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ASC IN THE NEWS |
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WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS A SUCCESS
The ASC's testing events for World AIDS Day were a screaming success! In combination, the two events yeilded over 90 people getting tested for HIV. We would like to thank the University of Southern Mississippi for their support and for allowing us to hold this event on campus. All 90 tests were performed on USM students and faculty. We are flattered to have had such a response from the university, and we hope to be working with the university to provide many more testing events in the future.
We would also like to give a special thanks to the volunteers who stepped up and worked very hard to make sure that these events were a success. Without our volunteers, we never would have achieved this tremendous goal.
-Tony Jones, Rapid Testing Coordinator
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Local Agencies Urge Getting Tested on National HIV Testing Day, June 27 2009
Hattiesburg, MS - One in four doesn’t know. One in four of what you ask? “One person in four who is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is unaware of his or her infection”, stated Tonya Green, Ryan White Program Manager at Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative. She added, “This one in four or 25% is responsible for over 50% of the new HIV infections in our state and this is unacceptable.” At a time when several thousand Mississippians have HIV infection and may not know it, agencies in Hattiesburg are urging testing for everyone at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). National HIV Testing Day is set for Tuesday, June 27, 2009.
"If you have a history of HIV risk behavior, take control of your life by testing for HIV," said Kathy Garner, Executive Director of the Hattiesburg AIDS Services Coalition. "If you haven't been tested recently and are at risk, now is the time to do it." Regular and frequent HIV testing is important for those having unprotected sex, injection drug users, and others in the community at higher risk for HIV infection. Along with consistent condom use and telling sexual partners about HIV status, HIV testing is a critical key to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
According to the Southern AIDS Coalition’s Southern States Manifesto Update, 2008, the South is disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. For example, an African American woman in the South is 26 times more likely to be infected with HIV than her white counterpart. The CDC Rates of Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis Combined in the United States CDC Surveillance Report, 2006 show Mississippi as the only state to have an infection rate higher than 300 persons per 100,000 population. These sexually transmitted diseases are another indicator for the continued need of prevention messages in Mississippi. In Mississippi, African Americans comprise about 37% of its population, yet account for over 70% of the new cases of HIV. Mississippi State Health Department statistics for 2007 show that, of the 82 counties in the state, Forrest and Jones Counties are ranked 4th and 5th, respectively, in the number of new HIV infections.
“Everyone who has unsafe sex or is an injection drug user is at risk; this is a disease based on choices, emphasized Jackie McDougle, HIV Prevention Coordinator with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
USM Health Services, the AIDS Services Coalition, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Services, Southeast MS Rural Health Initiative and Catholic Social and Community Services are teaming up to make this National Testing Day a success.
HIV testing is available in coordination with National HIV Testing Day as follows:
June 26, 2009 - Big Star Grocery Store on Edwards Street in Hattiesburg from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. (SEMRHI)
June 27, 2009 - University of Southern MS, Payne Center in Hattiesburg, Pine Tree Room from 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. (ASC, PBMHR, CSCS and USM)
June 27, 2009 -Townley Center in Laurel at the Public Housing Site from 10 a.m. til 2p.m. (ASC, PBMHR, CSCS and USM)
June 27, 2009 - Restoration Life Center in Laurel 10 a.m. til 2 p.m. (SEMRHI)
For more information, please contact Kathy Garner @ 601-450-4286 or asc@megagate.com. |
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Walk For Life 2009
On Saturday, April 4th, the Hattiesburg AIDS Services Coalition hosted its 8th Annual Walk for Life– Steppin’ Out for A Cause 2009. The annual fundraiser and awareness event added a new option this year – a 5k Run. Steppin’ Out for Cause 2009 also had a new home - Kamper Park Pavilion located in Kamper Park off Hardy Street At Park Avenue. Over 80 persons participated in the event. Children had a friend in Mrs. Nancy Bryant, who staffed the Kid's Table with games and information on nutrition and health. Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative was on hand for HIV testing and information and referral services. In addition, Representatives of the American Red Cross, Pine Belt Mental Health, and Mississippi Department of Health will join the AIDS Services Coalition in providing outreach, education and prevention materials. Friends for Life, a group of people concerned about the spread of AIDS and willing to do something about it, will be at hand as well. Beejee Dickson, volunteer coordinator of Friends for Life, said, “We are here to make new Friends”. The monies raised by this event will go directly to serving the needs of those in our area living with HIV/AIDS – examples include utility assistance and prescription assistance.
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Grand Opening Held For ASC's "Bruce's Place Out Back"
For a long time, the "Place Out Back" at 1-2-1 Haven House was just that. It has been a dilapidated garage/apartment that had more leaks that a sieve. But on APril 15, 2009, the Place Out Back began a new life. For the last two years, the ASC has been working to obtain funding to renovation it into an outreach center. Thanks to the support of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Tibotec, a division of Johnson & Johnson, and the National AIDS Fund, a dream became a reality. Dedicated to the person who began 1-2-1 Haven House more than 6 years ago, Bruce Van Nostrand, Bruce's Place Out Back houses two offices for outreach and HIV testing, space for Positive Living Support Group meetings, and a soon to be opened HIV Pantry.
Over70 well-wishers and supporters came to the wonderful spring garden party celebrating the opening. Bruce's widow, Jan, spoke and dedicated the building to the continuation of his work. Maya Poree, Southern representative for the National AIDS Fund, was on hand for the event. The Reverend Dr. Susan Hrostowski provided a blessing for the building and its continued use.
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Hoops For Change
On May 2, 2009, the ASC's outreach staff worked with SAW (Success At Work) who sponsored a basketball tournament called Hoops For Change. The tournament was held at the Roosevelt Center in Ellisville, MS. Ninety-eight people were in attendance of Hoops For Hope, and of those, sixteen were tested for HIV. The ASC was able to reach it's target population with the support of SAW's hard-working staff who, like ASC, are working toward a more informed community.
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National Black HIV Awareness Day 2009 - The AIDS Services Coalition, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, Southeast MS Rural Health, and Walmart come together on National Black HIV Awareness Day to provide testing and a free meal. Over 70 persons were tested for HIV at the event.
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