All posts tagged Stigma

Youth leading to achieve an AIDS-free generation


In a recent Lifelong AIDS Alliance press release, a group of advocates wrote:

The CDC found that in 2010, youth ages 13-24 accounted for over a quarter of the new HIV infections in the US whereas in Seattle, only one in every eight people are diagnosed with HIV between the ages of 13-24 years old.

In fact, the CDC reports that approximately “60% of all youth with HIV do not know they are infected, are not getting treated, and can unknowingly pass the virus on to others.”

Last year, Ed Murray, mayor of the city of Seattle, proclaimed April to be Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Month. In the proclamation, he encouraged “all within Seattle to educate themselves and others of the very real threat HIV/AIDS continues to pose to young people and to contribute their talents to our ongoing fight on behalf of everyone impacted by this disease.”

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In truth, it’s the young people who are responding to this health issue that is still impacting youth and young adults. In Seattle, the youth HIV activists who urged for the city proclamation last year are continuing the awareness with hosting an educational community forum in celebration of National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) held yearly on April 10th. The forum will be held on April 18th Saturday 1PM-3PM inside the Auditorium at the Downtown Central Library which includes an honest dialogue about HIV and AIDS stigma affecting youth communities in 2015 as well as prevention efforts.

This is a great chance to hear from 4 positive youth in Seattle area and PrEP Advocate Panelists. “This event is so important because it’s youth developed, youth led, and youth run,” Manuel Vengas, Seattle NYHAAD Youth Ambassador from Advocates for Youth, recently said.

Everyone can do something. Engage with your community and family at home. Most importantly, we need to have these discussions with our youth – otherwise we are neglecting them valuable information. Even though Seattle recognizes April as Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Month, there’s still much to be done here and throughout the US as we strive to build an AIDS-free Generation. If folks can’t attend the community forum that’s understandable but there’s plenty of other ways to get educated and involved. There’s a list below of youth resources to get you started. Also consider joining Seattle area youth HIV activists, and regional community partners in a live twitter chat TODAY from 3-5PM. Join the Twitter chat by following @HEYOYouth and #PNWYouthHIV.

Let’s talk about this!

The forum is presented in partnership with the #MyHIVMoment campaign, a collaborative effort of Lifelong, BABES-Network YWCA, the Center for Multicultural Health, Entre Hermanos, Gay City Men’s Health, Seattle Counseling Services, and We Are 1.

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Youth Resources

Youth can drop-in for free, confidential HIV testing at Lifelong weekdays from 8:30a.m. to 5:30p.m. For a full list of testing locations, click here.

The Seattle Young People’s Project is a youth-led, adult supported social justice organization that empowers youth (ages 13-18) to express themselves and to take action on the issues that affect their lives. For more information, click here.

Health Education Youth Outreach (HEYO) is Lifelong’s youth education program for youth age 16-24. Through peer-to-peer outreach and education, HEYO reduces stigma around queer issues, promotes healthy sexual choices and makes HIV testing and other resources readily available. For more information, click here.

The Inspire Youth Project (formerly Rise n’ Shine) provides emotional support programs, stability, advocacy and AIDS education for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information, click here.

Safe Schools Coalition offers support for LGBTQ youth. For more information, click here.

BABES Network-YWCA offers peer support to women & heterosexual men living with HIV and their families as well as HIV education and resources. For more information, click here.

For information about PrEP and PEP, click here or see the information below.

Harborview Medical Center
M-F regular business hours: (206) 744-4377
M-F outside normal business hours: (206) 726-2619
Or visit the Harborview Emergency Room at 325 9th Ave., Seattle, WA.

For Needle Exchange locations, click here.

For drug and alcohol resources in Seattle & King County, click here.

-Written by Tranisha Arzah, BABES Network Peer Advocate

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by ywcakatie on April 8, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on April 8, 2015

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/youth-leading-to-achieve-an-aids-free-generation/

Honoring Women & Girls at Fred Hutch on March 10th


Join us on Tuesday, March 10th, to honor National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day!

