Tranformation Tides Rising

Afterhours Networking Launches

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced the launch of a "Afterhours Networking" event to begin August 1 from 6 to 9 pm at the organizations offices, 401 Maple Street, Suite A (First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock). The event is designed to invite allies, supporters and sponsors to further understand LA Corp's vision and mission of "transforming communities through holistic health by providing education and advocacy." Chief Operating Officer, C. Mabin stated, " It very important that we share our organizational story which is ripe with lessons learned." He continued, " Our goal is to make a connection with our allies and supporters that will allow us to bring others into wanting to help us effectively impact our clients with holistic outcomes." Currently the organization has been in a re-tooling phase which included creating this event to scale up its strategic planning initiatives such as future board development, assessing funding streams, donor acquisition and retention plus further defining its position as a statewide organization that is informed and connected to changing the social construct of the community served by providing basic human rights. As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, The Living Affected Corporation has been the premiere organization addressing HIV /AIDS in the Black MSM community through its impending D-Up intervention diffusion, individual free HIV testing, serving as a community service outlet for those in the judicial system and offering technical assistance throughout the city. The event is free. For more information contact: 501.379.8203 or 877.902.7HIV
 
 
The Equality Clucking Continues
 

I've just been amazed at the "clucking and hen pecking" that's been swirling since the Chick Fil-A President Dan Cathy expressed his views on gay marriage and ther dastardly matters. Of course and surely all these folks led by LGBTQ Ally Micha Walls do believe that he does have his constitutional right to have his say just as those who have donned white sheets have slugged through the streets with their protest. Let's not forget that this company is solely family owned and if their culture or company philosophy ascribes to the holy scrolls, then so be it. Its unfathomable that entities would be supportive of hate groups or regimes, yet we learn everyday that Koch brother types abound all over the place marauding with their "Billions" in wild abandon.  After all, here in the good ole U.S.A. the "culture wars" are not over by any means, therefore those determined souls who will bear the summer heat to share their outrage, disgust, or whatever  manner of protest that they think will make a difference can fulfill their right to peacefully assemble at the Markham street location tomorrow around 7 AM. I assume that there will be the usual signs, probably taunts and outburst, horns honking, media folks searching for individuals to share their voices and onlookers who be wondering "WTF." Although I appreciate these type of citizen actions, I'm always a bit concerned about such reactive measures that have very limited outcomes. I ponder the thought, "where will all these folks be next Wednesday and what social justice work will they be doing?" I know where I will be, still in the fight to address health disparities due to our lack of connecting social determinants in the care continuum. And then, the next Wednesday I'll still be searching for funding streams and opportunities to access donors who will support my mission. And the next Wednesday, I most likely will not hear much about Cathy, Chick Fil-A and most of the protesters will have moved on into the normalcy of their everyday lives leaving me waiting for the next Wednesday when I'm still trying to change the world from my vantage point. In conclusion, I say go for it, make your issues known and do what you can in this moment to demonstrate the rights that we all share despite those who don't share them with us. I'm sure there's plenty who will share their thought with this fourm and as usual we always welcome your two cents.

 

 

Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan (CHPP) 2012 Completes

The Living Affected Corporation's CEO, Diedra Levi, has been spearheading the research and culmination of the states Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan which will be the overlay of the jurisdictional plan as mandated by the Center's for Disease Control. Each state is required to developed a plan that will provide a jurisdiction-wide document that should address all HIV prevention activities and inform decisions about how all HIV prevention funds are to be used, including federal, state, local, and, when possible, private resources. If a jurisdiction implements more than one CPG, the comprehensive plan should summarize any multiple or regional plans into one document. The plan, whether designed to be a one- or multi-year document, must be updated annually. As the health department's federal funding for HIV prevention is on a five-year cycle, the CPG's final plan for the 2004-2008 project period should guide the development of the next five-year funding cycle (January 2009-December 2013). According to Levi, (pictured) there has been an underwhelming and lackluster involvement with producing the plan including information delays and other obstacles that have been unfortunate. "We are going forward despite some setbacks," she said. "There will be a plan in place by the deadline come mid-August. Too much time has elapsed and this is our priority for 2012." she concluded. In order to maximize access to the planning meetings, LA Corp secured the use of the AnyMeeting platform which allow users to participate via both video and teleconference from their remote locations or individuals are invited to the organizations offices. (401 North Maple, Suite A, North Little Rock inside the Argenta Church complex.) The video portion of the meetings completed this week with the plan being prepared for submission by Aug 10. 2012.
The objective of the plan is to guide how HIV prevention programs in the jurisdiction should respond to the HIV epidemic in implementing HIV prevention community planning, partner counseling and referral services (PCRS), health education/risk reduction (HE/RR), capacity building, evaluation, and other health department activities conducted under Program Announcement #04012 (2004-2008), HIV Prevention Projects, Notice of Availability of Funds. The plan must consider all HIV prevention activities regardless of funding. Thus, it is important for the CPG(s) to know and understand the extent and array of prevention funds that will be allocated as a result of both the health department's and other funders' implementation of the CPG's target population priorities and set of prevention activities/intervention, as described in the Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan. (source: www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/cba )

 

Firecracker Monday

Talking about hotter than July, just won't do any more. The temp and attitude concerning the weather is now reach the "it hot as hell" level and then some. Despite the stifling heatwave that continues to rage on, COP 24/7 is undeterred in our efforts to keep putting it our there for your daily consumption. If you are not locked and loaded either through subscription, opt-in e-mail, RSS, bookmarked or on a daily check in routine, then you need to come follow the information leader for the LGBTQ community and beyond. It's COP 24/7, hot, live and otherwise. Let's go get em...

