COP 24/7 In a Full Sleigh Ahead

As many of you know, COP 24/7 is always on the look out for talented writers, contributors and
persons on the move. I have made the acquaintance of Mr. Wyatt O Brian whom shares my passion for expressing himself and his lived experiences. I hope to one day follow his lead in producing my own "great novel" to leave as apart of my legacy.

Currently, Wyatt O’Brian Evans is CEO and President of Nair’Bo Universal, a publishing and production house based in the metropolitan Washington area. Founded in 2010, the company published popular and groundbreaking “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart” series (gay/ethnic).
Wyatt had made me aware of this book some time ago as well as the vital issue of intimate partner violence in the LGBTQ community.

Its that violence that often time we know is happening no matter whether it is mental or physical abuse that is inflicted upon your partner. At several points in my own life, I encountered men whom felt that this type of behavior was to fill our relationship. However, you learn to know that whomever is welcomed into your space should not want to defile that presence with violence of any type. It was valuable lesson that I still share to this very day. I live and trust by it.

In January 2014, Nair’Bo releases “RAGE!,” the thrilling, provocative and mind-bending/blowing sequel to “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart-Uncensored.” “RAGE!” follows the continuing saga of Wesley and Antonio, two openly gay, masculine, men of color (African-American, Latino) who must confront daunting and challenging obstacles and struggles that threaten to rip apart their monogamous relationship! And thrown in the mix is a duplicitous, devious and deadly individual who has a MAJOR axe to grind and score to settle with Wesley.

The “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart” series shines a bright light on relevant issues impacting the LGBTQ community, including intimate partner violence/abuse, tensions between Blacks and Latinos, and the “down-low.” Be you male, female, gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, or/and transgendered, you can relate to Wesley and Antonio because these are two persons fighting against the odds to preserve and nurture their profound and unique love and bond. Their story resonates with both LGBTQ and heterosexual audiences.

Already, the year 2014 is shaping up to be a banner year for Nair’Bo Universal. Beginning in the spring, the company will produce national seminars and workshops on Intimate Partner Violence/Abuse (domestic violence/abuse), and a “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart” book tour. Look for more information on this site about his personal appearances and other releases. Need that special Christmas gift? Go to www.wyattevans.com to get your copy today. Then get prepared to get your copy of RAGE in 2014.

COP 24/7
Fast Trending Buzz
In our effort to share as much information as possible, COP 24/7 will be offering a series of "fast
trending" buzz items for that "come and go" set that need to hit it and quit it. Let us know if this works for you as we experiment how to capsulize our pieces as means to keep you engaged.

Volunteer for NIAID HIV Studies

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) investigators are seeking volunteers to help improve their understanding of HIV and how it causes disease, find new tools to prevent HIV infection, and develop new and more effective treatments.

Read about volunteer opportunities for NIAID HIV studies on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

Learn More About the ACA with HIV Health Reform's Webinars!

HIV Health Reform's Webinar series titled, "We Can Do It", is designed to help individuals better understand how the Affordable Care Act works for individuals with HIV/AIDS. 

To view a schedule of planned webinars, click here.

 

 

Families USA Announces new Affordable Care Act Resource Center!

Families USA is pleased to announce new resources for enrollment assisters, located on their online Navigator and Assister Resource Center. These resources have been developed as part of a larger project that Families USA - a national, not-for-profit health coverage advocay organization - is launching to support the work of Affordable Care Act navigators and enrollment assisters. The consumer-friendly materials can be found here. 

 

Holiday Mid Week Delivery

NASEM Conference Announces Orlando

 

 

The 2014 Conference Planning Committee and Conference Sponsors: Viiv Healthcare, amfAR, Edge Media Networks, Janssen Therapeutics, Gilead Sciences and The HIV Prevention Trials Network 

announces the 2014 National AAMSM Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS and other Health Disparities, will be held January 16 – January 19, 2014 in Orlando, Florida. 

 

Late Registration is currently open at the cost of $495.00 [checks only]; 3-4% fee for credit cards until January 14, 2014 all checks must be postmarked by January, 10 2014 in order to receive the late registration rate. Our Website has been updated with the 2014 Conference Packet with information on registration, becoming a sponsor and much more. For more information or other questions you may have, please feel free to give our office a call at (404) 691-8880 respond to this email or download the mobile app from the app store for iOS devices or from the Google app store for Adroid Devices. For more info please click on the links below or visit our Website at www.naesm.org.

To book a room for the 2014 Leadership Conference for only $129.00 please click on the link below, as this rate is only available until January 1, 2014. If you are going or know of someone that will be in attendance, COP 24/7 is always looking for roaming reporters or persons on the scene coverage at any and all events in the LGBTQ community and beyond. Hit us up with your idea, links, video or other social media platforms we COP 24/7 can expand its reach!

 

Levi Leather in the Heartland

 

Local watering hole TraX North Little Rock will be the spot for their monthly Leather and Levi's Night, hosted by YOUR Mr. Heartland Leather 2014, Michael Kaplan! Wear your Levi jeans or your best leathers and come on out for a great night! COP 24/7 has attended this event in the past and has always had a good time with the boys of the leather set.

 

Usually they are more approachable than their attire often leads one to believe and can be quite the good time, if you know what I mean. Mr. Andy Cross, is the current Mr. International Leather 2013. No word if he will be in the house but no matter, a good time can still be had by all!

Mike will have "Drunken Gummies" - gummy bears that have been swimming in tasty vodka for a few days - available for a donation to the Mr. Heartland Leather in his quest to participate in the Mr. International Leather Contest, May 23-26, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. For more info click it to www.imrl.com

 

Kaiser Family Foundation Launches Web Portal to Explain the ACA For People With HIV

The Kaiser Family Foundation has produced a new consumer web portal to help people living with HIV navigate the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically designed to address the needs of people with HIV, the Obamacare & You portal, funded by Gilead Sciences, Inc., is presented as part of Greater Than AIDS, a leading national public information initiative developed by the Kaiser Family Foundation together with the Black AIDS Institute.

To find out more about this portal, click here.

 

Got Tips, Quips, Breaking news or just gossip? Then share it with COP 24/7, where we are talking about what you wish you could. Hit us up today!!

