Understanding The Problem

Post date: Apr 10, 2015 12:01:09 AM

The Problems BLACK AMERICANS/ African Americans face

a number of challenges that contribute to the higher rates of HIV infection.

A Pandemic Rate of 68-74% of NEW HIV/AIDS infections-

A greater number of people living with HIV (prevalence) in African American communities and the fact that African Americans tend to have sex with partners of the same race/ethnicity means that they face a greater risk of HIV infection with each new sexual encounter

Higher rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

African American communities continue to experience higher rates of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with other racial/ethnic communities in the United States. Having an STI can significantly increase the chance of getting or transmitting HIV.

The poverty rate is higher among African Americans—28%—than for any other race.

The socioeconomic issues associated with poverty—

including limited access to high-quality health care, housing, and HIV prevention education—directly and indirectly increase the risk for HIV infection, and affect the health of people living with and at risk for HIV infection.

Lack of awareness of HIV status

can affect HIV rates in communities. Almost 100,000 people in the African American community in 2009 were unaware of their HIV status. Late diagnosis of HIV infection is common, which results in missed opportunities to get early medical care and prevent transmission to others.Stigma, fear, discrimination, homophobia, and negative perceptions about HIV testing can also place too many African Americans at higher risk. Many at risk for infection fear stigma more than infection and may choose instead to hide their high-risk behavior rather than seek counseling and testing.

• BLACK AMERICANS PLEASE STEP
• WWW.THEMOJOBAGS.COM
• Principles of Community Organizing to Keep in Mind
  • Local people are in the best position to solve local problems.
  • People support what they help create.
  • The process of changing negative social norms is an inclusive process which engages all facets of a community in a collaborative approach.
  • There is no single strategy or initiative that solves all problems.
  • Communities should have environment in which individuals can empower themselves to address their own and their community’s health needs .
  • Consistent monitoring, accountability, ongoing assessment, and evaluation are integral parts of the program planning and deliver process.

Tips to Building an Effective Coalition

• Put together a core group
• Identify key community stakeholders who are needed in the coalition
• Recruit members of the coalition
• Plan and hold the first meeting with coalition
• Follow up on the first meeting
• Follow through on the next steps
• Develop a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the coalition

Executive Summary

• The Concept

• The Opportunity
  • Reduced NEW INFECTIONS by removing social stigmas associated with the hardest hit demographics
  • Men who have sex with Men and non gender conforming people.
  • CO-MARKET and Co-Brand the City of Las Vegas, in particular Downtown Las Vegas and Black owned Business
  • Bring awareness to all the AMAZING opportunities to make money DOING SOMETHING PURPOSEFUL
  • Awareness and support to and for Federal Grants open to for Profit
  • KEEPING PEOPLE HEALTHY, HAPPY, PURPOSEFUL, PASSIONATE AND PROFITABLE
• The Potential

The target populations for membership include:

• People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
• Men who have sex with men
• Heterosexual men
• Women
• Youth and young adults
• Non US-born Black people in America
• Clinicians, nurses, nurses assistants, and other health workers
• Members of the traditional Black institutions
• Members of Black faith based organizations
• Members of educational institutions
• Public health practitioners from all fields
• Working Group for Heterosexual Men Slides
• WORKING GROUP FOR MSM
• In 2009, it was estimated that African Americans accounted for about 14% of the U.S. population, but 44% of all new infections.
• From 2006 to 2009, the rate of new infections among Black gay men age 13-29 rose by 48%.
• Of all the HIV diagnoses among Black men in 2010, approximately 70% were infections among men who have sex with men.

• WORKING GROUP FOR MSM
• Only 80% of PLWHA know they are HIV+

• Only about 24% of PLWHA are engaged in antiretroviral therapy (ART.)

• Only about 19% of PLWHA have low amounts of the virus in their bodies (or have reached viral suppression.)

• Working Group for Women Slides
• Only 80% of PLWHA know they are HIV+

• Only about 24% of PLWHA are engaged in antiretroviral therapy (ART.)

• Only about 19% of PLWHA have low amounts of the virus in their bodies (or have reached viral suppression.)

• When working on getting stories announced on news and radio stations, Advocates in the Communications Committee can follow this sequence of events:
• Research contacts at local radio/TV stations/newspapers
• Draft a 30 second announcement that highlights the BTAN program OR Draft a press release for a story
• Send the announcement/press release to all media contacts
• Follow up with an email or phone call

“Using Social Media for Digital Advocacy” http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1266.aspx

Ability to Delegate

Strong Communication Skills

Confidence

Commitment

Keeping a Positive Attitude

Creativity

Intuition

Ability to Inspire

Having a Sense of Humor