Clinton, AIDS and Arkansas

The International AIDS Conference bookended the week with the other "Clinton," in the presences of President Bill Clinton whom addressed attendees concerning his work done through his foundation. In true Clinton style and rhythm, he cited the tremendous amount of effort put into his drug price negotiations with manufactures which resulted in him stating that " there is "no excuse" for some HIV patients in Africa to not receive treatment." In an AP report, "Clinton said his organization, the Clinton Foundation, found treating HIV-positive patients in some African countries is less costly than previously thought.

Furthermore ,"Treatment costs an average of just $200 per patient per year. That includes the cost of drugs, diagnostic tests, personnel and outpatient costs. There is no excuse for failing to provide treatment to the remaining 10 million people in need," he said.  Clinton also shared his concerns about the disease shifting to the deep South in which he felt warranted much more attention. Even though I certainly applaud his movements in this area globally, it seems that his "star power" has not been fully engaged in raising awareness here in Arkansas. Of course there are numerous reasons and excuses to go around as to this situation ebbs and flows into the next decade. Local community based organizations have been forging ahead with meager funds and notable challenges and barriers that have stymied prevention effectiveness. This is most evident as the South has the highest rate of AIDS deaths of any U.S. region. It also has the largest numbers of adolescents and adults living with HIV and the fewest resources to fight the epidemic. Not to mention that Mr. Clinton's home state doesn't have a HIV/AIDS Prevention line item in its state budget, there appears to be no strategy on how to link those out of care into care and ultimately many of the necessary "dots" are simply not connecting as incidence conditions continue to rise and lives hang in the balance. Thanks Mr. Clinton for all that you've done, but could we get some of that full throated muscle state side.

Chicken and Equality

Chik-Fil-A Depreciation Day August 1^st

Micah Qualls - Loved ally and key organizer in Little Rock's Chick-Fil-A Depreciation Day

We hope that folks who are able to be out for EQUALITY make a bee line to the front of their local Chik-Fil-A on August 1^st. Former Governor Mike Huckabee has called on church folks to go and eat there that day to let the company know they are supported… We’d like to finish that sentence with “in their bigotry”. Take a stand and let our fellow Arkansans see the faces of real LGBTQ people.

CAR staff and many of our members will be at the Markham location in Little Rock joining our great ally Micah Qualls who has led the organizing on this event. Start time is 7am. So come before work, come at lunchtime (but not for a chicken sandwich!) or come by after work for the rush hour shift.

If you plan on coming please wear white (it reflects heat). And for those that have them wear your white CAR shirt or RYLI shirts. Wear a hat that isn’t black, use sunscreen, bring an umbrella for shade, duct tape a string on the back of your sign so you can wear it. You WILL get tired of holding it. Bring water. Also there is a Shell station right there that will have water and other beverages. And a “family” couple who live on the corner across from the Shell have offered their home s as a cooling station, restroom use, and they are providing water and iced tea.

The Fight for Marriage Equality

Marriage equality is on the ballot in multiple states across the country this fall – from Washington State in the west, to Minnesota in the midwest, to Maryland and Maine in the east.
In Washington, HRC is a proud founding member of the Washington United for Marriage coalition and continues to be a strong supporter in the efforts to defend marriage equality for all Washingtonians. In addition to the tremendous volunteer resources the local Seattle leadership provides on the campaign, HRC has donated a Field Director, eight additional field organizers, a Deputy Campaign Manager, a Communications Director and a Faith Director. Support our efforts!
In Maryland, HRC also is a founding member and leader of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition campaign working to defend marriage in the Free State. HRC is dedicating staff, resources and coordinating volunteers and phone banks. Find out about volunteer opportunities with the campaign or donate to HRC’s special fund to defend the marriage equality law in Maryland.
HRC also has six staffers on the ground in Minnesota, where we’re a part of the Minnesotans United for All Families coalition. In Minnesota, NOM-affiliated groups are staunchly pushing a state constitutional amendment that would ban committed, loving same-sex couples from marrying one another. We need your support - visit HRC’s Minnesota Family Freedom PAC and help defeat this discriminatory amendment.
Groups like NOM and their allies will stop at nothing to roll back our previous victories and prevent us from advancing equality. Get involved now and help these critical states protect marriage equality or prevent discriminatory bans.

Stay tuned to COP 24/7, we are not nearly through with any this and so much more....!!!

 

ENDGAME Arkansas

The International AIDS Conference closes today with reflection over the past week as well as with visions of "AIDS Free Generation." It's imperative that the information be disseminated far and wide in an continuing effort to promote "treatment as prevention." COP 24/7 applaud our Arkansas delegation that networked and represented our state as foot soldiers in search making sure that our state was apart of this significant event. This forum will further to expound upon additional break through, updates, resolutions and progressive legislation scaling up the response to this ongoing health dilemma.

