04:00March 5th, 2012|Categories: Public Health & Social Work|Tags: , |0 Comments

March 10th  is National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and this week, I’m bringing you a guest post by novelist Diamond Cartel, speaking directly to young girls.

“Writing is not only my passion; it’s my purpose.”  That is clearly evident in every novel, short story, article, and literary work produced by Diamond Cartel. Since the age of eight, writing has been a way for her to express what she’s feeling, thinking, and experiencing in life. With three novels, a compilation, and a motivational book all under her belt, Diamond utilizes her passion for words to tell a story to the hearts, minds, and spirits of everyone she comes in contact with. Adding her own twist to traditional storytelling, Diamond doesn’t just write to entertain, but also to empower and encourage. That is why she is the self-professed “novelist like no other.”

Outside her role as a novelist, Diamond also doubles as The Motivational Rockstarr. Under this persona, her goal is to motivate, inspire, and teach others the fundamentals of being successful and following your passion. Everyone has an artist within them. No matter if you’re a writer, painter, photographer, or entrepreneur The Motivational Rockstarr has something to fuel your drive, give you clarity, and provide you with the tools you need to progress along your path.

Diamond loves to simply live and experience life. An avid explorer, she loves to travel. No distance is too great or too small for exploring. She also loves to spend quality time with her children, get lost in a night of music and dancing, and make others laugh like there’s no tomorrow. Diamond truly lives to love and loves to live.

Keep in touch with Diamond by following her on Twitter, watching her motivational videos on YouTube, and checking out her Facebook page!

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Quick: What do you know about HIV and AIDS?

The look of confusion on your face says it all. Chances are you rattled off some myths that have been circling about the disease since it was discovered in the United States in 1981. Lack of information and inaccurate information are the breeding grounds which cause the virus to multiply and spread like wildfire. It’s time to seize some of these myths and put an end to the countless number of stigmas surrounding HIV and AIDS.

  • There are only three proven methods to which you can contract HIV and AIDS. They are through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of needles, syringes, or rinse water with an infected person, or from an infected mother to her unborn child. You cannot get it from kissing, physical contact (hugging, shaking hands, etc.), drinking after an infected person, breathing the same air, or from bodily fluids such as saliva, tears, or sweat.
  • You can’t tell if someone is infected by looking at them. There is no “look” solely dedicated to a person infected with HIV. You can’t tell the difference between a healthy person versus an infected person solely based on their appearance.
  • A positive diagnosis is NOT a death sentence! With the advances made in medical technology, people infected with HIV are living longer, healthier, more active lives than ever before.
  • HIV is not a “gay man’s disease.” The rumor that HIV was a disease for “gay people” has been dispelled years ago. While the rates among homosexual males are higher, they are by no means isolated to the gay community.
  • HIV is not a punishment from God. This was the predominant thinking of people in the 80’s and early 90’s. While it’s not as common today, some people still have this mentality. Despite all of the progress that has been made with HIV, in the minds of some it will always be classified as a “punishment from God.”

(more…)

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