Telling like it Is Tuesday

Watching Over Me Then and Now

As the rush of Christmas comes rolling around again, I don't usually get to caught up in the hype scurry to get something that I really don't particular need or simply have to have it because
"everyone" else has one. No by golly, I'm no Grinch but rather I shop strategically with a keen eye for that ultimate pricing as I make a final choice.

Alright I know that Pope Francis went to the left about consumerism and capitalism running amuck, but let's face it most folks just ain't hearing none of that when it comes to getting that next electronic gadget or that 46 inch flat screen of their dreams. I fully understand the "reason for season" and have always been thoughtful that of my blessings. Over the years me and my partner have celebrated the holidays ranging from participating in those Christmas Tree Drives to food drives.

How can we ever forget driving in an unusual December thunderstorm in search of a Black Barbie and accessories because that was one of the items that the child had on the list that we were given. As neither of us have sired children, I kept thinking to myself, so this is apart of that parenting experience that I was wondering about. In hindsight, it did have a kind of magical feel that we would provide gifts that some child, we would never know would enjoy on Christmas morning.

Although I have enjoyed my fair share of "window shopping," with the advent of the Internet I now troll the digital isles in search of items that most likely I will not find my size in the brick and mortar stores or a unique piece offered by the dizzying array of niche online purveyors.

However,  as the headlines scream about our privacy and "who's watching who," I am well aware that all my online strolling is not only being tracked but to the point that I've discovered that the algorithms used by these retailers have gotten to know me extremely well.

 For instance almost any item that I have taken a look at for any period of time on a website, apparently doesn't want me to forget that I didn't make that purchase and finds it way into the margins of any other searches that I may have moved on to. In full disclosure COP 24/7 also allows roaming ads that we encourage our readers to check out for special offers and don't forget our margin links to our affiliates that support our production.

From Macy's to my favorite online stop Paul Frederick's and onto Payless. I can't help but notice that
Amazon.com which not only knows what I've bought previously but all that goes with that purchased. That behemoth tracks a brother while asking for product reviews, spinning out similar items with compatible pricing and sale flashes of their latest and greatest item that you don't have!

Just for the record, these foxy folks also know when to get personal with those "reminder" ticklers of "we miss you," and "have heard from you lately and wanted to share our latest this or that." Let's hear it for those "Digital Daddy's" who just want me to come on back to what they've got in their goody bags. Looks like you got about 8 days and counting to shop till you drop! Don't forget to consider sharing your treasure with a local community based group or service agency serving in the LGBTQ community and beyond.

Let The Conference Season Begin

COP 24/7  is a big booster of  individuals getting access to the latest information, updates on trends, networking and making the connection with other advocates or experts in their respective fields. If you don't know, perhaps you should go to a conference to find out. Don't know about one, then check the following video concerning The 26th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change  coming to Houston, Texas and the Hilton of the Americas–Houston, January 29–February 2, 2014.

What's Creating Change? Only the premier annual organizing and skills-building event for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and their allies.

The conference is run by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and attracts more than 3,500 people from all over the country every year. Presenters and participants come from all walks of life and include members of the business community, elected officials, students, faith leaders and staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations.

Our five-day program features over 350 workshops and training sessions, four plenary sessions, and tons of networking opportunities, and really fun events, all in the welcoming space of the Hilton of the Americas–Houston. Are you going or know someone that is? COP 24/7 is seeking roving reporters for that one the scene updates, tweets and video updates. Hit us up if you want to share your experience on this platform!

The See What Had Happen: 2.0

Smoking in the City

In case you haven't noticed and most likely you have not, even as the ACA mandate ramps up to be the law of the land, before this roll out there has been some significant cash spread around with sites on "stamping out smoking." According to the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office website, since its inception in 2002, the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office has been at the forefront of the fight to eliminate the negative effects of tobacco consumption on minorities in Arkansas.

To date, the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office has funded more than 50 Arkansas organizations and more than $7 million has been placed in minority communities. The purpose of the Minority Initiative Sub-Recipient Grant Office is to change society's norms regarding tobacco consumption and continue educating Arkansans about the dangers of tobacco products.

 Part of the Solutions was among those awarded funding to launch its "40 Days to Freedom" curriculum that is designed to assist with kicking butt when it comes to smoking. In the meantime, all of this comes about as more individuals are making noticeable moves to those new fangled "E-cigs" that have become the next trendy accessory in local gay bars.

This is of notice due to the fact that as the LGBT Health Initiative was organizing to "assess" the issue of smoking in the LGBTQ community, most members seemed unaware to actually what was really going in the very community that they were seeking to assess. Most members didn't "do bars" or even know how many or where they were really located. Furthermore, most had no significant knowledge to as if there was "smoking" going in them nor did they factually know if cigarettes were being sold as well. And surely most had no clue as to just how the usage of E-Cigs including the even more fancy vapor gadgets are being favored as the flavored nicotine delivery system.

To help with gathering this "big data" the group enlisted the consult of Gustavo Torrez, Program Manager of The Network of LGBT Health Equity in concert with our own Tobacco  Prevention and Control Program. It was his job to fly in from Boston to assist the local folk in understanding just how they were to "get to know" the LGBT community. After all it seems that the good TPCP personnel smoked through quite a bit of tobacco dollars because they had been "looking for the gays," for up to 2 or perhaps 3 years!!  Listen up my readers, "you just can't make this stuff up," and yes this requires a collective "LOL" moment.

COP 24/7 was made aware that their was "mandate" to move boldly forward with education and such in the LGBT community. However, "what had happen was" that it seems that Mr. Toney Bailey who appeared to be a driving force behind this matter seems to have found greener pastures elsewhere in the ADH health care system, thus leaving the entire issues somewhat questionable as to its final destiny.

Recently COP 24/7 spotted a media piece citing the need for folks to use their smart phones to unleash  a survey from the cute "QR" code on the front of the placard. As an incentive, you could be in the running for an I-Pad if you name happens to be chosen from those who complete the process. So I guess that this will require some follow up and additional digging to determine who is really getting smoked. Stay tuned....if you dare.