Waves of Rising Tides of Hope

From the Big Chair
Speaking Volumes for Tides of Tranformations

The 19th International AIDS Conference surges forward toward its climatic end this Friday and COP 24/7 has highlighted the event via the HJ Kaiser Family Foundation's web portal and all associated links. This forum was proud of its collaboration with The Living Affected Corporation which served as "mini-hub" while beaming much of the conference into its Argenta offices. As far as  its known, this agency was the only local community based group which offered its space as a destination for viewing the conference. Unfortunately a more coordinated approach was not pursued by public health officials as an further opportunity to scale up community wide dialog and awareness. The event was a global event that allowed itself to be used as platform for a multi-faceted "awareness week" or at least a couple of days of engaging stakeholders, allies, policy makers and advocates in additional capacity building. Its undoubted that "every moment is a deciding moment," and there's not a moment to waste as data continues to reveal startling facts concerning incidence rates and prevalence numbers that paint a swath of infections that are primarily among African Americans within impoverished and or blighted areas of Arkansas. Furthermore, though blacks account for 13 percent of the total US population, this community makes up nearly 50% of new HIV cases. That means, approximately half a million Black Americans are living with HIV. Many of those affected lack access to health care and treatment, making this population even more vulnerable. According to the CDC, black men who have sex with men (BMSM) accounted for 63 percent of new infections among black men in 2006." It is for this reason that I'm emphatic that the current Know Now campaign that urges testing, prevention and conversation must be totally coordinated before any significant shifts will occur in the black community. If It is not, then its another expensive lost opportunity to educate or inform.


 Although the impact of the conference perhaps wouldn't be of interest to many in these areas, but gathering those interested in the subject into a "think tank" mode could have resulted in some innovative strategies or steps forward in the battle to message, "treatment as prevention." There's no more time denying that gaps in services don't exist, transportation issues continue, social determinants such as housing, education, food, treatment and employment are crucial in the care continuum, and ultimately the trinity of substantial funding, distinct accountability and leadership must be fully engaged as this battle rages on. Such conferences are invaluable tools, rich in not only networking avenues but bastions of the most updated information is made available. Since this conference was designed to strategize to "end the age of AIDS," Arkansas's policy makers should have been thoroughly engaged if not in attendance certainly alerted to its access via the local micro hub or even this forum. The cutting edge technology which conference organizers embraced was a direct "teachable moment" for our area which has demonstrated low expectations in harnessing the power of the digital age. COP 24/7 utilized every aspect of that technology to promote our posting of key segments and panel discussions. At this junction of the crisis, its unacceptable to continue to move in a lackluster manner or poorly coordinated frames regarded as a response to this epidemic. If we are going to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS, then the time is now!


The Future of HIV Prevention, Health and Human Rights in Gay, other MSM and Transgender Communities: Towards More Effective Approaches with ICTs in a Web 2.0 World

Empowerment Wednesday

Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp Wraps Up in Little Rock
Kudos to CAR whom served as the host organization and co-organizer of the inaugural session of the first regional camp held July 18-21, 2012. The camp which consisted of 50 LGBTQ youth from various points throughout the South was designed to focus on the needs and concerns of LGBTQ youth living in the region. The purpose of the camp was to provide intensive community building, increased skill sets, political education, and leadership training with a focus on youth participating in Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) and other youth/young adult activists activities.

CAR partnered with GSA Networks, Southern Poverty Law Center, Mississippi Safe School Coalition, Georgia Safe School Coalition and PFLAG Maryville, TN. Many local individuals and organizations provided volunteer hours and financial support.  The Lucille Marie Hamilton Drop-In Center (for LGBTQ and ally youth) as well as the CAR offices served as a ground zero for those visiting the camp during the four day event. For more info contact: artchangesu@yahoo.com

Afterhours Networking Launches

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced the launch of a "Afterhours Networking" event to begin August 1 from 6 to 9 pm at the organizations offices, 401 Maple Street, Suite A (First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock). The event is designed to invite allies, supporters and sponsors to further understand LA Corp's vision and mission of "transforming communites through holistic health by providing education and advocacy." Chief Operating Officier, C. Mabin stated, " It very important that we share our organizational story which is ripe with lessons learned." He continued, " Our goal is to make a connection with our allies and supporters that will allow us to bring others into wanting to help us effectively impact our clients with holistic outcomes."

Currently the organization has been in a re-tooling phase which included creating this event to scale up its strategic planning initiatives such as future board development, assessing funding streams, donor acquistion and retension plus further defining its position as a statewide organization that is informed and connected to changing the social construct of the community served by providing basic human rights. As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, The Living Affected Corporation has been the premiere organization addressing HIV /AIDS in the Black MSM community through its impending D-Up intervention diffuison, individual free HIV testing, serving as a community service outlet for those in the judical system and offering technical assistance throughout the city. The event is free. For more information contact: 501.379.8203 or 877.902.7HIV

New Media in Changing the Response to HIV

By Jeremy Vanderlan, AIDS.gov Technical Deputy, and Michelle Samplin-Salgado, AIDS.gov New Media Strategist

L-R: Miguel Gomez, Michelle Samplin-Salgado, Todd Park, Deron Perkins, Venton Jones, Ken Williams, Eunice Gnay Namirembe, Oriol Gutierrez, Ingrid Floyd, Susannah Fox

On Monday, July 23, AIDS.gov hosted a satellite session at AIDS 2012 on the State of New Media and HIV. During the session we heard how new media is changing the response to HIV, allowing individuals and programs to engage others and create conversations and dialogues to further HIV prevention and treatment goals. At the end of the session, with almost 200 delegates in the room and nearly 500 people watching on Facebook and Livestream (watch a recording of the session ), participants recited the following declaration:

“We call upon the HIV community to declare that new media and emerging technologies are critical in helping us connect, create, listen, learn, and engage as we move towards and AIDS-free generation.”

