HELP FAIR Soars to Shift HIV/AIDS
Paradigm into a HEFTE Village
Local community based
organization, STRILITE and its counterpart The
Living Affected Corporation served over 100 participants during
its debut event, The HELP Fair, September 28,
inside the First Presbyterian Church of Argenta in North Little Rock. The event
which was designed to gather local social service providers in a one stop shop
collaboration for participants who also could also access sexual health
screenings, obtain a free bag of groceries and be served lunch on the premises.
The event was in conjunction with recognizing National Gay Men's HIV
Awareness Day, September 27 and was funded through a grant as an
awareness day activity through the Arkansas Department of Health. "I was elated
and overjoyed at the response from those seeking this event," said Jonathan
Griggs, STRILITE President. " I wasn't sure what to expect, but I felt that our
hard work and non-stop commitment to making this happen would pay off."
According to organizers, individuals began lining up at the site at 8 am, four
hours prior to the event taking place at noon. Service providers ranging from
Workforce Services which brought their mobile intake unity, SNAP program which
offers food stamp access to entities such as AFLAC were present to disseminate
information on their respective services and offer supportive materials.
Additional information on the mission of the group and its umbrella entity, The Living Affected Corporation was also a centerpiece of the event. "We felt that we had to highlight that dealing with individuals holistically and enlisting other social services are vital in addressing HIV and AIDS," said D. Levi, LA Corp CEO. Griggs added, " we are excited about this chance to bring to life our "HEFTE" concept which addresses housing, education, food, treatment and employment in relation to either linking or retaining individuals into HIV/AIDS care." He concluded, "through our research we've determined that these social determinants must be apart of the health care mix if we are to adequately make some impact within the community." Ultimately the organization believes that a "HEFTE Village" is the answer to shifting the paradigm in dealing with HIV and AIDS. After assessing the impact of this event, the group plans to explore if the concept could be leveraged into a DEBI style intervention or perhaps become a state model in lieu of the BAI Testing Tour. The event resulted in over 150 HIV/AIDS/STD screenings and 90 plus bags of groceries given to participants. Volunteers and supporters assisted with packing and delivering groceries to awaiting cars, serving lunch, parking cars, testing, and ushering participants through the event. The group is underway with planning HELP Fair 2.0 to commemorate World AIDS Day, December 1, 2012. Sponsors, contributions and in-kind gifts are being sought to add to the planning of the second part of the event.
The group's purpose serves as a sub-grantee of ADH as well as the conduit of the HIV Prevention module to serve same gender loving men having sex with men population. For more information on volunteer opportunities contact Griggs at either 855-STRILITE( 855-787-4583) or 501.379.8203
Additional information on the mission of the group and its umbrella entity, The Living Affected Corporation was also a centerpiece of the event. "We felt that we had to highlight that dealing with individuals holistically and enlisting other social services are vital in addressing HIV and AIDS," said D. Levi, LA Corp CEO. Griggs added, " we are excited about this chance to bring to life our "HEFTE" concept which addresses housing, education, food, treatment and employment in relation to either linking or retaining individuals into HIV/AIDS care." He concluded, "through our research we've determined that these social determinants must be apart of the health care mix if we are to adequately make some impact within the community." Ultimately the organization believes that a "HEFTE Village" is the answer to shifting the paradigm in dealing with HIV and AIDS. After assessing the impact of this event, the group plans to explore if the concept could be leveraged into a DEBI style intervention or perhaps become a state model in lieu of the BAI Testing Tour. The event resulted in over 150 HIV/AIDS/STD screenings and 90 plus bags of groceries given to participants. Volunteers and supporters assisted with packing and delivering groceries to awaiting cars, serving lunch, parking cars, testing, and ushering participants through the event. The group is underway with planning HELP Fair 2.0 to commemorate World AIDS Day, December 1, 2012. Sponsors, contributions and in-kind gifts are being sought to add to the planning of the second part of the event.
The group's purpose serves as a sub-grantee of ADH as well as the conduit of the HIV Prevention module to serve same gender loving men having sex with men population. For more information on volunteer opportunities contact Griggs at either 855-STRILITE( 855-787-4583) or 501.379.8203
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