End the Epidemic Newsletter

In June, Juneteenth is a preeminent celebration of the arduous journey to a long-awaited, highly sought-after freedom for many Black Americans on June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. June is Pride Month where we honor and uplift LGBTQ+ voices through the celebration of culture and continued fight for rights. June is the month we set aside to celebrate the contributions of fathers and father figures who positively impact the lives of children. It is also a month of amplifying the music of the Black community's distinguished, unapologetic, soul-stirring trailblazers. So, as we pause to commemorate and celebrate, we also remember that health is at the heart of everything we do at Morehouse School of Medicine SHLI. With their unwavering resilience, our ancestors had to rise above frequent physical and mental challenges to pave the way for the work we continue to do today.

On June 27, also known as National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), we invite everyone to know their status by getting tested. According to HIV.org, NHTD, first observed on June 27, 1995, is dedicated to encouraging people to know their status and get linked to care and treatment. This year's theme, "Level up your self-love: check your status," emphasizes valuing yourself, showing yourself compassion and respect, and honoring your health needs with self-love.

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute encourages everyone to get tested and know their status. Click here (pages 37-38) to view a listing of local area testing sites (Source: NIH-funded Center for AIDS Research at Emory University). Together, we can mark another milestone in the Black community's ever-evolving history of better tomorrows and brighter futures.

Progress Update: PrEP and PEP Presentation with the Morehouse School of Medicine Family Medicine Department

On May 1, 2024, the Morehouse School of Medicine SHLI team and ViiV Healthcare met with the doctors and residents of the Morehouse School of Medicine Family Medicine Department for a presentation on HIV, PrEP, PEP and care practices.

Of those who attended, 76% reported that they were very comfortable and 24% were somewhat comfortable taking a sexual history from their patients. Although comfort levels vary, over 90% are screening for HIV with 64% providing PrEP information and care.

Morehouse School of Medicine SHLI is committed to supporting frontline healthcare workers, especially around the topics they’ve identified as needs including:

Strategies to discuss sexual health and PrEP without stigma
PrEP options and who would best benefit from PrEP
Understanding STI and HIV screening and testing

Morehouse School of Medicine SHLI and ViiV Healthcare look forward to hosting more presentations that provide resources to our healthcare workers as we ensure everyone has the opportunity to THRIVE.

Meet Malik Brown

Director, ATL LGBTQ Affairs - City of Atlanta Mayor's Office

Malik Brown is an award-winning LGBTQ advocate and political strategist, a first-generation American and a lifelong Georgian. He has been featured on prestigious outlets like "CNN", "NBC News" and "The Hill." His writings have been showcased in national publications like "Cosmopolitan", "them." and "Out Magazine." Malik has been a keynote speaker for global brands like Meta, Home Depot, and Mercedes-Benz. Recently, he was named on the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Power 100 list of Atlanta's most influential.

Appointed as the City of Atlanta's Director of LGBTQ Affairs by former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Brown is the first full-time official in the Southeastern United States to focus on better connecting the LGBTQ community with municipal government. In this role, he drives systemic change and advances equity by advising Mayor Andre Dickens on policies, programs and initiatives affecting the LGBTQ community. Brown is a founding member of the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

A proud Executive Committee member of the Human Rights Campaign's National Board of Governors, Brown brings a unique combination of political experience, LGBTQ advocacy and DEI leadership to his work. Additionally, Brown is a member of Emory University's Board of Visitors and the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation Young Executives Board. Always eager to continue learning, Brown is an alum of LEAD Atlanta, Regional Leadership Institute and the New Bridge Program Fellowship. Recently, Brown received the "Forever 404" award from the Atlanta Hawks in recognition of his service to the people of Atlanta.

SAVE THE NEW DATE

Walk in Her Shoes

Empowering Black Women Living with HIV

to Triumph Over Challenges

July 16, 2024

6 p.m. - 9 p.m. ET

Morehouse School of Medicine

National Center for Primary Care - Bldg. A

E. Ginger Sullivan Atrium

720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Thank you to everyone who registered for the event on May 31. Due to unforeseen circumstances in the downtown area, we had to reschedule the event. We hope that you can join us on July 16!

Click here to register

Community Wellness Asset & Hazard Mapping Training

Join us for two interactive training sessions to learn community-engaged asset and hazard mapping methods. Training is open to all skill levels!

Part 1: Mapping 101 | Thursday, July 11, 2024 @ 2 p.m. ET

Part 2: Starter Map Sharing + Data Collection Methods | Thursday, July 18, 2024 @ 3 p.m. ET

SISTER TALK: HIV Crisis in Atlanta with Dr. Maisha Standifer

On Point with Juandolyn Stokes welcomed Sister Talk guest Dr. Maisha Standifer to discuss the rate of Black females who are living with HIV in Atlanta, health disparities in the Black community and self-care!

Listen to the full interview here