April Roll Away and Out

The Living Affected Corporation has announced September 23, 2013 as the date for its premiere event, The HELP Fair 2. The event serves as a catalyst to acknowleding the "one stop" concept as associated with the groups "HEFTE" (Housing, Education, Food, Treatment and Employment" paradigm of dealing with those living with HIV and AIDS. Last year over 100 people were served with complete onsite STI testing, access to workforce services, voter registration, educational institutions, and other social services. Also included during the day was a staged cook out and outside vendors offering cell phone services and additional empowerment information outlets. As the event develops, please check back to this site for the latest developments. For more information call 379-8203 or www.livingaffected.org


FY 2014 Budget reflects the Administration’s Commitment to Implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

By Grant Colfax, MD, Director, Office of National AIDS Policy
Cross-posted from White House Office of National AIDS Policy Blog

Last week, the President sent Congress his budget for fiscal year 2014. The 2014 Budget highlights this Administration’s ongoing commitment to implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. The Budget also aligns with the President’s commitment to achieving the goals of the Strategy by investing in evidence-based interventions, focusing efforts in populations most affected by HIV, and supporting vital research.

The Budget is a comprehensive plan that reduces the deficit and puts the Nation on a sound fiscal course. By making strategic and science-based investments in Federal efforts to address the HIV epidemic, it will help the Nation meet the goals of the Strategy.
For details on the President’s budget and HIV/AIDS, please visit the Office of Management and Budget’s website.

Congrats to LA Corp Founder & CEO Diedra Levi and Chief Operating Officer, Cornelius Mabin, Jr.
on being selected for the RED Door Foundations Flamethrower Award 2013. More updates coming to this forum, stay tuned....

 

Staying Ahead of the Living Curve

Minority Health Determines the Health of the Nation

By Hazel D. Dean, ScD, MPH, Deputy Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

April is National Minority Health Month, and one of the most important health issues for minorities that we can highlight for this month is HIV. The estimated lifetime risk for a diagnosis of HIV infection is a key measure of the disparities that exist for this disease in the United States. CDC

estimates that were published in 2010 indicate that 1 in 52 Hispanics/Latinos and 1 in 22 blacks/African Americans will receive an HIV diagnoses during their lifetimes, compared with an estimated 1 in 170 whites.
This health inequity exists. Our work is to find out why, who, and what can be done to change these numbers.
Many factors contribute to higher HIV rates in certain populations. Race and ethnicity are not directly linked to the higher rates. Rather, overlapping social structures and environmental systems continue to place certain groups at a higher risk. For example, poverty, homophobia, stigma, discrimination, and language barriers are factors that influence whether a person will seek and is able to obtain HIV prevention information and quality health services.
These social and environmental factors—often called social determinants of health—are the roadblocks to protecting and improving health not just for persons of color but for all people in the United States. The month-long observance of National Minority Health Month highlights the need for more open conversations, better social and physical environments, increased access to quality health services, and an enhanced understanding of the complex barriers to good health.
CDC and partners have many programs at work to reach those who lack access to prevention and care services, who experience stifling homophobia and stigma, or other factors that reduce the quality of health care they receive.

The Care and Prevention in the United States (CAPUS) Demonstration Project addresses social, economic, clinical and structural factors influencing HIV health outcomes (see earlier blog on CAPUS). Another strategy, High Impact Prevention, launched in 2012, targets areas with the highest rates of HIV with funding allocations to provide HIV testing and comprehensive prevention and care services. A third, the Expanded Testing Initiative (ETI) supports state and local health department efforts to provide routine HIV testing in health care and community settings.

There is also, The Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), a component of CDC’s Act Against AIDS Initiative, which includes partnerships with 19 organizations that have demonstrated effective leadership, reach, credibility, influence, and a history of service to the African American and/or Latino communities. These organizations are integrating HIV awareness, prevention, testing, and stigma reduction into existing outreach and their day-to-day program activities. CDC also has national campaigns underway that deliver important messages about HIV infection for African Americans. Take Charge. Take the Test. encourages African American women to get tested for HIV. Testing Makes Us Stronger is aimed at increasing HIV testing among black gay and bisexual men. And Let’s Stop HIV Together, the newest AAA campaign, fights stigma and raises general awareness.

