Help My Mom Reach Her $1,000 Goal for #AIDS Walk Colorado

Donate to my mom's #AIDS Walk Colorado Team! Help "Team Hazel" reach their goal of $1,000 for #HIV/AIDS research. 

Any amount helps, please click here to donate: http://shar.es/NiVgd

Please join her team and share this link with your social network to help my mom exceed her goal! 

Save Lives Donate to the Shanti Uganda Society #GlobalTeamof200

The Shanti Uganda Society improves infant and maternal health, provides safe women-centered care and supports the well-being of birthing mothers and women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

In 2012 Shanti Uganda has assisted in bringing 113 new lives into the world safely and peacefully, tested over 400 mothers and partners for HIV and other STIs, provided 1000 antenatal care appointments and run a weekly infant immunization and family planning program. Now they need to expand their services to meet the increasing needs of the community.

Visit here to find out more information: http://shantiuganda.org/opportunities-to-give

AID Atlanta, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run

AID Atlanta, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run is the largest AIDS-related fundraising event in the Southeastern United States. 

Now commemorating 22 years of walking and running, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run continues to raise much needed funds for AIDS Service Organizations throughout the metro-Atlanta area. These organizations provide essential programs and services for men, women, and children who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

With the support and dedication of teams and corporate sponsors, AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run raised $1,000,000 during its 2011 campaign!

AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run 2012 will be held on Sunday, October 21st in Piedmont Park.

To register as a Walker, Runner, Virtual Walker or Volunteer, and to make donations, visit www.aidswalkatlanta.com.

EVERY LIFE DESERVES HOPE!

Get Your Tickets Now! 2012 Runway Red Celebrity Kids Fashion Show!

Get Your Tickets Now!

 

The 2012 Runway Red Celebrity Kids Fashion Show is sweeping through Atlanta! Join us as our favorite celebrity kids strut their stuff for a cause! Come witness the children of : TI, DJ Drama, Evander Holyfield, Lil' Duval, Cynthia Bailey, Lyfe Jennings, and more! Purchase your tickets for a great show and a big surprise from Real Housewives of Atlanta Star, Cynthia Bailey and the Bailey Agency School of Fashion !

  

Cynthia Bailey Will Announce To The World Her Premiere Client....

               

You Don't Wanna Miss This!

Date: SATURDAY, August 11,2012

Time: Red Carpet & VIP Reception 7pm - 8:00pm
Runway RED Fashion Gala 8:15pm - 9:15pm

What: An unprecedented charity fashion show benefiting youth affected / infected by HIV/AIDS. The show will feature an impressive lineup of established, as well as emerging children's designers and their original collections.

Celebrity Kids: TI, DJ Drama, Evander Holyfield, Lil' Duval, Cynthia Bailey, Lyfe Jennings, and more!

Location: Historic Zoo Atlanta. 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E. Atlanta, GA. 30315

Purchase Tickets: www.2012runwayredatl.

eventbrite.com

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day - February 7

This week I had the opportunity to attend the "Testing Makes Us Stronger" launch event, held at the Auburn Research Library, located in downtown Atlanta. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Fulton County Health Department launched this new $45 million dollar initiative to bring more awareness to the Black HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States

Special guests at the event included Kevin Fenton, M.D., Ph.D., FFPH, Director of the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) and Patrice Harris, M.D., Director of Fulton County Health Services.

As a community activist, and parent of two young African American boys, I like to broaden my knowledge and understanding of key issues that are affecting society as a whole, and particularly the African American community. After the event, I sat down and spoke with Monica Ponder, public health professional, social entrepreneur and freelance health writer to discuss the importance about getting the word out about this new initiative and to learn more about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

(Q): Can you tell me a little bit more about National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day?

(A): February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). The theme for this observance day is, “I Am My Brother/Sister’s Keeper: Fight HIV/AIDS!” – which holds much significance as we reflect on opportunities to bring an end to the spread of HIV in the United States. African Americans continue to bear the greatest burden of HIV in the nation.