Todd Park , Chief Technology Officer for the White House, kicked off the session by describing how, two months ago, President Obama released the U.S. Digital Government Strategy. He noted that exactly two years and ten days ago the President also released the U.S. National HIV/AIDS Strategy. In his remarks, Mr. Park said, “I’m convinced these two Strategies have a synergy that really can make a difference in people’s lives. They are roadmaps to ensure positive response to the needs of all Americans, and we hope a useful tool to our colleagues outside the U.S.”
In the introduction to the new Digital Government Strategy, President Obama states, “I want us to ask ourselves every day, how are we using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives?” Todd added, “That’s why we’re here. To make a difference in people’s lives…to make a difference as we move towards an AIDS-free generation.”
Panelists each shared how they are using new media to strengthen their respective actions on HIV/AIDS.

It’s never too late to learn
Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet & American Life Project cited statistics that 1 in 4 people living with a chronic health condition connect with peers via social networks. She highlighted how engagement leads to better health outcomes. New media can be that platform. Susannah shared the story of her bright and curious grandmother, who when seeing the internet for the first time towards the end of her life, responded with discouragement, “I was born too late.” In fact, she quickly learned that she could connect with others, and even into her mid-90’s, participated in online communities. Susannah said, “we all have something to learn and we all have something to teach.”
Eunice Namirembe from Uganda, who manages the initiative Text to Change , talked about the simplicity and power of mobile text messaging to drive people to get tested and change their behavior. In Uganda, 15,000 text messages encouraging HIV testing yielded a 20% response rate. As those who responded to the text waited in line to be tested, a community was built; an overwhelming response to a simple text message.

Why it’s important to listen
Ingrid Floyd of Iris House spoke about using social media to listen and using platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to interject messages related to HIV prevention into online interactions. She emphasized the importance of listening before engaging and of using events and pop culture references to inspire conversations about safer sex and HIV prevention.

Connect and engage
Venton Jones of the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition described his experience growing up as a child of the digital generation. He noted how each step in his life has been marked by a change in technology, and described the importance of disclose his own HIV status. By sharing his status online, Venton helps gives a face to HIV/AIDS, creating a space for broader conversations about stigma and disclosure. Following Venton’s presentation, an audience member shared his own story about disclosing his HIV status on Facebook. It was a testimony to the power of new media to connect people.
Oriol Gutierrez of POZ has lived as a digital pioneer, using new media and building a collection of best practices around video, blogging, and social media. “New media allows me to share my story,” Oriol said. Consistency builds community, he said, regardless of how you share your message. Each platform requires a specific skill set and approach, but consistency over time is a key discipline.

The power of video and the spoken word
The session began and ended with creative expressions using new media to educate and inform. Deron Perkins of Real Talk DC , a project of Metro Teen AIDS , set the tone of the session with an eloquent and energetic spoken word in which he referred to AIDS as the “DC Viper”, striking far too many people living in Washington, DC. Deron uses social media as a platform to engage with DC youth, thereby raising awareness of HIV risk in the city.
Ken Williams of the Test Positive Awareness Network and Ken like Barbie created a video for the satellite, which described how he has used new media (specifically YouTube) to share his story of living with HIV.

Tides Awashed in Hope

COP 24/7 Speaks
Tides of Transformations Needed in Arkansas

As the International AIDS Conference 2012 continues, so does the coverage here at COP 24/7. Since its inception this forum has been steadfast in offering the most current and updated HIV/AIDS information and statistics including the various social determinants that are central to this health crisis. I am of the opinion that its imperative that as many comprehensive and innovative approaches be mobilized ranging from increased funding for community based organizations to enlisting faith based entities in the effort to increase testing and prevention messages. The data has proven by far that the epidemic has primarily domiciled itself in Arkansas's delta region and points both north and south along a southeastern trajectory. Counties such as Lee, Jefferson, Chicot, Jefferson, Union, and Pulaski rank among those with the highest HIV prevalence rates which demonstrates that this virus rages on in this state. Furthermore, this scenario is fully supported by data disseminated by both the Center's for Disease for Control and National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors which cite that a further "call to action" be instituted. Yet this call to action can not occur without policy makers and all legislators facing the reality that the lack of  prevention line item funding in the state budget must be reconsidered. Meanwhile a progressive and coordinated strategy framed by the National AIDS Strategy will be crucial to address this health dilemma, not to mention a full throated support from the next Governor is tantamount to getting a grasp on the situation.  I urge our public health officials to increase the "community information viral load" by deploying weekly updates directly from the Infectious Disease Unit, harnessing the vast power of the Internet with dynamic content, immerse the agency in community assessed capacity building opportunities that will build the infrastructure in regions of the state that are under served and provide the bold leadership that's paramount to significantly impact what this forum has determined as Arkansas' "Black genocide" that must be stopped by any means necessary. Three decades of HIV and AIDS have passed into my memory, however despite notable breakthroughs it appears that the road for Arkansas is still long and winding. We've heard that "when we know better, we do better," well we can't wait any longer for anyone to know better, its time for all of us to demand that no more lives be lost while we wait on that "do better" stance. Let's Stop HIV together, Now!