ACA Implementation: Progress and Problems

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released data showing that nearly 365,000 people have enrolled in health insurance plans offered in the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) health insurance marketplaces. The enrollment number was included in an issue brief highlighting cumulative national and state-level enrollment information for Oct. 1 – Nov. 30, 2013. For local enrollment information you can call The Living Affected Corporation at 501-379-8203. The data was from the 36 states whose enrollment is through the federally run website, healthcare.gov, and the 14 states and Washington, D.C. that operate their own health insurance marketplace under the ACA. The figures from some of the state-run marketplaces were partial. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius noted the enrollment numbers in a House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee hearing that also was held Wednesday of last week. In addition to the number of people enrolled in private insurance plans, the issue brief reported that 803,000 were determined or assessed to be eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), bringing the total number of people enrolled in an insurance plan or eligible for Medicaid/CHIP to 1.2 million. An additional 1.9 million people were determined to be eligible for an insurance plan but had not yet selected a plan by Nov. 30. A state-by-state breakdown (including the District of Columbia) of the enrollment figures can be found by clicking here. While the problems related to the health insurance marketplaces’ websites, most notably healthcare.gov, continue to get resolved and the sites’ enrollment operations improve, some more fundamental problems and issues of ACA rollout and implementation are getting much needed attention.  Many HIV advocates have been foreseeing the problems for months and are actively engaged and now the mainstream media  is beginning to take notice. A number of the problems and issues cluster around the concern that health insurers are discouraging people with chronic illnesses, including HIV disease, from enrolling in their plans by offering drug coverage that either is not adequate for people with chronic disease or too expensive in terms of co-pays or co-insurance. Instances of particular HIV drugs not being covered under a marketplace plan, including some single tablet regimens, prior authorization requirements, and placing needed drugs in high pricing tiers are among the issues causing concern. Such policies and practices can be seen as violating the anti-discrimination provisions of the ACA.  Limitations on the choice of providers in a plan’s network is also a concern as well as the limited number of plans that may be available in areas within a state, notably rural areas. Compounding these problems is the difficulty many consumers, advocates, and case managers are experiencing in getting clear information on the coverage offered under a plan and clear information on the amount of co-pays for prescription drugs. HIV and other healthcare advocates, many of whom have been strong supporters of the ACA, are focusing advocacy on the problems emerging as the ACA is implemented. This includes advocacy focused on ensuring clearer and stronger federal rules and regulations consistent with the letter and spirit of the ACA and vigorous oversight by the federal government and, when appropriate, state governments. And most certainly, we must continue to advocate Medicaid expansion in the states that so far have opted out. No surprise, the ACA is not a panacea but a work in progress and our advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV and other chronic diseases is very much a part of the work.

 

Spinning it Forward Friday

Editors Note: This forum has had an ongoing commitment to spotlighting the various layers of the HIV/AIDS health dilemma which includes decriminalizing this chronic disease which we believe adds stigma and continues policies that have not been updated in lieu of the current known science around this infection. This piece appears from Fusion.net as means to continue educating and informing Arkansas' LGBTQ community that such a law is in place in this state and why this issues should be apart of the overall equality pursuit. 

COP 24/7 Special
32 States Have HIV/AIDS Criminalizing Laws Based on 'Outdated Fears'

BY JORGE RIVAS

This June a man in LaFayette, Georgia was charged with “criminal exposure to HIV” because he spat at another man.  Georgia is one of 13 states that have HIV-specific laws making spitting or biting a felony, even though it has been years since the Center for Disease Control declared it;s not possible to transmit HIV via saliva.  There are currently 32 states and two U.S. territories that have similar criminal statutes based on outdated ideas of how HIV is actually transmitted from one person to another. The “Repeal HIV Discrimination Act” scheduled to be introduced on Monday by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) would encourage state governments to review and analyze laws that the bill’s supporters says are based on outdated fears. The legislation is the same bill that representative Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) introduced last May.  “Rather than recognizing that HIV/AIDS is a treatable medical condition, these laws perpetuate the idea that HIV is a deadly weapon and people with HIV/AIDS are dangerous criminals," Coons said in a statement. "Our laws need to catch up to our science, and this bill would take an important step in that direction,” Senator Coons said.  A United Nations report states HIV criminalization is justified under one condition only: “where individuals maliciously and intentionally transmit or expose others with the express purpose of causing harm.”  The bill being introduced Monday starts by calling for an analysis of the laws that are in the books in order to identify which ones are outdated, but it does not go so far as to state when HIV criminalization is justified.  In 1987, the United States was the first country to implement laws criminalizing HIV transmission and exposure. Since then, dozens of countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe followed suit. According to a 2010 report by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), at least 600 people living with HIV in 24 countries have been convicted under HIV-specific or general criminal laws, with the greatest numbers reported in North America.       The Center for HIV Law and Policy analyzed a large number of cases that involved prosecutions for HIV exposure in the U.S., and found that from 2008 to 2013, “the outcomes that are known often involve draconian penalties, including prison sentences that reach 25 years or more, even when no transmission of HIV occurred.”  In the U.S., HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men and people of color. As a result, in some states, HIV-specific criminal laws also disproportionately affect people of color. In Michigan, many of those convicted of HIV related offenses are African-American men with female partners, a 2012 University of Michigan study found. “Slightly less than half of all defendants were white (48 percent), 37 percent were black and 11 percent were Latino. The majority of defendants (85 percent) were men,” the study said.  H.R. 1843 currently has 34 sponsors with more than 150 organizations endorsing the bill, including the ACLU, Human Rights Campaign and the American Psychological Association.

 

Rocking the COP 24/7 Machine into High Gear

Survey Says!: Gay Community Needs to Be Studied More?I don't know about you, but have you noticed that their seem to be inordinate amount of "researchers, social scientist, cultural critics and all those nerdy types who want to capture data to secure some evidenced based this or that.

In 2012 I posted about the “the largest single study of the distribution of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population in the U.S. on record,” which asked 121,290 Americans if they personally identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Ultimately the released results caused those who unpack these stats into a frenzy to understand exactly what they meant.

As for myself, even though that sampling was suppose to be sufficient, I ponder the thought as to where are these samples done and to some extent how? Especially the point that "younger people were more likely to answer affirmatively than older ones, young black men (those between 18 and 29 years old) were 56 percent
more likely than young white men to answer yes." Really?