These programs and initiatives are removing barriers to HIV prevention. People are gaining knowledge about HIV and getting tested. Those with the disease are being linked to care and treatment services, and those not infected but at high risk are being provided prevention services.
We make progress with each person who learns about HIV on the radio or at faith gatherings, each person who is tested right in their community, each person who takes part in an HIV prevention program at a local organization, and each person who sees an HIV health care provider for the first time. These connections between prevention, testing, care and treatment are improving health one person, one block, one community at a time, while also raising the level of health for all in the United States.

I hope you will take this month to look around at your community, your neighbor, friend, colleague, family and ask yourself how you can contribute to better health for each of them as well as yourself. Disparities and inequities can be overcome with our help. A small step from each of us can go a long way to blazing a clear path to better health protection and disease prevention for the entire American population.

Lastly, please join a Twitter Chat in commemoration of National Minority Health Month on Monday, April 29 at 1:00 pm ET. To take part, use the hashtag #ActNow. The Twitter chat is being sponsored by the HHS Office of Minority Health in collaboration with the HHS Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs and the HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.
A note from AIDS.gov: To find HIV testing and other services near you, use the HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator.

Highlights and Spotlights of The Living Affected

Blueprints for Resilience: Young Black Gay Men, HIV and the Future

By Charles Stephens, AIDS United Southern Regional Organizer “I will be heard,” shouted the black gay writer and activist Craig Harris at the 1986 American Public Health Association meeting. He was 28, and a few months prior coordinated the first ever National Conference on AIDS in the black community. Attending the American Public Health Association’s first ever session on AIDS, and noticing that no one of color was invited to participate, he stormed the stage and took the microphone from Dr. Merv Silverman, then the San Francisco health commissioner.  After commanding the attention of the room, he began to explain the challenges of AIDS in communities of color. Though this happened over 25 years ago, young black gay men are still fighting to have their voices heard, as they continue to be the most vulnerable of the vulnerable. The impact of HIV on black gay men,and young black gay men in particular, is sobering. According to the CDC, in 2010, more new HIV infections occurred among young black gay/MSM than any other age or racial group of MSM. Despite these challenges, there is a way forward. A path is gradually clearing. We now see steps to take that can decrease the number of new infections among young black gay men. Perhaps a decade ago this might have been seen as somewhat utopian, but now it’s more in the realm of possibility than ever. To read more of Charles’ blog, click here. Marriage Equality Discussed on Minority Matters Earlier this week, LA Corp Chief Operating Officer, Cornelius Mabin  was asked to participate in a round table discussion on AETN's Minority Matters talk show hosted by Sylvester Smith. The topic was concerning the marriage equality question with Rev. Wendell Griffin of New Millennium Church and myself representing the favorable position with Family Council President and lobbyist, Jerry Cox and Rev. Aaron Agnew of the Word of Outreach Christan Center who are opposed to the measure. Now let me be clear, I'm not exactly sure if I was the best choice to discuss the matter but nevertheless I got the opportunity to at least try to share my concept of the issue. The week prior to the appearance I was a bit torn as to what will I say and what will they say that I may need to have a response to. Although I had done media appearance previously, I wasn't spooked about that aspect but rather being prepared to discuss marriage equality as a single issues as opposed to my view that as a people we are not "single silo" dedicated bur rather a wide berth of issues ranging from economic parity to food justice. Yet marriage equality has become the "hot button" topic that is being discussed all over the place. As usual and as I had suspected, Mr. Cox and Agnew took positions rooted in their evangelical background. Especially the "slippery slope" tactic that marriage equality will cause marriage to suddenly go into decline. Then Agnew rolled out the tale of "Sodom and Gomorrah" which is a favorite diatribe of those whom oppose anything LGBTQ. Rev. Griffin cited that religion has been used as a means to deride everything from Galileo to marginalizing communities. My distinct points were that if we are a nation that chides other nations on their human rights abuses and the lack of civil rights being extended then how can we as a country continue to deny a segment of its citizens the fundamental right to choose who they love and how that love is to be celebrated. Cox retorted that we are tyring to "redefined marriage," of which I don't agree. Marriage for many years has been redefined by heterosexuals in many ways including those who are not formally "married" with no papers or ceremony. Ultimately everyone will be awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court in its ruling concerning DOMA ( Defense of Marriage Act) and California's Prop 8 which was recognized the one man/ one women recognition. Furthermore, there are long distance marriages, loveless marriages, and those who have had multiple marriages. Of course there was no way to sum this complex issue up in about 27 minutes. However, I felt good to at least have had the chance to chime in on the discussion while keeping a positive image in the public eye. To help further the discussion and your awareness of the issue I'm posting some key points for your consideration. If you got observations, comments or viewpoints to share, let's hear them!! Have you donated yet? Don't forget that you can offer your tax deductable gift to support our ongoin programing in advocating for transforming our commuities through holistic well-being by providing education and empowerment. We believe that as statewide agency, we are the organization that is informed and connected to change the social construct of trhe community we serve by improving basic human rights. Come share our mission and vision your valued contributions. Use our secured PayPal portal or forward your donation to The Living Affected Corporation, P.O. box 46558, Little Rock, Arkansas 72214. For more info contact us at: www.livingaffected.org

