3.29.2009

HIV Working Group to Meet April 22nd

The next meeting of The DC Center's HIV Working Group takes place Wednesday April 22nd at 7:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th St NW Suite 350. The HIV Working Group focuses on HIV prevention for gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) men in the District of Columbia.

Currently the HIV Working Group has two committees. The Safer Sex Packet committee, which meets on March 30th, is working on marketing and packaging for a new safer sex packet distribution program. The New Media and Technology committee, which meets next on April 1st, is exploring new media approaches to HIV prevention and outreach.

To find out more about these meetings or the HIV Working Group in general, contact Dan O'Neil.

3.26.2009

Advocates for Youth launching a Young Men’s Project

Advocates for Youth is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a community-based, minority, youth-serving organization in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Advocates for Youth is a national organization dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates provides information, training, and strategic assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists, and the media in the United States and in developing countries.

Half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur in young people under age 25. Moreover, rates of HIV infection are disproportionately high among youth of color. To prevent HIV infection among young heterosexual men of color, Advocates for Youth is launching a Young Men’s Project. Advocates seeks to build the capacity of a local organization interested in and committed to improving the sexual health of young heterosexual men of color.

Through the Young Men’s Project, your organization may receive culturally relevant publications and materials on adolescent sexual health programming, strategic technical assistance and training, and a seed grant in the amount of $8,000 to implement an HIV prevention project for young heterosexual men of color, 13 to 24 years old.

Please see the attached materials for more information about this opportunity, including criteria for selection. The application form and/or proposal are due by March 23, 2009. Please mail or fax applications to Trina Scott, Program Manager, Advocates for Youth, 2000 M Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 419-1448.

Working together, we believe that we can strengthen efforts to prevent HIV infection among young heterosexual men of color. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your organization to broaden and increase the positive impact we ALL can achieve in the lives of young men. If you need further information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 419-3420.

Trina Scott
Program Manager, Young Women of Color Initiative
Advocates For Youth
(202) 419-3420 ex 17
www.advocatesforyouth.org
www.mysistahs.org

Stigma Reduction Work Shop Saturday, March 28

The Ethiopian Community Center, Inc. along with the DC Department of Health is organizing a Stigma Reduction Workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 8:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Ethiopian Community Center, 7603 Georgia Avenue, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20012.

The theme of the workshop is "Creating Better Understanding within the African Immigrant Community in regards to HIV/AIDS". It will focus on identifying the different roots, causes and forms of stigma and clarify misunderstandings about HIV/AIDS.

Due to limited space, please RSVP your participation by
March 23, 2009.
Contact Person: Woubedle Alemayehu Tel:
202.726.0800| Email: eth@prodigy. net
(Please include full name, telephone, email).

Refreshments will be served.

Thank you

Woubedle Alemayehu
HIV Program Coordinator
Ethiopian Community Center, Inc.
7603 Georgia Ave., NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC, 20012
Tel:
(202).726. 0800

Advocates for Youth launching a Young Men’s Project

Advocates for Youth is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a community-based, minority, youth-serving organization in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Advocates for Youth is a national organization dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates provides information, training, and strategic assistance to youth-serving organizations, policy makers, youth activists, and the media in the United States and in developing countries.

Half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur in young people under age 25. Moreover, rates of HIV infection are disproportionately high among youth of color. To prevent HIV infection among young heterosexual men of color, Advocates for Youth is launching a Young Men’s Project. Advocates seeks to build the capacity of a local organization interested in and committed to improving the sexual health of young heterosexual men of color.

Through the Young Men’s Project, your organization may receive culturally relevant publications and materials on adolescent sexual health programming, strategic technical assistance and training, and a seed grant in the amount of $8,000 to implement an HIV prevention project for young heterosexual men of color, 13 to 24 years old.

Please see the attached materials for more information about this opportunity, including criteria for selection. The application form and/or proposal are due by March 23, 2009. Please mail or fax applications to Trina Scott, Program Manager, Advocates for Youth, 2000 M Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 419-1448.

Working together, we believe that we can strengthen efforts to prevent HIV infection among young heterosexual men of color. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your organization to broaden and increase the positive impact we ALL can achieve in the lives of young men. If you need further information or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 419-3420.

Trina Scott
Program Manager, Young Women of Color Initiative
Advocates For Youth
(202) 419-3420 ex 17
www.advocatesforyouth.org
www.mysistahs.org

3.20.2009

Free Training: Working with At-Risk Youth

Free Training: Working with At-Risk Youth
Thursday, April 23, 10am-4pm
Prevention Works!
2501 Benning Rd NE

This is the second in our series of monthly trainings facilitated by technical experts from the Harm Reduction Coalition in New York.

