Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I D A S DAY D L R O W THE AIDS AWARENESS DIGITAL RESOURCE BOOK

VASHTI MURPHY-MCKENZIE DEDICATION On July 11, 2000, journalist and clergywoman Vashti Murphy McKenzie became the first female bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. In 2005, she became the denomination’s first woman to serve as Titular Head. Her commitment to community development is evident in her work with urban American cities and AIDS-stricken Africa. Presiding over the 18th Episcopal District in southeast Africa, she was responsible for several congregations comprised of nearly 10,000 people.

Her project initiatives centered on community development, encouraging entrepreneurial business programs, and building mission housing. She also expanded services to homeless children and those infected with HIV/AIDS. Eswatini (Swaziland): DELTA HOUSE/VASHTI VILLAGE -ORPHANAGE FOR CHILDREN OF AIDS VICTIMS Dedicated in 2002, the Delta House is a home for children who became orphans due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is located in what is now known as Vashti Village in Mbabane, Eswatini, along with two similar structures. Built to accommodate 12 children and a housemother, the home was made possible with funds contributed by Delta sorors at the 45th and 46th National Conventions held in Chicago (2000) and Atlanta (2002). Situated in a picturesque valley, an expansive vegetable garden flourishes behind the Delta House, where residents (most of whom are adolescents) grow some of their own food. The village is still a work in progress with an office complex, conference center, church and apartments envisioned for the future.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PRESIDENTIAL WELCOME: MIRIAM L. BREWER HIV/AIDS 101: GO BACK 2 THE BASICS! WHAT’S REAL: IT’S TIME TO FACE THE FACTS! NEWS: RESEARCH ADVANCEMENTS

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BE EMPOWERED: GET TESTED! COLLECTIVE OWNERSHIP: THE MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY!

CHAMPIONSHIP: VOLUNTEER & SUPPORT !

PERSONAL TESTIMONIES: HEAR FROM REAL PEOPLE!

MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS CHRISITINA JENKINS CHAIR

SHAYREA CADE PROJECT LEAD

CYNTHIA ROY COMMITTEE MEMBER

INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT

Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated P.O. Box 3604 ▲ Capitol Heights, MD 20791-3604

Officers 2022 – 2024

December 1, 2023

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Greetings: Miriam L. Brewer President Angela D. Hutchins 1st Vice President

This year marks thirty-five years commemorating World AIDS Day which began in 1988.

It is a day set aside to support people living with HIV and remember lives lost. Themes change annually, but are part of an international effort to highlight awareness.

Terri Jackson 2nd Vice President

While a diagnosis of HIV no longer carries what was once described as a “death sentence” three decades ago, the transmission rate is still too high in this country and Keisha A. Nelson this county. Prince George’s County, Maryland is part of a bold national initiative to end Corresponding Secretary the HIV epidemic in America. The goal is to reduce new infections by 75 percent in five LaTonya Howell years and at least 90 percent over the next decade.

Recording Secretary Olivia D. Hutchins Assistant Recording Secretary Tonda Price Treasurer Cynthia Shambley Assistant Treasurer

The Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through its International Awareness and Involvement Committee has created this resource guide for the community. We invite you to share this educational and resource tool.

Lastly, be empowered and get tested.

In Service,

Nina C. Turner Financial Secretary Kimberly Howard Assistant Financial Secretary

Miriam L. Brewer President

Beverly Haynes Assistant Financial Secretary II Greta Wiggins-Lewis Immediate Past President

Reimagine ~ Re-engage ~ Reclaim

TELEPHONE: (301) 736-3250 ▲ WEB ADDRESS: www.pgcacdst.org ▲ FACSIMILE: (301) 736-3251

2 T K H C E A B

HIV / AIDS 101

IT ’S T FA IM CE E FA T TO CT HE S!

SOURCE:

THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS IS TO GET TESTED. KNOWING YOUR STATUS GIVES YOU POWERFUL INFORMATION TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR PARTNER HEALTHY.

HIV AFFECTS PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, ETHNICITY, GENDER, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

FACING THE FACTS ABOUT

THERE IS NO CURE FOR HIV/AIDS.

WORLD

YOU CAN’T GET HIV FROM INSECT BITES OR TOILET SEATS

AIDS

HIV IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.