Not be outdone or whatever, the latest survey is now being circulated by The LGBTQ Health Initiative which was formed under the auspices of the Big Tobacco dollars that were initially being harvested in the name of the LGBTQ community by folks who really don't seem to know the LGBTQ community either. Imagine that? In full disclosure, COP 24/7 attended a couple sessions but found came away perplexed and dumbfounded to this date.

Say what? Even more strange to this mash up is the fact that in 2012 there was a first ever LGBTQ health journal that was published that got little to no traction among this set enthralled with learning about gay health issues but most notably smoking.

Just so you know, this is not the first rodeo of this type of activity including a 2010 HIV/ LGBTQ Tobacco survey spearheaded by Dathan Johnson released in February 2011. This was developed and executed via the Arkansas Department of Health's Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program which also has ties to the current survey.

As I continue to move about this community, I've found it unsettling that when attempting to engage people of color in participating in forums focus groups, social justice activities or step up for any kind of initiatives that they are far and few in this city who will take the time or effort. I've heard excuses and explanations from A to Z as to why gay Black folks and for the most part many gay people period are reluctant to be apart of the movement for change.

I've heard it all from "I don't want my business in the street" to the effects of stigma have been offered as barriers to interaction. However, it appears that much of this mindset evaporates if there's an "incentive" or some form of payment involved that apparently makes it easier for these folks to participate. Of course you got to make sure that whoever is funding this measure has the same interpretation as you do because this kind of recruitment  can be tricky.

Scratching my head I'm pondering am I to concluded that same gender loving individuals place no real "value" on these activities unless there are only meager dollars extended to the activity or information.

Are we to assume that that "self worth or preservation" can only be leveraged by dollar signs instead of being concerned about their overall well being or any body's else for that matter. Yes it is understood that their are socio-economic barriers that exist and often these challenges are not conducive to being immerse in any activity, but coming out to a meeting, focus group or capacity building exercises designed to empower one's life should be sought instead of being seen as a opportunistic time to grab a fist of chump change that will most likely not do much to change your circumstances.

In case you did not know and most likely you didn't, there have been "community assessments" on top of assessments concerning life in Arkansas' LGBTQ community. And it appears there's no end in sight for those in search of data trying to find out "who, what, why and where" in the hell is the gay community and what they're up too. If only someone would just tell them most folks just can be bothered with all this advocacy and efficacy stuff. "Ain't no body got time for that!"

 However, just in time for this updated posting comes another set of Maine researchers stating the premise that the "gay and lesbian" population is vastly understudied and they are going to do something about that by offering links to Survey Monkeys in order to gather more data on this understudied community. Just what would researchers do without that awesome Survey Monkey tool to find out something about the LGBTQ community.

COP 24/7 Does a Double Take

Condoms A Go-Go
The Great Condom Caper 2.0

Amazing as it seems, this forum often finds itself in a "didn't we cover that" mindset and then on to a "deja vu "attitude when it seems that matters just get blown out of proportion than necessary. Case in point is the fact that local community based organization, The Living Affected Corporation was

subjected to a hastily arranged "internal audit" to determine if the agency was negligent in its fiduciary duties concerning possibly using "state" dollars to purchase condoms. Condoms you say? Yes by golly condoms!

This forum began to wonder what's all the brouhaha about and started trolling around the Internet as well as our internal archives as to any news about such matters.

Low and behold, COP 24/7 as usual was Johnny on the spot in 2012 with a post about the rubbery subject entitled "Local Condom Nation Steps Off." And get this, we got pictures!! Check out the pictures throughout this post from our coverage of the event.

If you thought that this tale was going to be simple, well think again. Recently the local community development agency and multi year ADH grantee was at the center of a misunderstood ACA presentation that was twisted and contorted into a slight smear shank that was forwarded to numerous online outlets that had their way with a snippet of the recorded presentation.

Of course as promoters of that video excerpt did their best to damage the organizations reputation, there was a pile on affect that sling shot and boomeranged to points unknown. Including pinging across figure heads to low level adjudicators who went scurrying about as if there was mass misuse of public funds to purchase the notorious condoms.


Nobody worried about lighting the State Capitol this year for $50,000 or painting buildings on the U of A campus for a mere $150,000. But buying condoms, there needs to be an investigation or and audit damn it!

What's more surprising in this is the fact that according to our very own 10/22/12  post we cited that Governor Beebe's spokesperson Matt De Cample stated in 2011, " the governor feels that disturbing condoms in bars is not a proper use of taxpayer dollars and that the practice should not be apart of
future outreach efforts."

So if this was an edict then, why would their be a need for a "internal audit" of an organization that was fully aware that state dollars couldn't be used to do so. And more importantly had apparently not done so in this funding cycle.

And if you think that is curious, then there's the statement from" then" ADH spokesperson Ed Barham who commented on the situation stating, "..we are asking grantees to look for other sources of funding for this part of their outreach."

Are you getting this? All grantees were told that they should seek other sources to acquire those pesky but possibly life saving condoms. Ladies and Gentle it doesn't stop there! Enter Condom Nation under the direction of Mr. James Vellequette and staff whom rolled into the Little Rock area on May 12, 2012 with none other than a semi-truck filled with "FREE" condoms for the taking as an answer to the condom conundrum.

Receiving an initial donation of 12,000 was community based organization The Living Affected Corporation which needed the product to support its condom distribution efforts with arrangements to receive additional future drops. Ultimately a goal was set culminating in grossing 1 Million condoms for distribution around the state. Did we say FREE?

Sponsored by the AIDS Health Care Foundation, all of these prophylactics were donated and shipped FREE of charge to recipients.

"Condom Nation is a serious, yet somewhat whimsical and creative effort by AIDS Healthcare Foundation to help promote increased condom use and to help make condoms more accessible and affordable,” said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

“Condoms are an essential part of preventing HIV and STDs. Not only are they extremely effective at preventing transmission, they are cheaper and easier to use than many other prevention tools. Our hope is that Condom Nation raises awareness and sparks conversations along the way—both on the coasts and in the heartland—about the importance condoms and the crucial role they play in disease prevention and safer sex.” Currently, there are approximately 48,000 new HIV infections and 19 million new STD infections every year in the United States.

Also in the condom mix was the Arkansas Department of Health which received upwards of 52,000 condoms largely due to the fact that the agency allegedly had no funding that was allowed to purchase the product even though infections persist in the state.

