World AIDS Day 2011 – What Will You Do?

Since 1988, December 1^st has been recognized as World AIDS Day. Each year, we are asked to focus for one day on this pandemic that infects and leads to the deaths of millions of children, women, and men around the globe.  This year’s theme is “Getting to Zero…Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.” How will you take action?

Learn how to reduce your own and others’ risks of contracting HIV. We know how to prevent many types of HIV transmission – from mother to child, from needles and blood, from sexual contact. Become an educated ally, someone who knows the facts about HIV/AIDS and who spreads truth and compassion in the face of ignorance and intolerance. Understand that this virus does not discriminate, and none of us should stigmatize those who are living with HIV/AIDS. For those of you who live in or near Thousand Oaks, join us this Thursday, December 1^st for the “Positively Speaking Panel” or on Friday, December 2^nd in the Ventura County Public Health auditorium and hear firsthand stories of local residents who are living with HIV. For a personal perspective on how HIV can devastate a family, check out the PSA “Rosa’s Story” from VCAP’s Latino Taskforce, Cuidate. Contribute to organizations that provide HIV/AIDS education, testing, medical treatment, and support services. Make a donation to support local organizations, like Ventura County AIDS Partnership which fund a range of organizations that are committed to helping us get to zero.

Guest  blogger Adina Nack, Ph.D., chairs the World AIDS Day Committee for the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County (organized by Ventura County Public Health) and is Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Center for Equality and Justice at California Lutheran University.

Tags: action, Adina Nack, education, World AIDS Day

Why do you walk?

After continuous budget cuts and reductions in programs, the AIDS Walk is a much needed symbol of hope. The AIDS Walk for Life is a beautiful day where people from diverse backgrounds walk to show we care, to raise much needed funds, and to raise visibility for the cause. Each walker or volunteer has a unique story. What is your story? Why do you walk? Tell us in the comments!

Madhu

PS: To follow the blog, about 1 post per week, switch to full site and enter your email. If you are interested in joining our team of bloggers and writing about HIV and related issues, please email madhu@vcaidspartnership.org . Thank you!

Madhu Bajaj is Executive Director of VCAP.

Tags: AIDS Walk, Madhu Bajaj

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

October 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. While the work goes on year round, it is one day to specifically call attention to the need for HIV prevention in the Latino Community. This year’s theme is Latinos Unite! Let’s stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV!

Please view this 60 second PSA funded by Ventura County AIDS Partnership and created by Regenerate Films that helps to break the silence around HIV in the Latino Community. The PSA was produced in Spanish, English and Mixtec. The video is a great way to talk with loved ones about HIV and explore risks, myths and complications. The PSA is based on Rosa’s real-life experience of living with AIDS. Today, Rosa is happily married with children and is an AIDS advocate.

Again, talk with your loved ones. Here are some suggested discussion questions:

• What is the main message for you?
• How would you react if you were Rosa’s husband?
• If you were in Rosa’s position, what personal strengths would protect you from getting HIV?
• Do you, or can you, speak with your partner about sex and HIV?
• How would you feel if someone in your family had AIDS?
• What action do you want to take after seeing the PSA?

Other resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/hispanics/index.htm

http://latinoaids.org/hivlatinos.php

http://www.kff.org/hivaids/6007.cfm

http://hivtest.org

Thanks, and let us know what you think!

Madhu

Madhu Bajaj is Executive Director of VCAP.

Tags: get tested, Madhu Bajaj, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, NLAAD

You do matter

It’s crazy the way the universe works, isn’t it? Lately I feel as though I’ve been in a slump. No, I’m not depressed, but rather lacking motivation. Perhaps my slump is really just a plateau. I’ve had neither GREAT nor BAD occurrences happen as of late. So yeah, we’ll call it a plateau of my emotions.

I’m a firm believer in the idea that the energy you release into the universe circulates and guides your life down this or that road. For the past few weeks the broken record player in my head has been telling me, “You need to be inspired!  Find inspiration!” And now I’ve found it! As most of us know, on October 5^th, 2011, the co-founder and CEO of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. With the news spreading like wildfire through the media, Facebook, and Twitter, I’ve been inundated with quotes, video clips, and articles honoring the grand entrepreneur. I came across a portion of a poster released by Jobs and Apple for their “Think Different” campaign in 1997.

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

This is EXACTLY what I needed! There have been many times in moments of thought where I’ve asked myself, “Do you really think you, one individual, can make a difference in the world?” Sometimes I wonder if the fight against HIV/AIDS has become a lost cause with more and more of society no longer viewing it as a serious problem. It leads me to question whether or not what I’m doing really matters.