YOU CAN HAVE HIV AND NOT KNOW IT

Experience the Latest Breakthroughs in AIDS Research!

CONTINUE TO LEARN MORE

RESEARCH ADVACEMENTS

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PGCAC NEWS ON THE STATE OF AIDS/ HIV

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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the causative viral agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a devastating and lethal disease that has caused widespread suffering worldwide for almost half a century. We still have no cure for this disease. While those infected can expect to continue treatment throughout their lifetime, in recent times, there have been advancements in therapeutics. Check out recent advances on the next page!

RESEARCH ADVANCEMENT TIMELINE 1

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June 5, 1981: First official reporting of what will be known as AIDS. A report described Pneumocystis pneumonia in previously healthy, gay men in LA. This is the first official report of what will be known as the AIDS epidemic. Link to the first official report of what will be known as the AIDS epidemic 1990s: AIDS becomes the number one cause of death for US men aged 25-44.

Link to CDC report on AIDS becomes the number one cause of death for US men aged 25-44 1998: The AIDS-related mortality for African Americans is almost 10 times that of whites. Link to CDC report on African Americans accounts for 49% of US AIDSrelated deaths 2010s: HIV infection removed from the disease list that prevents non-US citizens from entering the country. CDC announced that the annual HIV diagnosis rate declined by 30% from 2002-2011. Declines were observed in several key populations, but increases were found among certain age groups of gay and bisexual men, especially young men. Link to CDC report on annual HIV diagnosis rate declined by 30% from 2002-2011 CDC announces that despite progress, persistent disparities contribute to the HIV burden among African Americans. http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2016/nbhaadpress-release.html http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2016/international-aidsconference-press-release.html

CDC announces that people living with HIV who are on treatment and have undetectable viral loads have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners—link to CDC web pages on treatment as prevention. Link to NBC news story on people living with HIV who are on treatment and undetectable viral loads have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

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WORLD AIDS DAY GET TESTED!

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED HEART TO HAND INCORPORATED 9701 Apollo Dr Largo, Maryland 20774 (301) 772-0103

Free Services Mail-in Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED BOWIE CROFTON PREGNANCY CLINIC 4341 Northview Dr Bowie, Maryland 20716 (301) 262-1330

Free Services On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED DAYDREAM SUNSHINE INITIATIVE 4000 Mitchelville Rd Bowie, Maryland 20716 (301) 262-0400

Free Services On-Site Services Rapid Testing

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED SLK HEALTH SERVICES CORP. 4200 Forbes Blvd Lanham, Maryland 20706 (301) 453-2334

Free Services On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED HAPPY FAMILY CARE & CLINIC 9470 Annapolis Rd Glenarden, Maryland 20706 (301) 731-3000

On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED US HELPING US (LANDOVER) 8240 Professional Pl Landover, Maryland 20785 (301) 851-5310

Free Services On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED ADONI HEALTHCARE SERVICES 7525 Greenway Ctr Dr Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 (301) 533-7754

On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED CCI HEALTH & WELLNESS (GREENWAY) 7474 Greenway Center Dr Greenbelt, Maryland 20770 (240) 624-2278

On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED CARING HANDS MEDICAL CLINIC 14333 Laurel Bowie Rd Laurel, Maryland 20708 (240) 241-4989

On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

BE EMPOWERED

GET TESTED ELAINE ELLIS CENTER OF HEALTH 10001 Rhode Island Ave Berwyn Heights, Maryland 20740 (301) 441-1605

On-Site Services

KNOW YOUR STATUS

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WORLD AIDS DAY OWN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY

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CONTINUE NEXT TO LEARN ABOUT THE STRUGGLES OF THOSE IN THE FIGHT & WHERE TO GET PROFESSIONAL HELP!

Understanding Those in the FIGHT to End HIV /AIDs HIV and related infections can also affect the brain and the rest of the nervous system. This may change how a person thinks and behaves. Also, some medications used to treat HIV may have side effects that affect a person's mental health.

Situations that can contribute to mental health problems for anyone: Having trouble getting mental health services Experiencing a loss of social support, resulting in isolation Experiencing a loss of employment or worries about being able to perform at work Dealing with loss, including the loss of relationships or the death of loved ones

Go to the Next Page to Learn How to Cope!