The description is as follows: “Interacting with youth to educate, empower, and enlighten is the most beneficial thing one can do to ensure that the youth of today can build self-efficacy to be leaders who act in the spirit of self-determination for tomorrow. This workshop is open to providers of youth who are interested in learning how societal factors (racism, sexism, heterosexism, militarism, etc.) play a role in youth’s at-risk behavior, and how to mitigate the dangers involved that place them at-risk. Participants will look at not only how to incorporate social factors into their prevention intervention programs, but also consider activities, such as advocacy, and peer education that can be used as effective harm reduction strategies for at-risk youth at their own programs and agencies.”

Spaces are limited so please reserve a space now by sending an email to Mary Beth Levin, Director of Programs and Services: mlevin@preventionworksdc.org.

3.17.2009

HIV/AIDS Prevention Video Targets Maryland African Americans


To combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in the African American community, Montgomery County recently commissioned local filmmaker Cintia Cabib to produce a half-hour HIV/AIDS prevention video targeting young African Americans in Maryland.

“Let’s Talk About HIV/AIDS” presents the candid and personal stories of young African American adults living and working in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. They explain how protecting yourself, knowing your HIV status, talking to your partner and loving yourself all contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention.

Karlene Mighty, who is HIV-positive, describes the serious health issues she faces and her efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS by sharing her story at schools and community agencies. Youth Center Coordinator Lamar Anderson of the non-profit organization Metro TeenAIDS explains how he reaches out to young people in the streets and provides them with information packets and counseling. Artist and writer Monte Wolfe talks about how HIV/AIDS affects black gay men and how he has personally dealt with his HIV diagnosis. The program presents HIV/AIDS facts and statistics showing how African Americans are disproportionately affected by the disease. The video also demonstrates an HIV test.

The video was recently honored with a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award.

The video will be airing throughout March on Access Montgomery's Cable Channel 21, including tonight at 10:30 PM and Thursday at 11 AM.

For more information and to see clips visit http://www.cintiacabib.com/.

3.11.2009

HIV Working Group Meeting March 25th

The next GBT HIV Prevention Working Group meets on Wednesday, March 25th, at 7pm at the DC Center (1111 Fourteenth Street, NW, Suite 350).

Work has been done to scout out locations for several pilot packet dispensers that will be used to launch the safer sex packet distribution campaign in the coming months . Also solid progress has been made on the safer sex packets' preliminary packaging strategies.

The next safer sex packet ad hoc committee will happen the last week in March/first week in April to finalize the packaging artwork and messaging for the first versions of the packets in time for National STD Awareness Month.

Remaining hurdles include financing the packaging piece and developing a broader network of businesses willing to have dispensers. More to follow in these issues as they progress.

3.09.2009

CAVE Meeting April 2nd

On Thursday, April 2nd the Capital Area Vaccine Effort will host a community meeting reviewing local HIV Vaccine Research. The event will include a round table discussion between clinical researchers from the NIH Vaccine Research Center, clinical trials volunteers, local health care providers and other community members of D.C.

Topics to be discussed include current vaccine clinical trial protocols, upcoming studies and events for HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.

The event will be held at the DC Center, 1111 14th Street Suite 350. from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Dinner and stipends will be provided.

Capital Area Vaccine Effort is a volunteer panel of individuals from the general public and from the diverse communities affected by HIV/AIDS. CAVE is organized to assist and advise HIV/AIDS vaccine trial units in the metropolitan DC area by:
  • Assessing the concerns and serving as an advocate for HIV/AIDS vaccine clinical trial participants and the general public,
  • Acting as a liaison & ombudsman between HIV/AIDS vaccine researchers and those interested in HIV/AIDS vaccine research,
  • Reflecting affected populations,
  • As appropriate, encouraging participation in HIV/AIDS vaccine trials, and acting as community educators on HIV/AIDS vaccine research, and
  • Assessing ethical and social implications and impact of HIV/AIDS vaccine clinical trials.

3.07.2009

Spotlight: Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care


Recent Blog Posts





Pediatric AIDS HIV Care
P.O. Box 77543
Washington, D.C. 20013-7543
Phone: 202-347-5366

www.pediatricaidshivcare.org

Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care, Inc. provides children living with HIV/AIDS with education, therapy, and youth programming to empower them to live healthy and successful lives. Pediatric Care has been serving youth for over 20 years and will continue to do so until the stigma of HIV/AIDS is eradicated.