While we have more reason than ever to be hopeful in the fight against HIV, we have a lot to do. African Americans make up just 14 percent of the population and accounted for 44 percent of all new infections in 2009

(Q): How startling are the HIV/AIDS statistics in the African American community?

(A): Since the start of the epidemic, nearly a quarter of a million African Americans with AIDS have died. In 2009:

• Black women accounted for 30 percent of the estimated new HIV infections among all blacks. The estimated rate of new HIV infections for black women was more than 15 times as high as the rate for white women, and more than three times as high as that of Latina women.
• Black men accounted for 70 percent of the estimated new infections among all blacks. The estimated rate of new HIV infection for black men was more than six and a half times as high as that of white men, and more than two and a half times as high as that of Latino men or black women.
• Black men who have sex with men (MSM) represented an estimated 73 percent of new infections among all black men, and 37 percent among all MSM.

(Q): What prevents people from getting tested?

(A): We cannot afford to lose a single life and we cannot allow this epidemic to continue. While we each have a personal responsibility to protect our own health, we must also tackle the root causes of HIV in black communities. We know that if one does not have access to health care, he/she may not get an HIV test or treatment. HIV rates are associated with geographic residency, poverty, education, employment, and homelessness.

Further, higher rates of incarceration among African Americans have led to imbalanced ratios of men-to-women in black communities, which can help fuel the spread of HIV. Additionally, higher levels of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among African Americans may also place individuals at higher risk for contracting HIV. Lastly, stigma and homophobia, which are far too prevalent in all communities, continue to prevent many African Americans from seeking testing, treatment or support.

(Q): How do we become each other’s keeper?

(A): It is important that we talk openly about HIV in our communities, with our partners, peers and families. HIV is entirely preventable and it is important to know that if you are sexually active, you are at risk for contracting HIV. Abstaining from sex, mutual monogamy, routine condom use, HIV testing, and treatment are key to prevent or reduce the spread of HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages persons with increased risk for HIV to get tested annually. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, seek treatment early and remain on treatment in order to prolong life and to reduce transmission.

More information on national and local NBHAAD events can be found at www.nationalblackaidsday.org.

To learn more about how you can get involved in the fight against HIV, please join www.actagainstaids.org.

To find a testing location nearest you, please visit www.hivtest.org.

Monica Ponder is an experienced public health professional, social entrepenuer and freelance health writer. Specializing in designing effective health communications for local and national nonprofits and civic organizations, Monica is the principle consultant for MLP Communications. MLP Communications is an emerging leader of health communications in metro-Atlanta, with an impressive portfolio of events, successful partnerships and campaigns – including numerous public services announcements, Atlanta’s First Family Fitness Challenge (May 2011), establishing lactation rooms in public places for breastfeeding mothers through its Table for Two campaign (August 2011), and engaging one of the communities hardest hit by the HIV epidemic through the Atlanta is Greater Than AIDS campaign (June 2011).

To follow health news and issues that are relevant to your community, or to find ways to support health events in your community, please visit www.freecondomsandlollipops.com.

Sojourner Marable Grimmett is an Atlanta-based author who is recognized for writing about the joys and challenges of being a “stay-at-work” mom and connects with moms, both new and experienced, who have the responsibility of raising a family and maintaining a full-time job. Sojourner has been featured in FitPregnancy, iVillage, MacaroniKid.com, BlackCelebKids.com, MyAtlantaMoms.com, WhatToExpect.com, BlackandMarriedwithKids.com, Fox News, and CNN. She is married to her college sweetheart, Roland and they have two young sons, Roland Jay and Joshua. Visit her blog sojournermarablegrimmett.blogspot.com follow her on twitter and like her on Facebook. Also join her new campaign to support establishing lactation rooms in public places www.supporttablefortwo.org.

Images: Testing Makes Us Stronger Campaign Resources

Published

Real Talk, Real Solutions to Unmasking the Truth on HIV/AIDS & STD's in the Black Community

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.