Keeping it Real and Affected

The Living Affected Corporation has begun the search for qualified candidates to serve as In-Person Assisters within the state's Affordable Care Act enrollment process slated to begin October 1, 2013. The positions will entail indivudals to act as "navigators" for those individuals accessing the insurance marketplace to determine their choice of premiums and extended health benefits that would best serve their needs. Currently the organization is accepting resumes as well as applications that can be completed during business hours at it offices. For more information and updates, call 379.8203 or e-mail at info@livingaffected.org

First National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day is a Success!

April 10, 2013, marked the first ever National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, and events took place around the country to commemorate this pivotal moment in the fight against HIV. AIDS United is proud to be a founding partner of National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day. Today’s young people are the first generation that has never known a world without HIV, and the statistics are shocking: one in four new HIV infections in the United States is among youth ages 13-24. One thousand young people every month are infected with HIV, and there are currently 76,400 young people living with HIV in the United States. Unfortunately, 60% of those youth who are HIV-positive do not know their status, meaning they are more likely to unknowingly transmit the disease. Achieving an AIDS-free generation is impossible if we don’t focus on our youth, who are undoubtedly the future of this country and the future of the epidemic. To learn more about National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, click here.

Mid April Updating and Trending

Smoking in the LGBTQ CommunityThe Lving Affected Corporation has deepend its engagement on hte wellness and lives of the LGBTQ community thorugh its unfolding "RZn2L" (Reason to Live) campagin that focues on holistic living. As an entity LACorp has also partnered with Future Builders, Inc in their LGBT programming around how the tobacco industy exploits as well as impacts the gay community. In futther developments, this forum has posted about the ongoing strategy sessions of a emerging local health coalition dealing with smoking in the LGBTQ community.The next meeting will be held May 20, 6pm at the Center for Artistic Revolution offices, 800 Scott Street inside the Presbyterian Church.

Earlier this month, The Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Program hosted another in a series of strategic planning sessions geared toward defining their way forward in establishing such a coalition. The meet up was facilitated by Mr. Toney Bailey, TCP Health Program Specialist and Dr. Gustavo Torrez (pictured) of the Fenway Health Institute. During the session it was discussed to the lack of health data on the LGBT community as well as defining assessments concerning health issues seen as priorities. Highlighted in the session was the fact that the organizing table lacked full participation from various factions of the LGBTQ community including people of color, transgendered, gay youth and advocates.

 As this group has been in an organizing mode, STRILITE, affiliate of The Living Affected Corporation has partnered with Future Builders, Inc to move forward to with producing public forums as well as in-house training meetings concerning LGBT smoking cessation strategies. According to co-facilitator Kevin Holmes, "we feel good about the turn out so far and the progress of our efforts to start discussions about smoking cessation." He continued, "I hope that we will be able to build on this momentum and continue to raise awareness about this important health issues." COP 24/7 vows to stay on point as these projects develop and encourages the movers and shakers in the community to become engaged with these initiatives. If you've got observations, comments, stories or concerns, hit us up to get the dialog flowing!

Community Building: LA Corp Sponsors Pinnacle Mountain Climb

The Living Affected Corporation is planning a Community Pinnacle Mountain Climb, May 18, at 1pm, located across from the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor's Center. Organizers Max C. and John P. Jones state that they are excited about the response thus far and hopes that this enthusiasm follows through to the event including two bar outreaches beginning May 1 at 610 and Friday May 3rd at TRAXs.