IAC 2012: Many Voices, Many Volumes

Thanks to the Henry J.Kaiser Family Foundation for keeping the video content coming fast and furious from the International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C. this week. COP 24/7 is proud that this forum to our knowledge is the only in state blog site that has been providing direct coverage to the event as well as links, updates and local information for those seeking counseling or services. Taking a cue from conference organizers, this platform has utilized all the gizmos and gadgets made available by the IAS. COP 24/7 has always been seeking to grab hold of all things rolling out from the Internet and the latest technology that can connect our global audience to our site. If you are not following us, then get on board to stay in the information loop. Content provided courtesy: www.kkf.org   Correction: Connie "condom lady" Roebuck was unable to attend the conference as posted. She fell ill but has had a speedy recovery and we wish her well, plus thank her for work in Northeast Arkansas.

Turning the Tide Monday

IAC 2012
Arkansas Delegation Embraces AIDS Conference

Arkansas's delegation attending activities both within and outside the International AIDS Conference in Washington D.C. this week have expressed a range of emotions from exhilaration to tears as they move among the 30,000 whom are in attendance. " we shared hugs on the mall," according Bob Coffey. He continued, "the experience is a larger that life event!" The Arkansas delegation also includes Connie "condom lady" Roebuck, A. Dixon. K. Coffman, D. Tucker and Ms. Courtney Hampton on behalf of The Black AIDS Institute. The conference features over 400 sessions and 250 exhibitors during the week long event that also has utilized the most cutting edge technology to make the conference globally accessible.

The Living Affected Corporation added a conference widget to its blog site and will checking in on the conference via live streams and rebroadcast at their offices. COP 24/7 will share updates, video, links and a variety of other conference related content within this forum. Conference organizers also engaged the Kaiser Family Foundation as a primary distributor of conference content including a variety of links and updates. Retuning to America after a multi year absence due to a ban on HIV persons entering the United States, the International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward.

The AIDS 2012 programme will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. A variety of session types – from abstract-driven presentations to symposia, bridging and plenary sessions – will meet the needs of various participants. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.


Riding High for Charity
Renegades Promotes Show for PFLAG

Local philanthropic organization, Renegades for a Cause will be coming out of shoots of Miss Kitty's, August 17, from 10- 12 pm featuring Justin Case, Alotta Cummings, Gigi Galore, Liberty Galore and a "cast of thousand," to be announced. Proceeds will be forwarded to Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays. The local entity mirrors the national group in scope and services to support gays and lesbians. According to the national website the group vision states, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Only with respect, dignity and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively. PFLAG welcomes the participation and support of all who share in, and hope to realize this vision.

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. In Arkansas their are chapters in Russellville, Fayettville and Little Rock. For more info contact: www.pflag.org

How Much Do You Know About HIV/AIDS? Take Our New Quiz

There have been significant successes in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic around the world and in the United States, but millions of new HIV infections are reported each year and access to care and treatment remains a challenge in many parts of the world.

A new HIV/AIDS Quiz from the Kaiser Family Foundation encourages people to see how much they know about the epidemic and the people it affects.

Take the quiz and test your knowledge on subjects like: How many people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world? What percentage of the U.S. federal budget is spent to address HIV/AIDS? Which racial/ethnic group accounts for the greatest number of new HIV infections in the U.S.? The answers page provides links to resources for additional information on each topic covered in the 10 questions.

The quiz is being released ahead of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) taking place in Washington, D.C. from July 22-27. Kaiser, in partnership with the International AIDS Society, is the official webcaster of AIDS 2012.

Other Kaiser quizzes examining Medicare, Health Reform and the Uninsured are also available.

Afterhours Networking Takes Flight August 1

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced the launch of a "Afterhours Networking" event to begin August 1 from 6 to 9 pm at the organizations offices, 401 Maple Street, Suite A (First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock). The event is designed to invite allies, supporters and sponsors to further understand LA Corp's vision and mission of "transforming communites through holistic health by providing education and advocacy." All interested in the mission of The Living Affected Corporation are encouraged to attend.

Chief Operating Officier, C. Mabin stated, " It very important that we share our organizational story which is ripe with lessons learned." He continued, " Our goal is to make a connection with our allies and supporters that will allow us to bring others into wanting to help us effectively impact our clients with holistic outcomes." Currently the organization has been in a re-tooling phase which included creating this event to scale up its strategic planning initiatives such as future board development, assessing funding streams, donor acquistion and retension plus further defining its position as a statewide organization that is informed and connected to changing the social construct of the community served by providing basic human rights.

As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, The Living Affected Corporation has been the premiere organization addressing HIV /AIDS in the Black MSM community through its impending D-Up intervention diffuison, individual free HIV testing, serving as a community service outlet for those in the judical system and offering technical assistance throughout the city. The event is free. For more information contact: 501.379.8203 or 877.902.7HIV

The Moral Compass Spins Out

Gun fire in the U.S. of A

Its happend again. The reality check that our modern day "gotham" still continues to impacted by those who teeter in the realms of mental madness or social deconstruct, hell bent on unleashing their fury upon the innocence and unsuspecting that often times seeking places of refuge from their daily grinds. The news came fast and furious as we learned about the onslaught of murder and chaos that took place in Aurora Colorado last evening at a local movie multiplex presenting a midnight showing of the summer release of the Dark Knight Rises the third installment of the Batman trilogy. For some unknown reason, the assailant burst into the theater prepared to become a one man vigiante draped in commando garb, armed with an arsenal of weapons, bullets and a deadly agenda for those in attendance. As far as I'm concern, this is not about the subject matter of a mere movie, but rather the unraveling of individual within our society and our reaction to his not only his deeds but what perhaps drove him and all manner of his type to this brink of destruction.

