Group hosts free HIV testing at multiple sites Nov 30 – Dec 1

By Reggie S. Davis

Communications Manager MBK

Public conversations about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be a mixture of sound knowledge and divisive rhetoric. However, with the evolution of newer, more efficient strategies being implemented by public health policymakers aimed at reducing the prevalence of HIV infection in vulnerable populations, organizations like MBK are uniquely positioned to address the stigmas associated with the virus and the people who live with it through their community-based testing approach.

From November 30 and leading up to World AIDS Day (Dec 1) My Brother’s Keeper, Incorporated Center for Community-Based Programs will provide free HIV testing at several sites locally, giving participants the opportunity to know their status and gain valuable information to help reduce the transmission of HIV. Gerald Gibson, Community Outreach and testing manager for MBK, believes that in order to begin erasing stigma agencies “must encompass testing” and become “culturally component” of the populations most at-risk of contracting HIV.

“We are trying to reach all populations,” said Gibson. “Any kind of needs [people living with HIV] have – from a community-based stand point – once they receive post-counseling they will be connected to any needs they have. And, from there they are linked to the clinic. That’s for persons who are negative or positive.”

In 2010, the CDC reported that the Mississippi incidence of HIV infection is six times higher in African Americans than in whites, and revealed that the state ranked no. 3 nationally for having the most reported cases of HIV. However, shared misinformation between unknowledgeable residents can interfere with outreach initiatives in the community, leading to harmful stigmas, which can prevent at-risk sexually active men and women from seeking treatment. According to WorldAIDSDay.org, the mission is to bolster “worldwide” unity in the fight against HIV.

For 2016, the theme HIV STIGMA: Not Retro, Just Wrong, highlights the harmful attitudes shared by misinformed persons worldwide, and the impact stigmatization has on the lives of people living with HIV. “[HIV] is dismantling the African-American community, especially gay and bisexual men,” said Gibson. “And, this is not to leave out women and youths of color – HIV is a disease of opportunity, not sexual orientation.”

MBK hosted testing opportunities at Tougaloo College, twice on Nov. 30 and partnered with Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Incorporated and Holmes Community College in Ridgeland, to conduct free testing and a panel discussion. Beyond the efforts by MBK, Inc. which are devoted to decelerating the rate at which new HIV infections occur among Mississippi’s population of MSM (men who have sex with men), Charlotte Norwood, patient navigator for MBK, Inc. notes a need for more frequent testing of black women who are tested for HIV or who receive support services. “The reality is women are still getting infected from loving someone who is HIV positive and does not know [their status],” said Norwood.

“PrEP is being pushed for women as well because they are at a very high risk.” PrEP, an acronym from Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is the use of prescription drugs as a strategy for the prevention of HIV/AIDS by people who do not have HIV/AIDS. MBK’s Open Arms Healthcare Clinic in Jackson, Miss. is one of the state’s only locations to provide PrEP services. Outside of the Jackson Metro area, MBK’s South offices in Biloxi also provided free testing to Gulfcoast residents. Joseph Lindsey, South Mississippi program manager for Community Based Programs, says there is increasing need for more testing if the organization hopes to continue raising awareness amongst the population of black MSM.

“Last year, we held a program with a candle light vigil; this year, we wanted to focus on testing and making people aware that forums exist,” said Lindsey. “Our numbers down here are up.” Lindsey is referring to the ‘numbers’ of newly diagnosed cases of persons infected with HIV in a particular district as determined by the CDC. The Gulfcoast is a part of district no. 9.

“Normally with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, it is easier to transmit the HIV virus. We are trying to ensure we are on target to keep people aware of their status.” MBK South will be sponsoring free testing all-day on World AIDS Day at 1221 Bridge St., Gulfport, Miss. All participants will receive a free ‘Swag Bag’ which includes premium condoms, water-based lubricants and a resource card.

Here is a listing of locations, dates and times for testing:

12/1 Holmes Community College (Ridgeland) 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.

12/1 Hinds Community College (Utica) 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

12/1 New Dimensions Ministry 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For more information about MBK’s services or to find free, confidential testing centers visit www.mbkinc.org or call 601-898-0000.