Not to mention that in 2012 they had HIV prevention intervention programming that promoted...wait for it...Condom usage! So what exactly did this "audit" uncover is yet to be determined but one thing that we do know is "you just can't make this stuff up!" Just saying...stay locked and loaded, because there's more hot mess crazy that you, you and yes you too should know about.

 

Tuesday Take Out

AHPG Announces December Meet UP

 

Courtney Hampton representing the Arkansas Department of Health and Cornelius Mabin, Community Co-Chair of Arkansas HIV Planning Group have announced to its partner members and community at large of its final 2013 meeting December 13, 2012 in the ADH Auditorium 4815 West Markham Street in Little Rock, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Call for more information at 661-2942.

 

The Arkansas HIV Planning Group (AHPG) is a collaborative entity and partners such as Arkansas Department of Corrections, Planned Parenthood, Better Community Developers,  with the Arkansas Department of Health's HIV/TB/ Hep C Section is charged with the mission to decrease the number of Arkansans who become infected with HIV. To these means, AHPG moved forward with a planning process to address challenges, barriers and social determinants that impact those living with HIV and AIDS.

 

The primary purpose  of the AHPG is to collaborate and participate in the development of a comprehensive plan for the prevention of HIV transmission utilizing the tenants of the National HIV AIDS Strategy and guidance from the Center for Disease Control resulting in high impact programming across the state.

 

Membership to the group only requires a minimum of applying with the membership chair and is open to all interested individuals or organizations. Those living with HIV/AIDS are highly encourage to attend and participate. 

 

As a collective body, AHPG will identify precedence in HIV prevention needs based on priority targeted populations. Such populations should be approached through "high impact" prevention modes that ensure that HIV prevention resources are directed to these priority targeted populations culminating in efficient and focused outcomes.

 

 AHPG encourages reduce reporting documentation, streamlining communications, coordination and implementation of needed services including mental health and substance abuse, across the continuum of HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

 

A concurrence of the states Jurisdictional Plan was decided by the voting body on August 9, 2013, during a update retreat in the auditorium of the Arkansas Department of Health. The vote was unanimous. The document was created and signed by the Co-Chair's at the direction of the voting body to acknowledge that the plan will commence in 2012 through 2015.

 

 

COP 24/7 Guest Column

Voices Carry from World AIDS Day 2013

 

I always want to share as well as applaud those who share their insights and observations around the

fight of HIV and AIDS or other health maladies. One such voice is from Mr. Kevin Dedner that I culled from a recent Facebook post on World AIDS Day 2013.

 

Most interesting is the fact that Mr. Dedner is a former State AIDS Director in Arkansas to which I respected and admired for his vision in working issues involved with this health dilemma. In that challenging position Mr. Dedner wasn't always in favor with those whom took a stance that his efforts were insufficient or perhaps didn't meet expectations.

 

Yet as I got to know him, I sensed that his intentions were heartfelt then and again was exalted as I read his posting to which more heterosexual Black men would engage in ramping up the community dialog around this issue. As I am always seeking interesting content for this page, I felt compelled to share his thoughts and insights on this day of reflection. Ladies and Gentlemen, this item has not been edited and is the expressed opinion of the writer.

Since it’s World AIDS Day, let me share a few thoughts. I have often said that my time as a State AIDS Director was the hardest job I have ever had. That’s still the case. I consider HIV/AIDS the quintessential public health challenge. Even with the advent of modern science, we are not close to ending the epidemic particularly within communities of color. Here’s what I think needs to happen to end the epidemic.

 

 1. Communities of Faith need to step up! - Many churches are involved in HIV/AIDS testing as a ministry. But, most fail to deal with the theological complexity of their doctrines associated with homosexuality. This drives stigma and I believe is the root of ALL stigma especially within the African American community. Last time I checked, none of us hold the keys to Heaven or Hell and therefore have no right to grant access to either.

 

 2. Heterosexual Black Men need to own this as a community issue- When I worked in HIV/AIDS, I was often asked about my “partner” or how long I had been out. It was always surprising to people when they learned I was a heterosexual black man and that I could treat homosexual men with dignity and respect. Heterosexual black men have to be part of the solution within our communities. We can help turn the tide on stigma and save our communities from this awful epidemic

 

 3. Access to Care is still vital- I can’t stress the importance of access to care. But, here’s what I know, even when care is available… many choose not to access care. As a State AIDS Director, I struggled with a 70% unmet need. That single number kept me up at night. For those of you not in HIV/AIDS, unmet need means those who are not in care. We had these numbers even when we were accepting new clients. This leads back to stigma.

 

My list is not comprehensive but suffice it to say that I think Stigma is driving the epidemic. In public health we are taught to go back upstream. Albeit very complex, the path leads back to stigma associated with poverty, racism, discrimination, lack of housing, etc.

 

 

ACA Pops this Wednesday at The New 610 Center lounge from 6-8pm featuring licensed In Person Assiters to answer your questions on the enrollment process. Come out to 610 Center to make sure you understand your responsibility in getting affordable health care!

Did your know that their is a Affordable Care Act LGBTQ Info line in Arkansas? Well there is! If you need more information or enrollment assistance call 501.349-7777 or contact this site.

 

COP 24/7 Monday Buzz Feed

Six out of ten uninsured African Americans may be eligible for Medicaid, CHIP or tax credits in the Health Insurance Marketplace

95 percent of uninsured African Americans might qualify for lower costs on coverage if all states expanded Medicaid

 

According to a new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services, six out of ten (4.2 million) uninsured African Americans who may be eligible for coverage through the
Health Insurance Marketplace might qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or tax credits to help with the cost of premiums.
 Locally you can contact a direct ACA LGBTQ Help Line at (501) 349-7777 for individual appointments or group enrollments opportunities provided by licensed In-person assister.

If all states took advantage of new opportunities to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act, 95 percent of uninsured African Americans who may be eligible for the Marketplace might qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or tax credits to help with the cost of premiums.