As all news sources went into overdrive and cringe factor plus the horrific events unfolded, I kept thinking haven't I've seen this movie before. This carnage is just another in a succession of incidents and terrioristic events that my senses have been subjected too over the years. Again, its a demented indvidual who has accessed our open marketplace for all types of guns including assualt riffles, multiple bullet clips and enough ammo to support a small army. Tragic as it is, our perfect cauldron of not dealing with mental health gaps, societal dysfunctions, showcases of violent displays in both live and digital programming, and ultimately the issue of multi firing arament that are meant for theaters of war continuing to be legal purchases. I fully understand the passion  the bearing arms mantra, but what I don't understand is the lack of political will from our elected officials as well as those elected not being allowed to be what's needed most during these critical times which is basic leadership. And so, as this next face of terror is charged, tried and sentenced, I ponder exactly what other outcomes will occur before the next jarring incident takes place after this attack fades to black. Condolesces to those families and love ones who are now dealing with the aftermath. Our prayers to the city of Aurora and the people of Colorado who will gather together to rise above this unfortuante sign of the times. For a historical perspective on gun violence in the USA check out the following link:  http://qwi.ki/fZE0bc or check out www.gunpolicy.org 
  

The Deep End of COP 24/7 Completes

Jackson Awarded

SREB-AGEP Doctoral Scholars Program

Damond Jackson is the first recipient of the SREB doctoral scholar’s award from the University of Central Arkansas. He is a PhD student in an Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies program at the university, the first and only one of its kind in the state, and one of few in this region of the country. Damond’s research focus is on Arkansas government agency effectiveness in HIV prevention relative to black MSM’s. He will offer the benefits of his academic acumen by serving as research and development consultant for LA Corps. the National Science Foundation (NSF) provides support services from the SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program to minority graduate students in the NSF Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) program.

The grant supports an initiative between the AGEP program and the SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program (a partnership that includes SREB states, other regional educational organizations, and federal and foundation programs that stress strengthening minority graduate education). The grant from the National Science Foundation achieves two broad goals for AGEP scholars: 1) increases the likelihood of completing a Ph.D. in science, technology, engineering or mathematics; and 2) encourages and prepares scholars for a career as a successful college faculty member.
By joining forces with SREB, AGEP alliances encourage their minority graduate students nationwide to earn doctoral degrees and become college and university faculty members. COP 24/7 congratulates Mr. Jackson on this recognition and his bold visions as apart of his consultative work with The Living Affected Corporation. Young, Gifted and Black men such as Mr. Jackson stand out as a beacon of hope to all within the same gender loving community and beyond.

AWARE + IN CARE
2 PREVENT HIV
Arkansas advocates, activist, stakeholders, allies and others have been provided with the newly created "Aware + In Care 2 Prevent HIV  t-shirts crafted by local humanitarian Mr.Bob Coffey will be leading the Arkansas delegation whom will be in Washington DC for the International AIDS Conference, July 22-27. Coffey has asked that those who have acquired the shirts join the delegation in solidarity by wearing their shirts to promote HIV awareness, treatment, and prevention. Coffey has been an ardent activist in the struggle to make the connection that "treatment is prevention" while highlighting that over 4, 617 Arkansans are not currently in a care continuum. 
 

Although apart of many efforts both statewide and regional, Coffey considers himself a volunteer activist void of any particular affiliation. His self promoted campaign encourages individuals who  may not accessed a t-shirt, to consider calling their State Representatives in the House and Senate, and ask them to ensure that all HIV positive citizens are IN-CARE. This vital political "call to action" comes on the heels of the Ryan White Authorization listening tour and citizens comment period.

COP 24/7 will join the effort and will be following the Arkansas delegation while they are participating in numerous capacities in the nations capital. Stay tuned for more updates and information forwarded from the crew.  
Below is a link to a Poz.com article describing why we are all in this effort.
http://blogs.poz.com/regan/2012/07/enlist_today_to_end.html

Afterhours Networking Launches

The Board of Directors of The Living Affected Corporation has announced the launch of a "Afterhours Networking" event to begin August 1 from 6 to 9 pm at the organizations offices, 401 Maple Street, Suite A (First Presbyterian Church of North Little Rock). The event is designed to invite allies, supporters and sponsors to further understand LA Corp's vision and mission of "transforming communites through holistic health by providing education and advocacy." Chief Operating Officier, C. Mabin stated, " It very important that we share our organizational story which is ripe with lessons learned." He continued, " Our goal is to make a connection with our allies and supporters that will allow us to bring others into wanting to help us effectively impact our clients with holistic outcomes." Currently the organization has been in a re-tooling phase which included creating this event to scale up its strategic planning initiatives such as future board development, assessing funding streams, donor acquistion and retension plus further defining its position as a statewide organization that is informed and connected to changing the social construct of the community served by providing basic human rights. As a Arkansas Department of Health sub-grantee, The Living Affected Corporation has been the premiere organization addressing HIV /AIDS in the Black MSM community through its impending D-Up intervention diffuison, individual free HIV testing, serving as a community service outlet for those in the judical system and offering technical assistance throughout the city. The event is free. For more information contact: 501.379.8203 or 877.902.7HIV

Still in the Deep End of COP 24/7

First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announce next chapter of Let’s Move! Cities Towns and Counties

Five goals align with Let’s Move! pillars and promote healthy eating and active living on a local community level

Philadelphia, PA-- Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius joined First Lady Michelle Obama and local officials from across the country to announce the next chapter in the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties program, which encourages local elected officials to focus on improving the health of their communities.