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Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Time: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Where: Weintraub Building, Pelton Auditorium

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance to help raise awareness of the continuing need to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and shed light on the impact that HIV/AIDS has on women and girls. The event will feature a panel discussion with local women who have made a significant difference in the field of HIV. Representing the areas of policy, medicine, research, social services, and faith communities, panelists include:

  • The Reverend Mary Diggs-Hobson from AARTH
  • Dr. Lara Strick from the University of Washington and the Washington Department of Corrections
  • Dr. Connie Celum from the University of Washington
  • Dr. Kathy Brown from Group Health Cooperative
  • Nicole Price from BABES Network-YWCA

We hope to see you there!

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by ywcakatie on February 26, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on February 26, 2015

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/honoring-women-girls-at-fred-hutch-on-march-10th/

Know Your Rights


As we begin the new year and consider how we want to live in 2015, it’s a great idea to consider how you want your health to be and any new health care changes coming your way. Maybe you would like to speak with a counselor about stress in your life, are expecting a new baby in the family, or are due for your first mammogram this year.

We meet with medical professionals for help and trust their expertise. But it’s also important to know your rights when it comes to your health care. HealthCare.gov shares information with us about new rights and protections we all have, thanks to the Affordable Care Act.

How the health care law protects you

Here some additional rights and benefits, and information on how to protect yourself from fraud when you apply for insurance:

On top of what HealthCare.gov outlines as protections in the Affordable Care Act, there are protections and rights that directly support people who identify as LGBTQ. In 2014, LGBT HealthLink partnered with PROMO Missouri and lawyer Corey Prachniak to create the Healthcare Bill of Rights – a short document summarizing LGBTQ rights in the healthcare world now.

The creators of the Healthcare Bill of Rights write:

Your personal life and relationships affect your health more than you realize, so your doctor and other providers need to know your story.

We should all feel safe talking about our sexual partners, sex lives, sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity.

  • Learn how to file a complaint if you’ve faced discrimination.
  • See how you can find a medical provider who will respect your rights and identity.
  • Read how you can plan for your future care with a healthcare power of attorney.

Read the Healthcare Bill of Rights here:

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Learn more about the Healthcare Bill of Rights and its history here. And if you want your very own copy of the Healthcare Bill of Rights, check out the different versions available here.

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by ywcakatie on January 9, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in BABES Network, Community Mental Health, Health Care Access, Healthy Birth Outcomes, Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by ywcakatie on January 9, 2015

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2015/01/09/know-your-rights/

Join us at tonight’s World AIDS Day concert!


Every year, December 1st is World AIDS Day – a day when all us around the world unite together in the fight against HIV, show our support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died. Learn more about World AIDS Day and how you can get involved here.

Tonight, BABES Network-YWCA will be attending Wo’Pop World AIDS Day Concert – a free KEXP concert – at the EMP Museum. From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, join Wo’ Pop host Darek Mazzone for this free, all ages event complete with art, snacks, education, culture, and music provided by Chimurenga Rennaissance, and Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited.

We hope you will join us! RSVP here.

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Participating Wo’ Pop World AIDS Day partners: Lifelong, EMP Museum, East African Community Services, Fred Hutchinson, One Vibe Africa, BABES Network YWCA, Theo Chocolates, and with generous support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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by ywcakatie on December 1, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on December 1, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/join-us-at-world-aids-day-concert-tonight/

Living well with HIV


What is HIV?

To start, it is the abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that can only infect people and that weakens the immune system. Unlike other viruses, HIV does not clear out of the body – there is currently no cure for HIV.

According to AIDS.gov,

We know that HIV can hide for long periods of time in the cells of your body and that it attacks a key part of your immune system – your T-cells or CD4 cells. Your body has to have these cells to fight infections and disease, but HIV invades them, uses them to make more copies of itself, and then destroys them.

Over time, HIV can destroy so many of your CD4 cells that your body can’t fight infections and diseases anymore. When that happens, HIV infection can lead to AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection.