Steve Jobs's words in my wallet

I have dreams, goals, and visions, and I’m the only one who can turn them into reality! I DO matter and so do YOU. I was telling my best friend about the impact this quote had on me. He told me to write it down and put it in my pocket. And I’ve done just so. Now, whenever those thoughts re-enter my mind, all I have to do is pull out my wallet.

It’s unfortunate that it took the death of someone for me to get off of this plateau.  But that’s the circle of life, right?  With every death comes a rebirth.  I feel reborn…rejuvenated! May Steve continue to inspire those of us still here through his vision and legacy! And to him I say “Thank You!”

Joshua Thomas is the chair of VCAP’s Advisory Council.

Tags: inspiration, Joshua Thomas, Steve Jobs

Ventura County AIDS Walk for Life is fast approaching

Ventura County AIDS Walk for Life is fast approaching – October 22, 2011, at Plaza Park in downtown Ventura.

I vividly remember my first AIDS walk almost 20 years ago – the feelings of togetherness, the love, remembering those who are no longer with us, sadness buffered with hope for a kinder, safer tomorrow… I never imagined I would have the opportunity to lead a team of amazing people to plan the AIDS walk. It is exhilarating and an incredible honor. I am deeply appreciative of long time friends and new friends who are reaching out to lend a hand! THANK YOU. We couldn’t do it without you!

I hope you will join me on October 22 for Ventura County’s AIDS Walk for Life by making a donation, by joining me at the walk or creating a team for the walk. You can email me for more information at madhu@vcaidspartnership.org or visit the website at www.vcaidswalk.org.

After continuous budget cuts and reductions in programs, the AIDS Walk is a much needed symbol of hope and opportunity. Each walker or volunteer has a unique story. What is your story? Why do you walk?

I am walking to end fear and ignorance.

I am walking for John, the first person I met who was living with AIDS.

I am walking for a dear college friend who was so convinced he would get AIDS, he didn’t take necessary precautions and now is no longer with us.

I am walking for the sweet girl who I saw blossom into a writer and artist, who called me her Camp Mom, whose life was taken much too soon.

I am walking for my son, for our youth, and for future generations so they may know a world without AIDS.

I am walking for love, for compassion, and hope.

Madhu

Madhu Bajaj
Executive Director
Ventura County AIDS Partnership

Tags: AIDS Walk, Madhu Bajaj

Welcome from Lin Daniel

Hello! My name is Lin Daniel, and what a wonderful way to connect with people who have the same interests in mind.

I was diagnosed with AIDS on August 5th, 2002. I was sick for 3 years prior, and after going from doctor to doctor a wonderful woman doc on the HIV/AIDS team at Kaiser Santa Rosa finally recognized my symptoms and did an HIV test. I am so grateful to her for FINALLY helping me to find the cause of my many illnesses. My children were 15 and 18 at the time of my diagnosis, and it was quite a blow to us all. Starting on medications right away, with a prayer that they would build up my immune system, was the utmost priority. I immediately responded to meds, and here I am 8 years later with a T-cell count of 840 and an undetectable viral load!!!!!! I am 55 years old now, and the body issues I have are normal aging issues because the virus is under control.

It’s good to have others to blog with!!!!

Lin Daniel

Tags: Lin Daniel, welcome

Creative AIDS Walk fundraising idea: sign your gear!

Here’s a fun idea: Have a get-together at your home, a barbecue at the park, or something similar and let people know you’ll be fundraising there. Then let donors sign your AIDS Walk outfit: for a $10 donation, they can sign your T-shirt, but for $20 they can put their John Hancock on your shoe!

Make sure you have a permanent marker or fabric pen, and that the colors are visible on your gear.

This is a quick and fun way to let your sponsors know they are directly involved with your AIDS Walk!

Tags: AIDS Walk, fundraising

Welcome from Gloria Miele

How exciting to participate in a new initiative from VCAP. I am delighted to be blogging for the organization. As a new member of the Advisory Council, I am excited to increase my involvement with VCAP.

I was introduced to VCAP about 4 years ago when I saw an announcement for an informational grant meeting in the local paper. As a research psychologist working on national studies focused on HIV risk reduction in substance abusers and a trainer for the American Psychological Association’s HIV Office of Psychology Education (HOPE), I wanted to learn more about the HIV/AIDS programs in the county. VCAP seemed like a good place to start.

I attended the informational meeting and met a number of stakeholders, the most significant being Madhu Bajaj, VCAP’s Executive Director. We became fast friends, and I’ve been volunteering with VCAP ever since.