3.01.2009

HIV/AIDS Administration Oversight Hearing

On Friday February 27th, The DC City Council Health Committee, chaired by David Catania, held on oversight hearing of the Department of Health which included an update on the HIV/AIDS Administration.

Dr. Pierre Vigilance provided opening remarks. He was followed by the head of the HIV/AIDS Administration, Dr. Shannon Hader who provided testimony. Dr. Hader also answered questions about the HIV/AIDS housing waiting list and Changes to the Ryan White Planning Council and HIV/AIDS Community Planning Group.

What was perhaps the most remarkable thing about this hearing was the lack of any major problems or controversies when it comes to HIV/AIDS. A great sign. Overall the presentations were encouraging. Dr. Hader, who has already distinguished herself from her predecessors simply by staying in the job for well over one year now, laid out clear, and focused agenda. It may be a while before we see the results of changes made at the HIV/AIDS Administration, but it seems we are definitely moving in the right direction.

Highlights from the hearing are shown below and available on the Fight HIV in DC YouTube Page.

Opening Remarks: Dr. Vigilance



Opening Remarks: Dr. Hader



Dr. Hader on Changes to the Planning Council and CPG



Dr. Hader on the HIV/AIDS Housing Waiting List



Adam Tenner, Metro Teen AIDS

2.06.2009

Meeting to Discuss HIV Housing in DC

On Saturday, February 7th, Housingworks will host an HIV & AIDS housing meeting. The event will include a round table discussion between health care providers, policy experts, HIV positive residents and other community members of D.C.

Topics to be discussed include supportive, transitional, and permanent housing, and the future of Ryan White funded programs in the city.

The event will be held at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street SW, from 3 p.m. to 5p.m.

2.01.2009

Reminder: Be Bar this Sunday!

Join us for our first ever Fight HIV in DC benefit event.

Stop by Be Bar on Sunday on February 8th from 5:00 to 9:00 PM for drinks and fun. Ten percent of the proceeds for the night will benefit Fight HIV in DC outreach, education, and advocacy efforts.

We'll also be taking $5 donations at the door and raffle off some great prizes (if you have a raffle prize you would like to donate, please send an e-mail here)

Be Bar is located at 1318 9th Street NW DC 20001.

To RSVP for this event on facebook, click here.




1.30.2009

Event to honor National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

On February 7, the Center for Minority Studies of Washington, DC will be hosting a charity basketball game and information fair in honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Attendees will have the opportunity to win an assortment of prizes, including an ipod and giftcards.

The event will be hosted at the Trinidad Recreation Center at 1310 Childress Street, NE from 11 a.m.until 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.cms-dc.org or call (202) 396 5404.

HIV Working Group to Meet February 25th

The DC Center HIV Working Group had it's first meeting on January 28th. There was a great energy in the room and a renewed commitment to addressing HIV/AIDS among gay, bisexual, and transgender men.

A e-mail list has been set up for folks to communicate between meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday February 25th at 7:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th Street NW Suite 350. Please join us.

And please join us for the first HIV Working group fundraiser taking place on February 8th at Be Bar. For details click here.




1.23.2009

HOPE DC

This Saturday, January 24th, HOPE DC will be hosting a social for the H.I.V. positive men. The event, which is held every two to four weeks, is intended to bring together the H.I.V. positive community of DC, Maryland and Virginia in a friendly environment.

For directions to the Social or more information, please visit www.hopedc.org/events.

1.16.2009

Charity Bike Ride to Raise HIV Awareness

On August 16, 2009, Brother to Brother Sister to Sister United, Inc. (BBSU) will host its second annual 'One Day. One Ride. One Cause.' a 1-day, 40-mile charity ride through the neiborhoods of the District of Columbia.

The event is intended to bring awareness to the AIDS crisis in the DC community and establish resources through which to fight it. The event’s planners hope to foster education regarding H.I.V. in the local community and raise funds to benefit DC’s HIV positive community.

Last year’s inaugural ride raised $13,000.

For more information please access the website for “One Day, One Ride, One Cause” at http://www.1day1ride1cause.org/.

12.23.2008

HIV/AIDS Working Group to Meeting January 28th

The DC Center invites all interested individuals and organizations to join us at the table for our first meeting of the Gay, Bi, and Trans HIV/AIDS Working Group.

The DC Center and SMYAL recently organized the HIV/AIDS Town Hall Listen, Gay Men in Their Twenties Talk About Their Lives, Their Futures, and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in DC.

Building on this effort, this working group will provide a place for us to come together and plan concrete steps to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among gay, bisexual, and transgender men in the District of Columbia.

Please join us Wednesday January 28th at 7:00 PM at The DC Center, 1111 14th St NW Suite 350.