It used to be said that HIV was a “death sentence” – but nowadays, there are many options for treatment and medication, and programs throughout the United States to help patients afford medication.

Around the world, there are about 35 million people living with HIV. There are about 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States, 12,300 living in Washington state, and about 7,300 in King County. In the United States, 16% of those living with HIV don’t know they are – which means they haven’t been tested and aren’t receiving the medical treatment that will help them be healthy in the long-term. What to get tested? Click here for more info on local testing sites.

For those living with HIV, medical treatment isn’t the only way to stay healthy. Having a good relationship with a doctor, and honestly and openly discussing your health is an important part of taking care of your health. And, there are additional ways to live well.

  • Manage your mental health – talk to a counselor if you’re experiencing major stress or just need to talk through some things.
  • Avoid using substances like drugs and alcohol in a way that harms your health.
  • Consider quitting smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products. Smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, but it also can increase your risk of co-infections if you’re living with HIV. Learn more here.
  • Follow a healthy diet – talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about learning how to improve your diet. Are you getting enough veggies? What about protein?
  • Keep moving! Exercise increases your strength, endurance and fitness. It helps your immune system work better to fight infections.
  • Talk about family planning options with your health care provider – there are lots of options for birth control and ways to plan for having children.
  • Learn about how to prepare to travel abroad.

These are just some ideas. What do you need to be healthy and live well? Make sure to talk about your goals with your doctor, and find support to help you be successful!

If you are a woman living with HIV, consider giving us a call at BABES Network-YWCA at 206.720.5566. BABES is here to support women living with HIV and their families. We’re happy to connect with you on the phone or via email. Or, you can join us at a support group or upcoming retreat. We’d love to get to know you and have you join the sisterhood!

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by ywcakatie on September 24, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on September 24, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/09/24/living-well-with-hiv/

25 Years of BABES


Last Friday, BABES Network-YWCA celebrated our 25th anniversary at Stella Steps Out, our annual fundraising event. Many thanks to all who made this event a success!

To honor those we have lost over the years and to honor those who have worked and continue supporting women living with HIV, we share this video with you.

Congratulations, BABES Network, for 25 years of incredible dedication to positive women and their families!

BABES Network is a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. We reduce isolation, promote self-empowerment, enhance quality of life, and serve the needs of women facing HIV and their families through outreach, peer support, advocacy, and education.
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by ywcakatie on September 11, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on September 11, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/25-years-of-babes/

Join us at Stella Steps Out!


This year marks BABES Network-YWCA’s 25th anniversary! And we are celebrating this incredible milestone at Stella Steps Out – our annual gala fundraiser to benefit BABES.

BABES Network-YWCA is a peer education and support program for women living with HIV; a sisterhood of women facing HIV together. BABES was started by a group of HIV positive women in Seattle, Washington who came together to share information, experiences and support.

Stella Steps Out
Friday, September 5 at 6:00 p.m.
Lake Union Cafe
3119 Eastlake Ave E | Seattle, WA 98102

2014 Honoree: Jesse Chipps
Co-founder and founding director of BABES Network

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Purchase tickets now for special early bird pricing, available through August 11!

This lively evening event, hosted by Sister Glo Euro’N Wei, will include a silent auction, dinner, wine and the always popular dessert dash.

Event proceeds will support BABES Network-YWCA, which ensures that women living with HIV and their families are empowered and connected to a supportive community.

For questions about this event, please contact Caroline Brown: 206.461.4481, cabrown@ywcaworks.org.

Thank you for your support!

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by ywcakatie on July 14, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on July 14, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/join-us-at-stella-steps-out/

Take the Test. Take Control.


National HIV Testing Day is Friday, June 27th.poster-nhtd

When was the last time you were tested for HIV?

… Let’s back up. What is HIV? Here’s a really helpful definition from AIDS.gov:

“HIV” stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. To understand what that means, let’s break it down:

H – Human – This particular virus can only infect human beings.
I – Immunodeficiency – HIV weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. A “deficient” immune system can’t protect you.
V – Virus – A virus can only reproduce itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host.