“The health care law is working to address long standing disparities in health care coverage and improve the health of the African American community,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.  “Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, 6.8 million uninsured African Americans have new options for affordable health coverage that covers a range of benefits, including important preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs.“

Today’s report also details uninsurance rates by state and provides several examples of what premiums might look like for African Americans living in major metropolitan areas.  One fifth of uninsured African American citizens and permanent residents live the greater Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and Detroit metropolitan areas.  A 27-year-old in Atlanta with an income of $25,000 can pay as little as $105 a month for a bronze plan after applying the tax credit, while a family of four with an income of $50,000 could pay $148 a month for a bronze plan after applying the tax credit.

Nationwide, about 2 million uninsured African Americans may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
States have new opportunities to expand Medicaid coverage to include Americans with family incomes at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (generally $31,322 for a family of four in 2013). This expansion includes adults without dependent children living at home, who have not previously been eligible in most states.

An additional 2.2 million eligible uninsured African American adults with family incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level live in states that are not expanding Medicaid. The number of uninsured African Americans who may be eligible for access to health coverage at a lower cost would increase from 60 to 95 percent if all states adopted the Medicaid expansion.

To read today’s report, visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2013/UninsuredAfricanAmericans/ib_UninsuredAfricanAmericans.cfm
To learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace, including to shop and enroll in coverage online, visit HealthCare.gov.

\You can also enroll by phone by calling our call center 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1 855-889-4325) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where help is available in 150 languages, or you can find in-person help from certified assisters in your area by visiting localhelp.healthcare.gov/.  You can sign up for a health insurance plan through the Marketplace between now and the end of March 2014.


Christmas Caravan Gets Renegade Support

RZN2LV Award winner Renegades for a Cause has gathered an array of entertainers for its next fundraising round up for the Christmas Caravan. This Friday ( 12.13.13) at Miss Kitty's Saloon, 307 West 7th Street, starting at 11 pm.

The show will feature Mr. Justin Case, Gigi Galore, Alotta Cummings, Miss DSRA 2013 Marvella, Imani Starr and many other guest will donate their tips and time for the cause of homelessness. Renegades for Cause has been a fundraising force in the city since 2011 raising funds for a variety of charitable causes both statewide and regionally.

The Christmas Caravan is an annual outreach event December 21 at the Clinton Presidential Center Complex. that provides basic necessities to homeless adults, and toys and other items as gifts for homeless and near-homeless children.

The mission of the Caravan is to ensure that those without homes and those without adequate resources will have the opportunity to experience true joy in the celebration of the season.

This year, they are combining the Christmas Caravan with an Outreach Services event which involves volunteer organizations from throughout the community. These groups will provide homeless citizens of Central Arkansas with access to needed services and resources including medical and dental screenings, entitlement assistance and access to the Affordable Care Act services, legal advocacy, haircuts, and other services. For more info on the Christmas Caravan event go to www.christmascaravan.org or to learn more about supporting or participating in the Caravan, contact event coordinator Sandra R. Wilson at 501-580-6185 or sandra@christmascaravan.org This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Forward Motion Friday

Remembering Mandela

The tributes and accolades continue to come forth concerning the death of former South African President Mandela from all over the world. Yet even as this wonderful poetry set to video by former U.S. Poet Laureate Dr. Maya Angelou can not be overshadowed by hateful and demonstrative comments being left on the YouTube channel where it can be viewed.  I was sicken as the level of the rhetoric and the utter gutter type of remarks posted in a effort to diminish his true contributions to his country and world at large.

No matter where you may fall on the issue of his tactics , beliefs or his final evolution that forgiveness would be his hallmark, consequently as Dr. Angelou stated, "our planet has lost a friend,"
is a simple and yet profound statement to the legacy of a man who will never be forgotten.

Rollout of Repeal HIV Discrimination Act

In advance of World AIDS Day, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) announced plans to introduce a Senate version of the Repeal Existing Policies that Encourage and Allow Legal (“REPEAL”) HIV Discrimination Act. The Act was previously introduced in the House by Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). Senator Coons has been actively looking for conservative co-sponsors. Senator Coons noted his planned introduction of the law at a World AIDS Day event with the Delaware HIV Consortium (DHC), a member of the AIDS United Public Policy Committee. Thirty-two States and 2 U.S. territories still have criminal statutes based on perceived exposure to HIV. The bill would require the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Defense to work with state stakeholders to review laws, policies and cases, develop “best practices,” issue guidance to States and monitor whether/how states change policies related to the treatment of HIV in criminal and civil commitment cases. In his statement, Senator Coons noted that many state and local criminal laws regarding people with HIV run counter to effective public health strategies, discourage HIV testing, and perpetuate unfair stigma and discrimination. “Our laws need to catch up to our science,” he said. AIDS United’s Political Director, William McColl, was quoted in the press release. AIDS United has strongly supported ending laws that criminalize perceived HIV exposure and commended the Senator for his work.

President Obama Focuses on Inequality

In a speech on Wednesday at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC) in the Anacostia area of Washington, D.C., President Obama addressed head-on the issues of increasing inequality and decreasing upward mobility. He said that the combined, decades-long trends pose a “fundamental threat” to “our way of life” and cited them as “the defining challenge of our time.” He noted that the contentious nature of political debates, the recent partial federal government shutdown, and the “admittedly poor execution on my administration’s part in implementing” the rollout of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplaces have left Americans frustrated that Congress and the federal government are not addressing the economic pain that many are feeling every day. The President pledged to focus the attention of his remaining administration on decreasing inequality and increasing upward mobility.  The President’s speech on inequality comes one month before the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s first State of the Union Address, in which he declared an “unconditional war against poverty in America.” The speech also comes at a time when many conservative Members of Congress seem determined to wage an unconditional war against the hallmark programs that fight poverty, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the food stamps program (now called SNAP). President Obama did not lay out specific initiatives but presented a few key principles that he called a roadmap to guide the legislative agenda and administrative efforts. The principles included the need to push relentlessly for an agenda of economic growth, the need for education and skills building programs, the need to empower workers by strengthening collective bargaining, the need to target programs to communities most impacted by inequality, and the need to revamp retirement plans and the safety net for older Americans. In the speech the President clearly linked passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act to efforts to reduce inequality, quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”

 

Mandela: A Good Bye Salute to a Giant

A Legacy of Grace and Forgiveness for the Ages 

 

 

Since learning of his departure, I echo the global chorus of those who were inspired and uplifted by Former South African President Nelson Mandela. His heroic persistence, continuing evolution and God given vision of knowing that we are all brothers of the earth will resonate to the end of time.