We've also set up a new e-mail list for this working group which you can join by clicking here.


12.18.2008

WWC Announces Changes

Kaiser Daily provides a summary of this Article.

The deteriorating state of the economy will force Whitman-Walker Clinic to close or outsource some programs and lay off up to 45 employees by the end of the first quarter of 2009. A combination of declining revenues and an increase in new patients coming to the clinic for uncompensated health care led Whitman-Walker to take action. Many new patients lost their jobs and no longer have either the income or the health coverage to pay for care they need. Whitman-Walker Clinic of Northern Virginia will close by the end of the first quarter of 2009. All patients have the option to transition to the Elizabeth Taylor Medical Center or Max Robinson Center. The Bridge Back program, a residential addictions treatment program, will also close by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Current patients whose course of treatment will end on or before Feb. 28 will be allowed to complete the program before it's closed. Other patients will be transitioned to other treatment programs in the community. While up to 20 administrative positions will be eliminated, some additional positions to generate revenue or to improve efficiency of operations will be created. The clinic expanded their grant requests to include more health care areas such as primary care and chronic disease management.

12.16.2008

Washington Post Examines History of Whitman Walker Clinic

The Washington Post on Tuesday examined the history of Whitman Walker Clinic, which recently sold its property for $8 million to "beat back mounting debt," the Post reports, adding that the organization will continue to operate in a new, smaller space two blocks from the old location. The clinic currently serves about 10,000 clients, 3,400 of whom are living with HIV. According to the Post, the sale of the clinic's property "was just another real estate deal among many," and the move is a "kind of requiem" for the people who have been involved with the clinic.

Whitman-Walker purchased its former property in 1986 for $1.25 million. Jim Graham -- a lawyer who was Whitman-Walker's executive director for 14 years and currently is a district council member -- made the purchase to "launch a full scale defense for AIDS patients: medical, dental, psychological and legal services," the Post reports. Graham said, "You took great satisfaction in doing what you could do, but you knew the suffering was horrific. It affected everything you did." The Post reports that the clinic "desperately needed money" to provide services to people living with the virus, and "when other institutions wanted nothing to do with AIDS" then-Mayor Marion Barry and the Meyer Foundation were the earliest financial supporters of the clinic, in addition to the gay community, which covered almost half of the operating costs through donations.

According to the Post, the clinic had a staff of 34 with 700 volunteers by 1987 and was able to hire a full-time lawyer and open a food bank. The clinic in 1987 "could not provide the most elusive antidote: medicine to stop or cure the virus"; however, that same year treatment and prevention of pneumocystis pneumonia -- which is often fatal in people living with AIDS -- was found in aerosol pentamidine and Bactrim tablets, and the first FDA-approved antiretroviral drug -- zidovudine, also known as AZT -- was made available to people living with the virus.

According to the Post, the clinic began to apply for grant money totaling $3 million in 1991. About 10 years into the epidemic, the clinic had treated 2,600 clients, of which 1,600 had died. The Post reports that education about AIDS "had calmed some of the paranoia, but not all," and that "race was a tricky complication." Barbara Chin, a clinic staff member, said, "The white boys had gotten to the point where they said, 'I'm gay and to hell with you.' African-Americans were afraid that someone would label them HIV. This was their home town."

The Post reports that in the early 1990s, many of the clinic's clients were entering into clinical research trials in an attempt to increase their life expectancies. Patricia Hawkins, a psychologist and social worker with the clinic since 1984, said the participants "are the unsung heroes of the epidemic. It was all about the people who would come later. And they were right." By 1994, the clinic had purchased additional property and expanded its operations, and the clinic "that used to represent death adjusted to caring for people living long-term with HIV," according to the Post.

However, the clinic recently has experienced financial difficulties as the issue of HIV has become "more of a poverty issue," the Post reports. The clinic's staff has been reduced from 252 to 173 employees, with additional restructuring expected. Hawkins said that data scheduled to be released soon will show that HIV prevalence in the district is increasing. "I wake up every day fearing that a new, faster, more virulent form of this virus will hit us," Hawkins said.

-From Kaiser Daily Health Update

Read the article

12.13.2008

Spotlight: HIV/AIDS and Heterosexuals in Washington DC

The new HIV/AIDS data reveals that heterosexual contact now leads as the risk factor for newly reported HIV cases. The new District of Columbia infection numbers are significantly higher than the national statistics.

Heterosexuals accounted for 37% of new HIV infections among adults and adolescents in the District, but comprised only 17% of new HIV infections among adults and adolescents in the United States in 2005.

Find out more. View the Squidoo HIV/AIDS and Heterosexuals Page