How to Cope?

“Being diagnosed with any chronic health condition can be extremely stressful and it is completely normal to have an emotional reaction upon learning that you are HIV positive. However, when stress becomes prolonged and is left untreated, conditions like depression and anxiety may develop. Chronic stress has also been linked to reduced ability to fight off viruses like HIV. [3] “ While mental health conditions are common in the United States, those living with HIV have higher rates of mental health conditions than those who do not.

People living with HIV are twice as likely to have depression compared to those without HIV. [1]

People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk for developing mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. [2] Because HIV affects the immune system, you have an increased chance of getting other infections, such as Pneumonia and Tuberculosis, which also affect your brain and nervous system. This can then lead to changes in behavior and functioning. [5]

SOURCE: HTTPS://MHANATIONAL.ORG/HIVAIDS-AND-MENTAL-HEALTH

Say NO to Anxiety.

"Take a deep breath and try all over again."

Simple Mindfulness Practices for Daily Life OBSERVE YOUR SURROUNDINGS Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This can help you reconnect with your body and environment.

OBSERVE YOUR THOUGHTS Notice any physical sensations, emotions, or thoughts that arise without judgment. This will help cultivate self-awareness.

FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH Pay attention to the natural rhythm of your breath and let go of any distractions or racing thoughts.

EAT MINDFULLY Take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you. Notice the colors, textures, and aromas. This will help you develop a healthier relationship with food.

THERAPY FOR BLACK GIRLS The mission of Therapy for Black Girls is to sustain and grow an engaged community centered on the mental health needs of Black women and girls. We perform this mission by creating resources, content, and experiences designed to present information in a way that feels relevant and accessible.

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WORLD AIDS DAY SUPPORT OTHERS IN THE FIGHT TO END HIV / AIDS

: P I H T S N R O O I P P P M U A S H & C R E E T N U L O V

AFRICAN MISSIONS NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER 119 CENTERWAY STE B GREENBELT, MD 20770 (301) 474-0414

African Missions North America Chapter is a hiv / aids focused organization in Greenbelt, MD whose mission is: MISSIONARY SUPPORT, AMNA is very committed in the support of missionaries and their families.

Click Here to Visit Us Online!

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

4302 ST. BARNABAS ROAD TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748 (301) 423-1071 AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION IS A GLOBAL NONPROFIT PROVIDING CUTTING-EDGE MEDICINE AND ADVOCACY REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. Focused on putting people before profit, AHF operates an array of nonprofit service lines called the “AHF Circle of Care.” AHF Healthcare offers expert HIV care by experienced and compassionate staff.

Click Here to Visit Us Online!

DAYDREAM SUNSHINE INITIATIVE

4000 MITCHELLVILLE RD A406 BOWIE, MD 20716 (301) 262-0400

Daydream Sunshine Initiative aims to provide medical care to individuals diagnosed with or at risk for HIV/AIDS or other STIs. It offers care regardless of ability to pay, including those at high risk, through licensed medical providers, HIV testing, PrEP, pharmacy and social services. The initiative also provides direct clinic/outpatient medical care and discounted medication program for people living with HIV. Click Here to Visit Us Online!

FOR OUR FUTURE FOUNDATION 17113 LONGLEAF DR BOWIE, MD 20716 301-328-2172

For Our Future Foundation is a HIV/AIDS focused organization in Bowie, MD that was founded in 2010.

Click Here to Visit Us Online!

HEART TO HAND

9701 APOLLO DR STE 400 UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20774 (301) 772-0103 To empower the disenfranchised by building self-esteem, selfworth and promoting responsible and healthy lifestyle choices, ultimately creating self-reliance.

Click Here to Visit Us Online!

RESPECT YOURSELF PROJECT 751 BAIN DR APT 209 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20785 (240)825-6244

Respect Yourself Project is a HIV/ AIDS focused organization in Hyattsville, MD that was founded in 2015.

Click Here to Visit Us Online!

PERSONAL

TESTIMONIES LISTEN UP!

HEAR FROM REAL PEOPLE TODAY!

TOGETHER WE WILL END...

AIDS DECEMBER 1

WEAR RED DAY December 1st

#WEARREDDAY #PGCACDST #DSTLADYINRED #EASTERNREGDST #REDINTHEEAST

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