HIV is a virus – like the flu. But it’s a virus that our immune systems aren’t able to clear out of our bodies. When we have HIV, “we have it for life.”  HIV attacks a key part of the immune system, the T-cells or CD4 cells. AIDS.gov says: “Your body has to have these cells to fight infections and disease, but HIV invades them, uses them to make more copies of itself, and then destroys them. . . . Over time, HIV can destroy so many of your CD4 cells that your body can’t fight infections and diseases anymore. When that happens, HIV infection can lead to AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection.”

There are about 50,000 new HIV infections in the US each year. About 15,500 people with an AIDS diagnoses in the US died in 2010. And while 15 years ago, an HIV/AIDS diagnosis was considered a death sentence, today there are many medications and medical treatments that have been successful in keeping people living with HIV/AIDS healthy and thriving for years and years.

However, 1 in 6 people living with HIV/AIDS don’t know that they’ve contracted HIV. In order to receive medical treatment and stay healthy, it’s super important to know your HIV status.

Friday is National HIV Testing Day. Before Friday, find an HIV testing site near you to take a test. You can find HIV testing sites and other services near you with the AIDS.gov HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator. It’s quick and often free. Knowing your HIV status is the first step to prevent the spread of HIV.

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by ywcakatie on June 24, 2014  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on June 24, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/take-the-test-take-control/

16th Annual Rainbow Health Fair!


We are so excited to host the 16th annual Rainbow Health Fair on Saturday, June 28,from 1-5pm at All Pilgrims Church on Broadway and Republican at the Capitol Hill Pride Festival. At the Rainbow Health Fair, our mission is to offer traditional and holistic health services and education from culturally competent providers to lesbian, bisexual, and queer women and gender queer and transgender people, especially those with limited access to care.

Our vision:
A world where people of all genders and sexualities have access to the resources they need for optimal wellness.

Here’s the thing:
To make it happen we need YOU.

We need you to come by, say hi, and maybe even…

  • Get a free pap test or mammogram. Yeah, it’s nobody’s idea of a good time, but trust us, our providers love working with LBTQ patients – and did we say free?
  • Free mammograms for eligible people 40+ only
  • Free massages and acupuncture
  • Free snacks and water
  • Lots of great information for your health and wellness
  • Health resources in Seattle and the Puget Sound
  • Insurance info and enrollment
  • Win a sweet raffle prize from Babeland, Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Rat City Roller Girls, SIFF cinema and more!

We’ll be posting more soon about the awesome providers we have lined up for you, but in the meantime, save the date to come see us at Capitol Hill Pride!

The Rainbow Health Fair: free, fun, safe and queer!!

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To stay up-to-date and informed about the Rainbow Health Fair this year and every year, visit the YWCA’s LBTQ Health Blog!

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by ywcakatie on June 9, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by ywcakatie on June 9, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/16th-annual-rainbow-health-fair/

Kelly Hill: Our Very Own Hero


Every year, POZ Magazine publishes its list of 100 Unsung Heroes in their December issue. Each person in the POZ 100 list is a leader in the HIV/AIDS field – whether advocating for HIV/AIDS services, educating the community about HIV prevention, or fighting against HIV/AIDS stigma. “And because they are living with the virus themselves, they often have a unique understanding of what needs to be done and how best to do it.”

Each person—in his or her own way—is taking a brave stand against the virus. They are fighting back. They do so, not because they’re seeking glory or accolades, but because fighting back is a means to their survival.

This year, BABES Network-YWCA Peer Advocate Kelly Hill has been named an Unsung Hero and stands with 99 other incredible and inspiring individuals. Congratulations, Kelly! We love you and are so proud to be working alongside you!

Below is the excerpt about Kelly in POZ Magazine. Click here to learn about 99 more Unsung Heroes!

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by ywcakatie on November 18, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by ywcakatie on November 18, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/kelly-hill-our-very-own-hero/

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