The idea is a follow up to a series of community building exercises being promoted by the agency in an attempt to address a multitude of issues and challenges presented by participants. Organizers Max Caberra and PJ Jones expressed that they wanted to volunteer for the organization while desiring that their first activity be something "outdoorsy" as well as decidedly community minded.

Therefore, the two developed the idea to also include a small community forum with guest speakers from area agencies such as Lucie's Place, Center for Artistic Revolution and Arkansans for Equality, plus a mini cookout and a day of promoting "each one helping one" up the mountain trail.

"We plan also to share our adventure on Facebook, maybe upload some video's on YouTube while informing others as to this team building event," said Caberra. "I hope that this will be one of several ideas that we've talked about as new volunteers of LA Corp." Currently the duo are seeking donations, contributions, gifts, volunteers and supporters for the event. If you are interested in being apart of the community forum or volunteering call 379.8203 for more info. Check out the new Facebook event page for updates!!

Staying in the Living and Affected

HIV Prevention Resource Allocation Modeling Pilot (HIV RAMP)
By Oskian Kouzouian, ORISE Fellow, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Andrew D. Forsyth, Ph.D., Senior Science Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) calls on national, state and local programs to focus

efforts in communities where HIV is concentrated and to target resources on tailored combinations of effective, evidence-based strategies. As jurisdictions work to apply these principles, some have employed resource allocation modeling to help inform their decision making about how best to utilize their available funds so as to maximize the number of new HIV infections averted. As noted in a recent article on the subject, “Resource allocation models can provide valuable guidance to the rational allocation of funds. Improving the use of funds by targeting areas of greatest return may lead to better and/or greater health outcomes.”
 
A pilot project to explore the feasibility of scaling-up of the use of such modeling is now underway with resources provided by the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP). The HHS Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy (OHAIDP) is leading the one-year project in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC previously worked in partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health to develop and implement an HIV prevention resource allocation model to inform activities required under a CDC grant for Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning.

That model was developed to help Philadelphia’s health department leadership identify the optimal allocation of HIV prevention funds across populations and prevention interventions that would prevent the most new HIV infections. Using local demographic and HIV epidemiological data inputs, and based on calculations of the cost per new infection averted, the model recommended the optimal allocation of the jurisdiction’s HIV prevention budget among several evidence-based interventions for the populations most impacted. Feedback from Philadelphia indicated that the model’s outputs served as a very useful “roadmap” to inform decision making for HIV prevention resource allocation within the jurisdiction, informing both applications for federal funds as well as efforts to strengthen local HIV prevention activities.

The current project, HIV RAMP, involves refining and piloting the original Philadelphia model in three additional jurisdictions that have different local profiles and HIV prevalence rates (Chicago, Nebraska, and Alabama), testing a technical assistance (TA) protocol to support jurisdictions in using the model, and assessing the feasibility of a software or online version of the model that could be more broadly used by other health departments.

“Because making decisions about how to spend HIV prevention funding is never ‘black and white,’ health departments need tools to help them decide how to support the best combinations of effective, evidence-based prevention strategies in their communities,” said Dr. Ronald Valdiserri, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of OHAIDP. “Through this pilot project, we hope to develop a practical tool that can help communities apply the principles of the NHAS on the ground.”

As part of this pilot, OHAIDP convened a full-day consultation in January to obtain input and feedback from intended users as well as experts in information technology, public health, and capacity building. The participants were charged with helping to refine plans for further development of the HIV RAMP and to identify the potential types of technical assistance that would be needed to ensure the most effective, user-friendly end products. Among the feedback and recommendations shared were the following:

• Move forward quickly. Participants generally concurred that the project had significant potential value and should move forward expeditiously so that findings can be widely shared.
• Develop clear documentation. Participants recommended that very clear code books and user guides be developed, outlining the model’s operational assumptions.
• Plan to engage community members throughout the process. Participants recommended that health departments participating in the pilot receive TA on engaging community stakeholders throughout the process, particularly those who will be involved in decision making based on the model outputs as well as implementing the resultant program efforts. They noted that such engagement will help to improve the acceptability of the results, which may involve reallocation of resources from the current state to the optimal state modeled.
• Offer technical assistance about what happens once you have modeled. Participants recommended that TA extend beyond how to use the modeling tool, to include support in determining what to do with the model’s outputs. Suggested topics included: What stakeholders should be involved in interpreting what the outputs mean? How can jurisdictions assess the capacity of the community’s HIV workforce to implement the prioritized interventions?
• Consider downstreaming local capacity to implement prioritized interventions. Participants raised concerns about local capacity to implement the model’s prioritized interventions, accessing the prioritized populations in an effective way, and implementing interventions to scale with the fidelity necessary to achieve the modeled effects. They suggested that assessing and planning to strengthen this capacity must be a key component of any TA offered to health departments.