Secretary Sebelius announced five goals for local officials to achieve within the next year to address obesity and help communities be healthier. These goals align with Let’s Move!’s five basic pillars.
“Make no mistake, childhood obesity is a national problem and demands everyone’s attention. But it’s a problem that can’t be solved just at the national level. We can make a significant impact, city by city, town by town, county by county,” Secretary Sebelius said.

The five goals and corresponding Let’s Move! pillars are:

Goal: Start Early, Start Smart: To provide children with a healthier start, local elected officials commit to helping early care and education program providers incorporate best practices for nutrition, physical activity and screen time into their programs. (aligns with Pillar One – Creating a healthy start for children)
Goal: My Plate, My Place: To empower parents and caregivers, local elected officials commit to prominently displaying My Plate in all municipal or county venues where food is served. (aligns with Pillar Two – Empowering parents and caregivers)
Goal: Smart Serving for Students: To provide healthy food in schools, local elected officials commit to increasing participation in the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. (aligns with Pillar Three: Providing healthy food in schools)
Goal: Model Food Service: To improve access to healthy, affordable foods, local elected officials commit to implementing healthy and sustainable food service guidelines that are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in all municipal and county venues that serve food. (aligns with Pillar Four: Improving access to healthy, affordable foods)
Goal: Active Kids at Play: To increase physical activity, local elected officials commit to mapping local playspaces, completing a needs assessment, developing an action plan and launching a minimum of three proven policies, programs or initiatives aimed at increasing access to play. (aligns with Pillar Five: Increasing physical activity)
Secretary Sebelius also announced public and private sector commitments to support the goals of Let’s Move!:

• The National League of Cities (NLC), with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is committing to providing long term support for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties through its Institute for Youth, Education and Families. NLC will be providing all elected officials who sign up for the initiative with free resources, access to experts, tracking tools and maps to track progress and connect with other Lets Move! Cities, Towns and Counties sites. This collaboration also includes support from the United States Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties.
• Through the Partnership for a Healthier America’s (PHA) “Play Streets Initiative”, the BlueCross BlueShield Association is funding street-closings to increase safe places for families to play. These areas are called “play streets” – city streets where kids and families can run, walk, bike or play outside freely without traffic. The BlueCross BlueShield Association is committed to funding Play Street scholarships in 10 cities and towns across the country between now and October 2013 to create at least four Play Streets per city or town.
• KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that promotes activity for communities across the country, has committed to providing free materials, technical assistance and guidance online for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties elected officials to build or expand public playgrounds. Additionally, the First Lady cut the ribbon of a new Imagination Playground in a Box at the event donated by KaBOOM!, who will provide training and technical assistance to create new play spaces in communities across the country, including a free mobile mapping application to report the location of publicly accessible parks or recreational facilities in local communities.
• To help elected officials achieve their goals, subject matter experts from the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture have collaborated to build technical assistance and information for elected officials on the new website which launches today. Please visit www.healthycommunitieshealthyfuture.org.

Online coverage of aids 2012 kicks off with live webcast on sunday, july 22

In partnership with the International AIDS Society, the Kaiser Family Foundation is the official webcaster of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) – the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. Kaiser will provide online access to the daily developments that take place at the conference in Washington, D.C. beginning this Sunday, July 22.

Tune in to the live webcast of the Opening Session on Sunday, July 22 at 19:00 (7 p.m. ET). The Closing Session will also be webcast live on Friday, July 27 at 15:15 (3:15 p.m. ET). Throughout the conference, Kaiser will provide webcasts, podcasts (in English and Spanish) and transcripts of roughly 50 other conference sessions.

Additionally, on Friday, July 19, the Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute will present a webcast featuring leading conference speakers discussing expectations of the conference and on July 27, they’ll take a look at what was accomplished at AIDS 2012, what still needs to be done and begin to look ahead to AIDS 2014.

Kaiser's AIDS 2012 conference coverage, including live webcasts, will be available at www.kff.org/aids2012. Visit the page now to see a guide to conference coverage.

Arkansas Minority HIV/AIDS Taskforce

Public Forum and Focus Group Series 2012

Saturday August 4, 2012

· Forrest City, AR – Focus group

Thursday August 16, 2012,

· Pine Bluff, AR - Public Forum and a Focus Group

Saturday September 8, 2012

· Springdale, AR - Public Forum

The Deep End of COP 24/7

Rolling out this forum on a daily basis has it's ups and downs, but since its become my ongoing obsession then I find myself rolling with the punches. Each day I keep finding new and interesting items to share with my audience. Often its hard to decide which way to go with what material or if its suitable for posting because it may not be timely. However, sometimes even if  its got past my radar, I try to find a connection or hook to make the item still relevant. All the blog content experts warn that keeping your site content fresh, tagged, rich in links and click through info will facilitate bringing those important "eyeballs" that are the life blood of any website. Currently according to those Google stats, we average around 70 to 100 page views during our production week. It seems that Wednesday's are good for many of you as the numbers spike mid-week and level off by the weekend. Most of our traffic is stateside but if you check out our live Feedjit tracker, you can see that we do have a global reach. Many times to cities and places that I have never heard of ! So there you have it, COP 24/7 busting it out daily with news, views and so much more of what I hope that you are looking for! Come follow us, bookmark, opt-in e-mail or RSS feed. Don't be left out of the COP 24/7 loop.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