Madhu and I also share a connection and commitment to the Girl Scouts (she’s a former Scout, I’m a current Girl Scout leader), and we will continue to encourage our community service partnership.

I’m happy to lend my research and treatment expertise to VCAP as we develop initiatives to address HIV and AIDS in our community. I’m looking forward to the AIDS Walk for Life, the Viva Ventura Fiesta and being involved in VCAP’s grant-making process.

The focus on my blogging will be to share some of the latest HIV and AIDS research that comes across my desk, as well as some of my personal experiences participating in and promoting community service for VCAP and increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS in our community, especially in our youth.

I look forward to participating, sharing and interacting.

Gloria Miele, Ph.D.

Tags: Gloria Miele, welcome

Welcome from Joshua Thomas

I am beyond excited to be a part of this project!  To begin, I suppose I should introduce myself.  My name is Joshua Thomas and I’m a 23 year old, living with HIV.  I currently work full time, go to Ventura College full time, and consider myself a full time volunteer.  Basically, I have a FULL plate!  Fortunately it is full of positivity and goodness, so I really have nothing to complain about.  As a contributor to the blog I plan on bringing various points of view to the table.   Sometimes I’ll be the young, gay male.  On other occasions I’ll take the role of someone living with HIV.  I’ll take a stand as an activist on multiple issues.  And lastly just blog as a friend, boyfriend, son, or brother.  What I’m looking forward to most is the interaction with you all!  Through this I hope to not only inspire you to be passionate about a cause, but also to be inspired!  David Ho, an AIDS researcher famous for pioneering the use of protease inhibitors in treating HIV-infected patients said, “This is a problem for the world and therefore we’re going to solve it.” The power in his statement is that it can be applied to any problem you are connected and committed to resolving.  I hope this blog can be used as a small tool in fixing the bigger problem through raising awareness.  Again, I’m thrilled to be blogging and I can’t wait to see how this unfolds!

For now, I would like to mention a production I’m excited for in the upcoming weeks.  The California International Theatre Festival comes to Ventura with ¡Gaytino!

“Travel with Dan Guerrero as he takes us on a personal journey that speaks of Chicano history and growing up a gay Latino. ¡Gaytino! also tells the touching story of a special childhood friendship that lasts a lifetime until his friend contracts HIV at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s.  Universal themes of culture, sexuality, and AIDS come together for a truly remarkable and one-of-a-kind show!”

Performance dates are Tuesday, September 13^th at 8:30 PM and Thursday, September 15^th at 9:00 PM at the Ventura County Museum. 100 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.  For tickets and more information visit citfestival.org.

Thank you for reading!  And you’ll be hearing from me next month!

-Joshua

Tags: gaytino, Joshua Thomas, welcome

Welcome from Madhu Bajaj

Welcome to VCAP’s Blog! I am so excited to share our latest project with you! It is our hope that this blog will help us:

• connect with the community
• engage people in thoughtful dialogue about the issues
• create an emotional and educational experience for visitors
• provide a creative outlet to help further the cause

A few years ago, Tea Silvestre, a dear friend and marketing mentor, introduced me to blogging.

I loved the use of technology. Blogging was cool. It was trendy. I wanted to try it. I agreed that it would be powerful for sharing ideas about HIV/AIDS, BUT I just didn’t have time TIME…

Time and again, Tea would remind me that your marketing doesn’t take care of itself and that with good homework (market research) it’s time well spent. Thank you Tea for always supporting and encouraging me… it took awhile, but I’m blogging and Word Chef is a great resource!

I will never forget the day when Bola King-Rushing contacted me and said, “VCAP needs a blog and I want to help make it happen.” For a small organization like ours, it can be difficult to turn new ideas into reality unless they are backed with strong volunteer support. Thank you Bola for so generously giving your time and expertise to facilitate this project and serve as our Blog Editor.

Bola’s number one recommendation was that we find several passionate individuals to blog. Whew! Not only did it take a whole lot of pressure and stress off of me, I also loved the diversity and richness this would bring to the blog. Over the next few weeks you will meet our bloggers, each with unique perspectives and stories to tell. We’ll also have guest bloggers drop in to share their thoughts. We really want this to be a community blog with real people and real stories.

I am so thankful for our volunteer bloggers, and I encourage you to consider joining our team of writers. You can always contact me for more information on getting involved: madhu@vcaidspartnership.org.

Until next time,

Madhu

Madhu Bajaj
Executive Director
Ventura County AIDS Partnership

Tags: Madhu Bajaj, welcome