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