From all indications there appears to be a new kid  on the block named Ryan Tiffin working under the banner, Out in the Rock, which proclaims on its Facebook page, "Little Rock's Premiere LGBT News and Media Coverage. Also it states that its mission is to "spread LGBT news through out the Central Arkansas area." Well now, isn't that interesting and a bold new idea! Of course, this certainly caught my eye since I've been "spreading LGBTQ news" going on some six years at this point. I guess these guys never got in my stream or caught the news loop that I've ramped up to now a daily feature. There's always room for more I guess, but producing a blog, printed magazine or any type of periodical is not for the faint of heart. I takes time, mucho effort, investment and above all patience to stay the course when you think no one or any one for that matter gives a damn about what you are doing or why. Fortunately, I get to hear from a tea cup of you whom share your reply, criticism, rebuttals or rants about what made the cut in this forum. Its been a hell of journey and keeping it going requires many assessments and reflections. I left a shout out on their FB page and will follow up with some additional reach out to get a better understanding of their mission. I believe that we do need as much media as possible since our issues only get "blink" coverage from mainstream outlets. Yet, it's our own fault that we have not fully cultivated allies within the news industry or other media entities that aid us in our search for news coverage. Therefore, it's now up to ourselves to create, produce, promote and support individuals who are trying to fill that niche. Too many times have I heard many of you pondering why we don't have a "news magazine or tabloid paper." In fact, my partners at The Living Affected Corporation has produced, Holistic Health Arkansas, book "Our Lives, Our Story and forthcoming, OMNIBUS health journal that are unique opportunities for both advertising support or purchase. If the community want its stories shared or issues highlighted then its got to do its part in bringing the financial push needed to make it happen. I said it before and here it again, " its put up or shut up about what's needed if you are not going to do anything about changing the situation." Good luck to Out in the Rock, we'll be keeping an eye out on what they are up too and as usual we'll bring it to you first. 

Diversity Conference A No Go in the Rock

In several postings this forum heralded the idea that The National Association of Black and White Men Together organization had chosen Little Rock as the site of its 33rd national convention site slated for July 2013. After a rounds of other cities being considered, this city was the only municipality to actual submit a formal bid and follow through on the process. Much transpired in discussions, follow-ups, research and other due diligence was done to support the effort. However, after a total overall assessment of the project local organizers had reservations and after thoughts about the return on the investment needed to helm the convention. Within these discussions, I as the lead connection to the event felt that I couldn't adequately justify any significant outcomes that would impact this city. Was it really worth the work of having this conference for the sake of having it when locals peppered me with questions such as:

1. What does NABWMT do?

2. What is their  mission and how does it relate to our community. Furthermore, once the convention is over what will it mean for our city?

3.What did they do in other cities and did it have any significance on those cities?

4. What programming does the organization offer and who are they actually helping?

And the questions kept coming. Therefore, a more in depth look had to made as to whether this entire venture was "one man's vision perhaps through lavender glasses" or would such a conference make a difference in uniting the local LGBTQ community and allies. Its no secret that fractures exist and we've been slowly finding some common ground to build upon. I came to the conclusion that wouldn't my community be better suited if I took my time and energy and continued to pursue making some change that I could actual visualize and comprehend. I surmised that there were plenty of projects that needed by full attention which would result in some tangibles such as periodicals, collaborations, participating in conferences already planned and taking my resources to where I could make the most impact. It became crystal clear that this approach should be the path to follow which is filled with fulfilling concepts, projects and initiatives that would allow me to help transform as well as build human capital in m own back yard. It was a privilege to be among those cities under consideration and subsequently selected, however, pursuing that course of action wasn't the best move to achieve the dynamic future that I'm preparing to embrace. Even though that effort is a no go, there's still plenty of opportunity for locals to volunteer, fund raise or come demonstrate your support as we transform communities through holistic health by providing education and advocacy. There's much work to be done and I will be looking to all of you to help us fulfill our mission.

Online coverage of aids 2012 kicks off with live webcast on sunday, july 22

In partnership with the International AIDS Society, the Kaiser Family Foundation is the official webcaster of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) – the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. Kaiser will provide online access to the daily developments that take place at the conference in Washington, D.C. beginning this Sunday, July 22.
Tune in to the live webcast of the Opening Session on Sunday, July 22 at 19:00 (7 p.m. ET). The Closing Session will also be webcast live on Friday, July 27 at 15:15 (3:15 p.m. ET). Throughout the conference, Kaiser will provide webcasts, podcasts (in English and Spanish) and transcripts of roughly 50 other conference sessions.

Additionally, on Friday, July 19, the Foundation and the Black AIDS Institute will present a webcast featuring leading conference speakers discussing expectations of the conference and on July 27, they’ll take a look at what was accomplished at AIDS 2012, what still needs to be done and begin to look ahead to AIDS 2014.
Kaiser's AIDS 2012 conference coverage, including live webcasts, will be available at www.kff.org/aids2012. Visit the page now to see a guide to conference coverage.