Models help us sort through complicated questions and allow us to envision alternative scenarios. As this pilot unfolds in the coming months, we will continue to share progress highlights and lessons that may be of use to others.

 

Painting New Horizons of Living Affected

LA Corp Engages Community

The Living Affected Corporation's Chief Operating Officer, C. Mabin values the ongoing collaborations and engagements with area agencies and other community based
organizations throughout Arkansas. Mabin has participated in numerous panels, broadcast, Internet radio shows, podcasting, testimonies and publishing opportunities. "For myself its all about the "work." said Mabin. Continuing, " the "work" that I speak of is the daily efforts to educate and accentuate the challenges and barriers that through our ongoing research continue to impact marginalized communities." He concluded, " I believe that if I can at least reach one individual with a positive message to help them better handle their circumstances, I then know that I've been apart of the change that I wish to see."  Below you will find a organizational update and briefing on current and future growth of the organization.

An Organizational 360
Chief Operating Officer Keeps Heads Skyward

As Chief Operating Officer of The Living Affected Corporation, I am proud of the continuing
efforts that our organization has been doing in exploring training modules ranging from HIV testing and counseling, developing presentations and programming such as our Bridge The Gap concept to speak to the same gender loving community about tobacco use.

LA Corp met the challenge of submitting a bid to operate as a LGBTQ conduit in the Affordable Care Act/ Medicaid Expansion program now being finalized and our ground breaking HELP Fair is scheduled for September 27 with sights again to extend our messaging throughout the Central Arkansas area and beyond.

Furthermore, we have upcoming forums on intimate partner violence, offering capacity building opportunities for other emerging entities and using our organization as a platform to drill down on the affects of the social determinants of housing, education, food, treatment and employment juxtaposed to the HIV/AIDS dilemma. Its no secret that our agenda is full, vision becoming laser focused and approaches being redefined to secure the most social justice impact possible. After all our vision statement states, "The Living Affected Corporation is a statewide organization that is informed and connected to change the social construct of the community we serve by improving basic human rights." In this vein we are seeking to establish Regional Directors and branded affiliates in both the Western and Eastern corridor of the state to add to lackluster infrastructure that now exist.

Based on that vision and our mission to "transform communities through holistic health by providing education and advocacy" LA Corp has been steadfast in the stance that Arkansas's patchwork system of care shows signs of uncertainty and most likely will be unprepared for the rising number of possible incidences that will be uncovered as the affordable care act become realized. Although the organization supports Governors Bebee position to support Arkansas' participating in the Health Exchange Marketplace, we as a body find his past verbiage that "passing condoms in social venues such as bars" wasn't the best use of the taxpayer's dollars as shortsighted and problematic. We assert that "prevention is treatment" thereby we can not ignore the significance of this tool in our prevention arsenal as well as an essential element to the care continuum. We have been instrumental in raising the level of awareness among black MSM's that their presence is necessary at the policy table, images be included in prevention messaging and determine the course of their peer operated groups.

Throughout 2013 we will continue to forge a pathway that will connect our "hub and spoke" position of utilizing our ICARE core principals that espouse each of use will make a "I" statement followed with being "C," compassionate, "A," accountable, "R," respectable, "E," educated, about the nature of our work and the cultivated relationship to those whom we interact. We have developed a Equal Employment Opportunity policy complete with an on site reporting officer. Internally we are rapidly assessing our business best practices, structure, technology needs and strengthening our overall business model.

Our current Board of Directors have been given our blueprint of the inner workings of the organization including our financials from which we will accomplish our mission. We have issued a "call to action"from these individuals to share their energies and networks to make our goals a reality. Through all of this work, LA Corp has begun the process to retool, re-think and reposition it's strategies and time lines including a impending 5 year plan. Central to this growth has been redeploying its new mission and vision statements that clarify the groups forward momentum, relevance to the community and destination of becoming the premiere consumer driven organization in a Wellness Institute sphere. In my position of Chief Operating Officer, I am enthusiastic and optimistic to our future and vow to reach out to as many resources, allies and supporters who will help us take The Living Affected Corporation to the next level. I need your help and encourage you to donate today. Feel free to reach out to me at cornelius@livingaffected.org or call me at 501.379.8203. Let me hear from you today!!!

