National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. - Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter
The Conversation: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You National HIV/AIDS Testing Day Town Hall Meeting
Atlanta, June 10, 2011—The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc - Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter (NCBW-MAC) will host a community town hall meeting and offer free onsite HIV & STD testing in recognition of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. The event, “The Conversation: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You,” will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 1p.m. at the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Herndon Plaza, 100 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, Georgia.
This forum will leverage the collective resources of leaders in the community by integrating a strong public health message on HIV/AIDS & STD awareness and prevention. Through the collaborative sponsorship of NCBW-MAC, Atlanta Life Insurance Company, SisterLove, Inc., Georgia Department of Community Health and MLP Communications, this event will seek to unmask the truth on HIV/AIDS & STD’s in the Black Community through an empowering panel discussion with audience participation, free onsite testing and other resources.
The reality is that the rate of STDs is continuously higher in African Americans than any other
race/ethnicity in the USi. According to a recent report from the CDC, HIV prevalence rates among African Americans were approximately eight times the rate among whites. Georgia’s HIV/AIDS Reporting System (eHARS), reports that 78% of HIV (not-AIDS) cases diagnosed in 2008 were among African Americans, who make up only 30% of Georgia’s population. Even further, metro Atlanta has 64% of all AIDS cases in Georgia. We encourage event participants to share their voice and to take a stand - Atlanta is Greater Than AIDS.
The town hall meeting will provide a forum for Atlanta locals to hear community leaders discuss
the related issues, get answers to questions, and learn about options for prevention and protection. Topics covered will include prevention, treatment options, stigma, sexual health for families, the alarming rates of HIV/AIDS and STDs from diagnosis to deaths, healthy relationship dynamics and more. The event will offer real talk and practical solutions to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS and STDs.
National HIV/AIDS Testing Day Event
The panelists will include community leaders from various fields such as medical experts, HIV/AIDS activists, clergy, celebrities and relationship experts. The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter and Atlanta Life Insurance Company will be hosting the event in partnership with Sister Love, Inc., Georgia Department of Community Health, and MLP Communications, Inc. The town hall discussion and testing event will take place June 25, 2011; National HIV/AIDS Testing Day is June 27, 2011. June 2011 marks the 30th anniversary since the first cases of HIV were reported. This event supports national commemoration activities.
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MLP Communications is an Atlanta-based health event planning and public relations firm. We help companies launch, grow, and reinvent their health brands through good, old-fashioned storytelling and innovative use of social media. MLP Communications specializes in developing health campaigns and events that are effective, targeted, and impactful.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women is an advocacy organization built to empower African- American women through greater access to education, political strength, business opportunities and civic responsibility. Each member embraces the value of nurturing young women as they look toward a brighter future.
SisterLove, Inc. is an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission to eradicate the adverse impact of HIV/AIDS and other reproductive health challenges upon women and their families through education, prevention, support and human rights advocacy in the United States and around the world. The Atlanta Life Insurance Company, the flagship of Atlanta Life Financial Group, is comprised of Group Reinsurance and Atlanta Life General Agency. Atlanta Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, Atlanta Life General Agency provides insurance products to businesses and individuals.
The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) was created in 1999 to serve as the lead agency for health care planning and purchasing issues in Georgia. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI know this response in about 3 months late, but I just saw it and wanted to respond. HIV/AIDS is as we all know a real disease affecting many different people. I don't think it's the fact that the AA community is unaware of the epidemic; I believe it's the fact the AA community, as a whole, is afriad to face AIDS. There are too many avenues being used to educate the public - health clinics, doctor's offices with pamphlets handy, TV commercials, events such as the one you were a part of in Atlanta, billboards, the internet. I know for me personally, I've been tested for HIV/AIDS at least 5 times since the age of 20. And only by God's grace did I not contract the virus; however, I know that it's not a nasty person's disease. It's not a gay man's disease. It's a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another and usually if we are not careful and communicative. So, if I may answer the question 'How can we overcome AIDS?' PUT OUR FEARS UNDER OUR FEET AND TALK OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT THIS IN A LOVING MANNER. If we choose to get involved with someone sexually, be a big boy or girl and talk about all of this stuff - including other STDs. If we are willing to open ourselves up sexually, then e have to take some responsibility and be comfortable with our choices. I know for me personally, I have always been fearful of talking about these things with my (former) partners. Because I didn't want to run them away. But I know now that the one who wants to love me, will not run away, but become educated with me so that we can connect on all levels. I'm single at the moment, but I know when that time comes, it won't be easy. But it'll be worth everything because love does cast out fear.
Stefanie - Thank you so much for commenting on this post! I appreciate your courage to share your personal story.
ReplyDelete