White House Meeting Addresses HIV Epidemic Among African American Men

By Garland Jarmon, CRCS and ONE2ONE Coordinator

June was a big month for the GLBT community.  The President declared it National Pride Month and celebrations took place in many cities, including Seattle. We should take pride in everything the GLBT community has accomplished and think about how much more work we have yet to do.  We should also take a moment to acknowledge those who continue to be infected with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS.

There is a segment of our community that is often unrepresented, undereducated about HIV/AIDS, and invisible; African American men. They currently make up more than half of all new and current HIV cases in the US. Because of this, The Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) held a meeting at the White House on June 2, 2010 to discuss the reasons for this catastrophe and what can be done. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 1 in 16 African American men will contract HIV in their lifetime. The three-and-a-half-hour meeting was a step to address ways to improve national HIV prevention programs, and some of the key issues within the African American community that hinder effective HIV prevention.

As a counselor, I have noticed that these challenges can include education and spirituality, class and race, machismo and the connotation of the word “gay.” Some issues, like education, can be faced head on but many are not as easy to navigate in the interest of curbing HIV in the African American community. At Lifelong AIDS Alliance, we offer counseling services through our Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services (CRCS). One of these counseling services, the ONE2ONE program, is specifically designed for African American men and the challenges they face.  If you or someone you know is having difficulty with issues related to their sexual health, please contact us at 206.957.1602 and speak with one of our counselors.

National HIV Testing Day is June 27th

By Megan White, CRCS Coordinator

June is coming to an end and that means National HIV Testing Day is here!  On June 27^th health departments, AIDS service organizations and community activists across the country will remind people of the importance of regular HIV testing. At Lifelong, we believe that knowing your HIV status is vital to making informed decisions about your health and sex life.  If you are sexually active, particularly if you are having unprotected sex with one or more partners, doctors recommend getting tested every 3-6 months.

Getting an HIV test can be scary.  For many people, the fear of receiving a positive diagnosis keeps them away from the doctor. Concerns about privacy and stigma are understandable, but there are many reasons to do it.  If you are HIV+ studies suggest that the earlier you know, the more likely you are to live a long and healthy life.  Seattle has many resources offering financial, social and emotional support to people living with HIV or AIDS.  Finding a place to get tested all year round is easy with online sites like www.hivtest.org. Or, send a text message with your zip code to KNOWIT (566948).

If you are HIV negative and want to talk more about testing or your sexual health, join our Intersexions/One2One counseling program by calling 206-957-1602.  If you are HIV- positive and want to talk, join the Positive Choices program by calling the same number.

An HIV test is a great way to take control of your life and health.  And, regardless of the result, Lifelong can support you.  Get tested today!

Lifelong & Social Media

If you’re reading this, you probably know that Lifelong is on Facebook and Twitter. We also set up a YouTube channel for your viewing pleasure and are slowly pulling together years of videos scattered around the web. And hey, thanks for reading our new(ish) blog!

Community outreach is very important to what we do. Our education department uses these and other online tools like http://homohealth.org/ to help prevent the spread of HIV. Public Policy uses Facebook, Twitter, and a separate online network to encourage people to speak up about important legislation. The MPowerment Project, Lifelong's program for GLBTQ youth ages 16-22, has its own website and (sporadically updated) MySpace page. The Events department uses them to promote - you guessed it - events, and our fundraising department relies on them to bring in the money that keeps our doors open. There's even a Facebook page for Lifelong’s Thrift store.

So we’re feeling pretty social. Is it working?

Lifelong adds 40-50 new Facebook fans every week (which is fantastic) and we want to use that and other social media tools to help us provide food, housing, case management, and other services for people who need them. We also want to find new ways to encourage people to keep themselves, and each other, safe from HIV.

Please tell us how we’re doing, and suggest ways for Lifelong to use social media to further our work!

Truckin’ to Tacoma

By David Hlebain, CSB Food Program Assistant

Chicken Soup Brigade doesn’t just serve those living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses in Seattle.  Every Tuesday morning, I load a van with bags of groceries and frozen meals for clients living in Pierce County.

The grocery bags are filled with staple items such as pasta, rice, and oatmeal, fresh fruits and veggies, high-protein items including beans, tuna, and peanut butter, milk, eggs, and chicken breasts.  Homemade frozen meals include tasty selections such as Chicken Curry, Hearty Spaghetti, and Atlantic Cod with Couscous.

In comparison to the bustling pace of Chicken Soup Brigade’s onsite Friday pick ups, where hundreds of clients pick up food during the day, the pick up center at the Pierce County AIDS Foundation (PCAF) is much quieter.  About thirty-five clients come in between noon and 3:00 p.m.  In addition to getting their groceries, clients sometimes sit down with me and chat.  We might swap recipes, reading lists, or tales of the past week.  Stories of triumphs, struggles, and day-to-day activities abound.

Lifelong is about more than just providing services.  Creating a nurturing and supportive community is at the heart of our mission.  The weekly exchange of food, stories, and smiles is one reflection of the spirit of Lifelong at work.

Healthy Cooking With Fresh Herbs

Herbs are fantastic! Besides giving awesome flavor to foods, they also contain many added health benefits. Take some THYME to check out what our CSB Kitchen staff has to say about the benefits and uses of herbs!


Chives
Chives are a variety of onion, and the use of onion varieties is highly encouraged as they are thought to aid in prevention of major diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

• Sprinkle over baked potatoes
• Add chopped chives to fish before serving
• Mix with salad greens – the flowers are edible too!

Mint
The mint family is one of the most useful of all medicinal herb families. They have a wide range of health benefits including preventing & relieving gas and working as a digestive aid.
• Add chopped mint a fruit salad
• Try a mint pesto on fish – mint, roasted garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil blended in a food processor or blender
• Chew on mint leaves to naturally freshen breath

Basil
Basil has many of the same medicinal effects as other members of the mint family. Research has also shown basil to protect cell structure from radiation, leading experts to believe that it may provide important anti-cancer benefits.
• Add chopped basil to green salads or tuna salad
• Try a Caprese salad – basil leaves and fresh mozzarella on tomato slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Sprinkle chopped basil over scrambled eggs