 

Kicking it in the Living and Affected

LA Corp Collaborating to Transform Communities

Since its inception, The Living Affected Corporation has participated in a range of activities in its
pursuit to engage Black MSM's on the challenges and barriers dealing with the HIV/AIDS dilemma. Throughout 2012 and into 2013 the organization has partnered with entities ranging from historically black colleges Arkansas Baptist and Philander Smith to presenting during the Eighth Annual Arkansas HIV/Tobacco Prevention and Awareness Symposium, November 27, 2012, on the Main Campus of Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock. The goal of the symposium is to provide an opportunity for health professionals, tobacco prevention professionals and community members (both youth and adults) to confront the challenges of HIV prevention/intervention and tobacco prevention in the state of Arkansas. LA Corp offered members Kevin Holmes, Diedra Levi and Cornelius Mabin from its speakers bureau as facilitators whom are featured in the embedded video below.

The symposium theme was I Am My Brother's Keeper: One Voice Leading the Way to Prevent HIV/AIDS and Tobacco Use, which offered three tracks featuring individuals involved in community clinics, universities, HIV/AIDS Service Organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and social agencies. As 2013 unfolds The Living Affected Corporation will continue to leverage its programming schedule and outreach across the state. We encourage our allies, supporters and contributors to share their gifts through our secured online PayPal system or send your donations to us via our mailing address at: The Living Affected Corporation, P.O. box 46558, Little Rock, Arkansas 72214. Its all about "Reason's to Live!"



 

Staying in a Living Affected Motion

31 Organizations Receive Support to Advocate for Sound HIV/AIDS Public Policy in 9 Southern States

 

AIDS United awards nearly $1.4 million as part of the Southern REACH grant-making initiative

The Living Affected Corporation was among the thirty-one community-based organizations in the Southern United States that will have increased capacity to advocate for sound public policy that address the needs of the most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS thanks to recent grants from AIDS United. With support from the Ford Foundation, AIDS United recently granted nearly $1.4 million to organizations in the Southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Northern Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. "We were ecstatic to be invited to apply for this important funding as well as being awarded," said The Living Affected's, Diedra Levi, Founder and CEO. She continued, "AIDS United's continuing support of our advocacy work and our collaborations addressing the human rights frame around HIV and AIDS has been significant in our service area." Concluding she stated, "although this funding is vital to our efforts, we value the support of our local allies and continue to welcome their gifts and contributions to the organization as we move to create more strategies and outcomes within marginalized communities."

The grants, which are part of AIDS United’s Southern REACH (Regional Expansion of Access and Capacity to Address HIV/AIDS) initiative will support the development and expansion of programs that seek to achieve social change, shape responsible HIV/AIDS public policy, and/or respond to the underlying legal, political, and systemic barriers contributing to disproportionate rates of HIV/AIDS in the Southern United States. A list of grantees can be found at www.aidsunited.org


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2010, 46% of new HIV diagnoses were given in the Southern Region. In 2010, seven of the nine states targeted by the REACH initiative (Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) had HIV diagnosis rates that ranked among the top 10 among all states in the U.S.

“The HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. South continues to be fueled by stigma, prejudices and poor public policy that allow the epidemic to rage on unabated,” said AIDS United President and CEO Michael Kaplan. “Communities in these disproportionately impacted areas must be supported as critical partners in educating their key decision makers to ensure people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS have access to crucial HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. We are so grateful for the Ford Foundation’s ongoing support so we can continue to affect social change to improve – and save – lives.”

“This is a critical time in our efforts to address HIV in the U.S. South," said Surina Khan, Director of the Gender Rights and Equality Unit of The Ford Foundation. "If we’re going to tackle the continuing HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States, then communities at the centers of the epidemic need a much stronger role in shaping policies meant to end the epidemic. Policymakers from the South must hear even more from people living in communities within their districts. Southern REACH is making that possible, and we are extremely proud to partner with AIDS United to continue this important work.”