Unfortunately even in death, there have been repugnant voices spewing hate over the Internet in attempts to denigrate his vital contributions to the social consciousness of the world. I can not will not allow much of this revisionist history to overshadow the facts that former President Reagan was an ardent supporter of the apartheid enslavers and was not for the sanctions needed to break this dastardly situation that the nation's black countrymen lived.

 

Let us not forget that the United States own CIA played an significant role in hunting Mr. Mandela while branding him a "terrorist," meanwhile surrendering him to his captors resulting in his 27 yewar long prison stay. It was the cries of "Free Mandela" as the murders continued and state side student groups and a cadre of activist that demanded divestment and free elections in South Africa that we now know that Mandela himself stated that he was willing to die for. 

 

Fortunately, Congress over road Reagan's veto in response to outcries from the citizenry and the mounting global movement to vanquish that system. Through all of this, I was reminded of his personal lost of his last living son, Makgatho Mandela, to a AIDS related illness and his clarion call to his countrymen that, "AIDS is not longer just a disease, its a human rights issue," which resonates to this day.

 Furthermore, he also proclaimed that "By all accounts, we are dealing with the greatest health crisis in human history. By all measures, we have failed in our quest to contain and treat this scourge," is a statement that is eerily prophetic as infections rates among Black gay men, 13-24 continue to alarmingly rise in Arkansas despite this population being only 1 percent of the state's citizens.

Mandela continuously emphasized that this health dilemma must become a global priority is a testament to his determination to not be about politics but the people whom he served to which I fully subscribe and hope to live up to. I would hope that this Black man is the type of man that should be looked up to instead of fluffy pop idols, insipid housewives and characters of little to no substance.

At the opening of the Second International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment (July 14, 2003), he said "The more we lack the courage and the will to act, the more we condemn to death our brothers and sisters, our children and our grandchildren. When the history of our times is written, will we be remembered as the generation that turned our backs in a moment of a global crisis or will it be recorded that we did the right thing?"

It is my personal goal and challenge to all who read this to ask themselves what are you doing as the "right thing" in supporting those living with HIV and AIDS, as well as, those in the struggle to address this chronic health issue.

Thank you President Mandela for being a beacon of fortitude, a Black man who stood for something when we have leaders who stand for nothing and being a teacher to all that none of us are free until all of us are free. Here's to celebrating your life with honor and dignity. I send prayers and condolences to his family and all of my brothers and sisters of his beloved South Africa.

 

 

Keeping it Real and On Point Wednesday

Indexing COP 24/7

With over more than 155 Million sites and counting, sometimes I think its going to knife fight to get noticed among the hundred's of millions of pathways to discover content that you as a reader may be
seeking. Our recent reboot complete with refreshing our site with more links and access to video streams, it is my goal to be more aggressive about engaging readers and connecting this site to more  platforms including the now burgeoning mobile roll out.

Over the last few months I've been immersed in trying to understand how this site could be more useful as well as revenue driven to sustain it self.

 I have noticed that many blog outpost and other websites are running their courses and many long time content creators such a Pam's House Blend which shuttered in July, the D List which shut down few years ago and many local outlets that came and went in a hurry that we didn't notice that they had left.

Its a tough game and I am trying to learn how to better the game. I've been checking our stats, how we are trending and where we are indexing on the Net. Seems like I've got some catching up to do and how! So as we move forward, there will be additional ads, partnerships, affiliate connections and shout outs with COP 24/7 gear. Who knows what we will do! Stay tuned and if you've got ideas, observations, or come backs, let's get this party re-started!!

And Winners Are...

Congratulations are in order for those nominees of The Living Affected Corporation's RZN2LV
Distinguished Service Awards bestowed during their World AIDS Day 2013 event held December 1, 2013 on the campus of Philander Smith College. The event also served as a platform to launch the organizations RZN2LV campaign designed as another tool in the groups intervention and prevention arsenal.

 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Nathaniel Smith, ADH State Director spoke to the state of HIV/AIDS infections in the state which he cited as "leveling," but countered that additional aggressive methods should be engaged to get Arkansas in the endgame to end such infections. (pictured: Mr. Justin Case/ Renegades )

The campaign is "social media" driven designed to further tease out the organizations scope of work in health disparities with a emphasis on HIV/AIDS messaging to gay men.

The video featured captured snapshots of individuals sharing their "reasons to live," with the ultimate message to be disseminated that knowing one's HIV status should be a primary reason to live.

The video has been uploaded to the group's blog page at www.livingaffected.blogspot.com and RZNLV YouTube Channel. A link to COP 24/7 serves as a community service on the agencies main webpage. (www.livingaffected.org ) (pictured Left to Right: J. Case, Keith W. James M. Kendra J. Connie N. Terry Nash.)

1. Mr. Nathaniel Smith, MD MPH
2. Nu Delta Fraternity (organization)
3. Connie "The C...ondom Lady" Roebuck (advocate)
4. Miss K. Frazier (advocate)
5.Ms. Joyce Bryant (clinician- Jefferson Comprehensive Care Service)
6.Ms. Wanda Douglas (clinician- JCSSI)
7.Ms. C. Hampton (professional - Arkansas Department of Health)
8.Renegades for a Cause (fundraising group)
Rising Star Award: Mr. L.L. Woodley, educator, LRSD
Volunteer of the Year: Mr. James McLaughlin
Again, congratulations to these dedicated community warriors whom demonstrate that the power of one can make a difference and be a reason to live!! Don't forget that you can make those year end tax deductible donations at www.livivngaffected.org  Do it Today!!

 

Finding the Spirit to Keep Moving

Coaching Cornelius

You just never know what life will unfold before you and how it will impact you. At one point I
believed that I was pretty damn lucky to have survived this far but I now understand that a higher  power always had my "6" and had charted a pathway that I was destined to walk. Where it was going, or who I was to meet  or just how all this was to come together seemed like a mystery to me.

 Yet along the way I've uncovered that although I thought I as was just being actually I was being positioned to get prepared for the "universe" to meet me in soulful place to continue for what I was born to do and that being a leader in transforming communities.