###

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

Free HIV Testing at Select Walgreens

In partnership with Greater Than AIDS and National HIV Testing Month, Walgreens is proud to offer FREE HIV testing at select Walgreens pharmacies on June 22-24 from 3-7PM.

Check out the list of participating stores in Georgia below. Don't live in Georgia? That's OK. Go to hivtest.org to find an HIV testing center location near you!

In partnerships with the Georgia Department of Community Health:

WALGREENS
5320 MEMORIAL DR
(northeast corner of Rays & Memorial)
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA  30083
(404) 508-7166

WALGREENS
7530 ROSWELL RD.     
(northwest corner of Roswell & Trowbridge)
ATLANTA, GA  30350
(678) 731-9235

WALGREENS
6665 HIGHWAY 85       
(northwest corner of State Road 85 & Main)
RIVERDALE, GA  30274
(770) 907-6934

WALGREENS
2945 PANOLA ROAD
(northwest corner of Panola & Minola)
LITHONIA, GA  30038
(770) 322-8486

WALGREENS
2675 N DECATUR RD   
(inside DeKalb Medical Center)
DECATUR, GA  30033
(404) 299-5411

Also, plan to attend the HIV/AIDS & STD Community Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 1-3PM, located at 100 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, GA.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.greaterthan.org.

Talking about the Birds and the Bees

 

When do you talk about the Birds and the Bees with your kids?  Our oldest son is almost 4 years old and is very aware that girls and boys have different body parts. Yesterday, while brushing his teeth with Daddy in the bathroom he asked, "Daddy, where do you come from?"  I paused from fixing the corner of the bed sheets and looked toward the bathroom door, my ears were burning from trying to hear the response.  Daddy responded, "from Grammy."  

Our oldest son, remembers when his younger brother was in "Mommy's belly."  I'm sure he also has flashbacks of the waiting room at Emory University Hospital, when I was pacing up and down the hallway, holding my back, and rocking back and forth from contractions.  There’s also a chance that he doesn’t remember. 

I recall talking to my mom briefly about sex.  I was too embarrassed and politely brushed her off when she tried to engage me in the "Sex Talk."  My mom pulled out the great colorful children's book, written by Peter Mayle, Where Do I Come From?  We even had the "African American edition."  The pudgy couple looked like "Meet the Browns."  The cartoon images of a man and woman were nicely illustrated on the various semi-glossy pages.  As children, we thought we were looking at a scandalous X-rated magazine, though it did do a good job describing what "goes down" when couples “get together." 

A recent survey by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), found that 93% of adults support sex education in high school and 84% support it in junior high school.  Come to think of it, I vaguely remember my twin and I taking a sex ed class, either in junior high or high school.  Sex education in schools is a hot topic that has Congress up in arms.  Personally, I'd prefer my sons learn about sex education at home and in school.  This would have a double impact on them.

In these times, you have to direct the conversation past the Birds and the Bees with children.  STDs and HIV/AIDS should be addressed at some point.  Surprisingly, you don't hear too much about those topics in the mainstream media anymore.  The signs about the startling statistics of African Americans and AIDS around West End are gone or peeling away.  It's like the four-letter word has been forgotten.  A study by the CDC found that Blacks/African Americans accounted for the majority of the estimated number of AIDS diagnoses made during 2007, followed by Whites and Hispanic/Latinos.  The South has the highest percentage of new HIV rates in the country.

If parents talk more openly about STDs and HIV/AIDS with their children, then they would further abstain from unprotected sex.  Granted, our boys are young, but I can imagine showing children images of what my mom called in her childhood, "VD."  That would definitely keep their britches on tight.

I don't know a good age to talk to kids about sex.  When do you bring it up?  Do you wait for them?  We know the consequences if you wait too late?  Try the show on MTV, "Teen Mom."  I'm going to do my best to have an open dialogue about sex education with our kids.  It may be uncomfortable for both parties, but risk factors and safer sex behaviors should be openly discussed.

CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Supplemental Report: Cases of HIV Infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependant Areas, by Race/Ethnicity, 2003—2007. Volume 14, Number 2.

Published on MyAtlantaMoms.com.