Staying Engaged and Empowered

LA Corp Engages Community

The Living Affected Corporation's Chief Operating Officer, C. Mabin collaborated with a host of entities and activities ranging from a March 26 Legislative Breakfast coordinated by the Arkansas
Minority Health Commission in conjunction with a supportive medicaid expansion initiative of the Arkansas HIV Planning Group to sharing insights during the April 3rd National Association of Social Workers Conference as a featured presenter with Northeast Arkansas AIDS Network. Mabin cited, "its been a whirlwind of meetings, appearances, collaborations and outreach that is necessary as we continue to scale up our reach into the area of health disparities."  He continued, " As a entity we've become well aware of the trends and direction of how we as a community based organization should position our selves in this changing tines."  Mabin also appeared on the Internet based radio show, Straight Talk America hosted by Dr. Charles Williams. The appearance was scheduled as a means of outreach to the faith based community to engage their congregants and leadership in addressing HIV and AIDS in Arkansas. Mabin also attended a briefing by New York's The Latino Commission as it shared it report on building a web based platform to assist with further outreach into rural Arkansas' LGBTQ communities and beyond. The group also stopped by the group's offices to gather further community assessments. (pictured: D. Levi (front) rear left: C. Mabin, A. Hall and Lina C.)


Our Lives, Our Stories Concludes Sales

The ground breaking book produced by The Living Affected Corporation, "Our Lives, Our Stories," will be concluding its final sales by mid-June. To purchase copies go to the groups web site, www.livingaffected.org  or by calling 501.379.8203.  "I've had a great time with both promoting and supporting book sales," said Connie Roebuck.  She continued, "the experience of meeting many people, sharing my story that's in the book and offering additional information around HIV and AIDS has made become more well known in my community." Underwritten by a grant by Tibotech Pharmaceuticals the book was designed to explore the issues of stigma, isolation and lack of socialization of women dealing with HIV. Within the book, each participant was encouraged to give a first person account of their lives while re- accounting dealing with the after effects of their diagnosis. Published in early 2011, the book was used as an outreach tool by the then Arkansas Community Planning Group in their efforts to share more direct information to providers and consumers. A subsequent book tour was launched from Hearne Fine Art Studios, a multi city book tour and culminated in Ms. Roebuck being cited for achieving highest sales status.

New Living Horizons Ahead

LA Corp Prepares to Launch Rzn2Lv

Rzn2Lv is the latest campaign being introduced by The Living Affected Corporation in their efforts to continue to address wellness and health disparities in the local community. "Our

research and outreach continues to dramatically demonstrate that locals are citing they need "reasons to live." said D. Levi, LA Corp CEO.   She continued, "This programming will further allow us to expand our reach in the LGBTQ community as we explore optimal community building elements." As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, the organization has been pursing raising its profile while addressing more issues and challenges within the gay construct. Officially the campaign will "step off" with a community building exercise entitled "Moving in the Right Direction," climb of Pinnacle Mountain, May 18, 2013. Volunteer organizers Max. C and J. Jones said they felt that an outdoor fun event would create an opportunity to share, build networks, and accomplish a task "together."  The event is in its initial planning stages and further details will be announced on this platform. If you are interested in participating or making it happen call 379.8203 for more information.

Hair Affair Rocks A Big Hair Beat

The Hair Affair held Friday, March 22 at The Terry House Mansion benefiting Lucie's Place and The Living Affected Corporation(www.livingaffected.org ) was a rousing success according to organizers.
Currently the two groups are processing financial information and will be offering a complete report later this week.

Mr. Luke Henley, Event Producer hosted a Hair Affair after party at Miss Kitty's Saloon featuring the venues Show Directors including Miss Gay Arkansas, Veronica Duvall. Each participant donated their tips to further support the fundraising. The organization hosted an information table highlighting "Deciding Moment" affirmations of which over 30 people participated. effort. The Living Affected Corporation accepted a $174 gift toward their sexual health programming and outreach in the LGBTQ community.

The evening was designed as multi-tiered event featuring local designers, vendors, artisans, stylist and entertainment all stars from the LGBTQ community. Hosted by Mc's Dominique Sanchez and Mr. Roy Diaz, the show also served as a platform for attendees to further their understanding of the mission and visions of the community based organizations. Additional pictures can be seen on the groups Facebook page.