At this junction of my life, I'm continuing to learn the lessons of "the laws of attraction," not mention soaking up as much wisdom and as many as purposeful explanations to "what's really going on," that I can find. Recently as the current AHPG (Arkansas HIV Planning Group)  Community Co-Chair, I was afforded a chance to participate in the a leadership and coaching program initiated by the National Minority AIDS Council.(www.namac.org )

 Entitled the "Strengthening Community Leadership to Influence Change Initiative" is a comprehensive program to enhance the leadership capacity of HIV planning leaders to lead change and guide their HIV Planning Groups and Ryan White Planning Councils. The initiative focuses on the role of HIV planners from a community leadership perspective. The goal of this training is to enhance the capacity of HIV Planning Group co-chairs to lead HIV Planning Groups efficiently and to effectively represent and engage their communities. 

The sessions are divided into a group session and most importantly a "one on one" session with my coach Peter Heinrichs whom I have developed great stimulating conversations and dialog since our beginning in late November. Although much of the training is related to my service to the AHPG, it has gone deeper in understanding my leadership style, how I interact with others, and what my "vision board," should mirror who I am destined to be. Through my sessions we've had some "aha" moments and breakthroughs that Peter coached me to continue to unpack, relook, reflect and affirm much that I had lingering in the shadows of my being.

 In one session, he stated to me that as I felt that it was he that was asserting who I was, it was rather myself embracing and owning whom I was always destined to be. These instances when the light bulb goes on, have had me not only looking inward but also taking stock of my use of  "I" statements that may allowed me to limit my self achievements thusly not leveraging opportunities that may have come my way.

 Consequently, my work with Peter culminated in my eventual "I" statement that "I have the courage not be a victim." I am not going to victimized how I see myself or what I may or may not have accomplished thus far. I am a work in progress making my way to defining who will share my space, how I operate within it and creating a body of service that will eventually be my legacy.

Author Louise Hay offers daily affirmations such as "gratitude brings more to be grateful about. Today I am grateful." (www.louisehay.com ) And truly I am grateful for all that I am learning, those who are suppose to meet me and being ready for when the universe shares it bounty on me!!

 

The COP 27 Reboot 2.0 and Thensome

The Overhaul of COP 24/7

What can one say when they are overscheduled, multi-tasking in a dizzying array of teleconferences, personal meetings, group meet up's, video conferences, cross country travel, back logged projects,
moving policy targets and then trying to have a life that encompasses it all. By now most of you and many of you have said it to my face, "WTF!?...how do you do this and who keeps up this type of pace?

The answer, "you can but a price" and often times it can be bone crushing if not downright infuriating that you have put yourself in such a position in the first place. Even as on may think that its their "calling," you have to take a moment to endure a reality bite. With that said, many other components of my lively hood were "deprioritized" resulting in idleness that gave me great angst. Of course COP 24/7 has always been my baby that I had nurtured and keep kicking until I was swept up into the notorious challenge of making a living in the non-profit world. Not to mention the struggle to find a balance plus stay engage with the readership that I had built but unfortunately had not served with updates content.

Expert call this action a "blog killer" in this blink society where you are here today and gone tomorrow if you don't keep the beast you created with the fuel that is needed to keep eyeballs clicking in to see what you are up to. Also, I had some gadgets that I thought was helping with this process but discovered that maybe I didn't have a full understanding of how they worked. Believe it or not, in February of this year I actually had the opportunity to do a an actual presentation at a Regional AIDS conference on "Reaching Gay Men through Social Media." Who Knew?

 I never thought that my little experiment which started over six years ago would take me to a place to use what I have self learned to share with an audience. Amazing to say the least in a journey that has pushed me to learn so much about how the digital revolution is shaping our world.

 COP 24/7 was supposed to be that little blog that perhaps a few folks would read but I have found that it became an important tool to inform, educate and at some times infuriate those who simply don't have the temerity to "stand for something, out loud." Asking the hard questions or questioning the answers takes nerves that can't be rattled or character that can't be diced and sliced by haters who don't want to hear or know most truth.

Although its been hard and often times painstakingly annoying that I don't always demand the time to keep it refreshed as it should, but I affirm that I am moving forward with reassessing my time commitment meanwhile taking a strong look at what's meaningful to myself as well as where I see me moving forward into the future. COP 24/7 may have taken a detour but its is not down for the count. Get set, Get ready, come on through CorneliusOnpoint giving you more of what you been looking for!

 

World AIDS Day 2013: COP 24/7 Staying in the fight to Educate and Empower

World AIDS Day 2013: COP 24/7 Staying in the fight to educate and empower

Our platform, CorneliusOnPoint has been committed in our efforts to raise awareness and the community education viral load concerning this ongoing health dilemma. December 1, 2013 marks the 25th Anniversary of World AIDS Day. COP 24/7 joins with the global community united in the fight against HIV, to affirm and support those living with HIV, and to remember those we have lost from the virus. We applaud President Obama for his leadership through NHAS( National HIV AIDS Strategy) and his insights to equip many phases of the Federal government in addressing this matter as a national health priority. COP 24/7 believes there are great strides to be made based on the theme:

"Getting to Zero:
Zero New HIV Infections. Zero discrimination.
Zero AIDS-related deaths."

We stand firm that our entity will continue to share updates and vital information from our local health department as they monitor the implementation of high impact programming that will support decreasing infection rates across the state. COP 24/7 is further confounded that although statistics show an infection rate plateau overall, this is not the case as new infection rates among Black gay men, 13-24 continue to alarmingly rise in Arkansas despite this population being only 1 percent of the state's citizens. 
 

Furthermore, that many of these new cases are being diagnosed with "co-infections" of STI's ( sexually transmitted infections) such as Syphilis which has been shown as a significant portal for ongoing infections. Moving forward COP 24/7 will seek and demand answers to strategies in place, future developments and policy updates concerning possible barriers and challenges of those in need of such services. We urge the local community not to succumb to "AIDS Fatigue" but rather share your time and treasure with local ASO's and other community based organizations striving to stay viable amidst  budget shortfalls and retreating funding thresholds.
  No life is can be considered collateral damage in the ongoing struggle to raise awareness viral loads in the LGBTQ community and beyond.

Meanwhile it is paramount that area agencies continue to collaborate and cooperate with sharing there expertise and resources as 2014 dawns. Please take a moment to remember a family member, partner, next door neighbor or those who you may have never known.