As we step into February also known as Black History Month, we embrace the word AWARENESS.

Awareness is defined as the ability to perceive, feel or be conscious of events, objects, thoughts, emotions or sensory patterns. It is through awareness that we recognize the necessity for change and take action to transform our communities.

In the realm of health, particularly concerning HIV/AIDS, staying vigilant is crucial. The battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS demands constant awareness, education and effective preventative measures. Despite the myriad challenges around us, we cannot allow the significance of this fight to fade into the background.

This month, we've taken significant strides forward. A highlight was our two-day Georgia Thrives 200 event, spanning from the Morehouse School of Medicine campus in Atlanta to Fort Valley State University in rural Georgia. This initiative was a resounding success, made possible by our dedicated staff, community partners, task force and community engagement team.

In addition to our in person efforts, we hosted webinars and information sessions designed to educate the public. As we always say, knowledge is power and empowering our community with information is a step towards a healthier future.

You'll find all the details of these efforts in our February issue. As always, we extend an invitation for you to participate actively in this journey. Whether through volunteering, joining us virtually and in person or inviting us to your events in 2025, your involvement is invaluable.

Feel free to connect with us through our Georgia Thrives website contact form or our social media platforms. You are the driving force behind our success, bringing our vision to life. Together, we are making Georgia THRIVE in 2025!

Meet Charles Stephens

Founder and Executive Director, Counter Narrative Project

Charles Stephens is a catalyst for social change.

As the founder and executive director of the Counter Narrative Project (CNP), Charles has been actively engaged in nonprofit leadership, journalism and the arts for several years. He is a narrative strategist committed to utilizing storytelling as a way to advance community transformation.

Along with his service on the Morehouse School of Medicine HIV Health Equity Task Force, he has also been active with Actor’s Express Theatre Company, Canopy Atlanta and the Center for HIV Law and Policy. His past advisory board service has included the Atlanta Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, Historic Atlanta and the Atlanta Public Schools LGBTQIA Task Force.

In recognition of his civic and social justice leadership, Charles was awarded the Georgia State University College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award, named to the VOX ATL Hall of Fame and listed as one of OUT Georgia’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ+ Georgians. In addition to his passion for public service, he has published op-eds and essays in such publications as Nonprofit Quarterly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), Atlanta Magazine and The Advocate.

Don't miss this free event with information on integrating and sustaining evidence-based practices in routine health care. The workshop is an opportunity to learn from keynote speaker Alison B. Hamilton, PhD, and a dynamic panel of licensed professionals.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

On the Road with Georgia Thrives 200!

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute partnered with Fort Valley State University for a two-day, two-city event in honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD).

On Thursday, February 6, SHLI Task Force members joined staff, student volunteers from Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College and community partners for a pizza and packing party. Volunteers assembled 200 bags containing at-home HIV test kits and other care items, including socks, towels, mirrors, hand sanitizer, lip balm, pens and other essentials. These bags were distributed to students at Fort Valley State University on NBHAAD the following day.

NBHAAD is a day dedicated to recognizing the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black communities. It serves as a call to action to increase awareness and expand access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care.

Here is a brief video recap of our Georgia Thrives 200 event.

We were honored to have several Task Force members participate in Georgia Thrives 200, especially on Day Two at Fort Valley State University. Among them was Dázon Dixon Diallo, the president of SisterLove, Inc. and a proud native of Fort Valley. Here is her perspective on the event and the movement.

WATCH THE REPLAY OF A PHENOMENAL WEBINAR!

Thanks to the moderator, Dr. Lawrence Bryant and the panel of experts, including Nupsius E. Benjamin-Robinson, DrHSc, CPH; Xavier University of Louisiana fourth-year pharmacy student Kennedi White; Christopher Ervin, MD and Morehouse School of Medicine first-year physician assistant Armoni Moore, this webinar was nothing short of phenomenal.

Special thanks to the presenting sponsors, Morehouse School of Medicine's Satcher Health Leadership Institute under the Georgia Thrives Campaign and Xavier University's Louisiana Can initiative.

WATCH THE REPLAY HERE

In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), our Georgia Thrives 200 event attracted significant attention across various media platforms, with local, regional and national coverage. With six stories, we effectively promoted the message of awareness, prevention and health equity throughout Georgia. Click on any of the thumbnails below to explore the stories.

FEBRUARY

The History of HIV/AIDS in the Black Same-Gender Loving Community webinar - 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. ET

Registration link.

CHLP's Visualizing the Threat to Our Communities webinar - 11:30 a.m. CT.

Registration link.

Using Implementation Science to Support Ending the HIV Epidemic - 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET (in person)

Registration link.

MARCH

MHC ViiV PrEP Grand Rounds Series (PrEP 101 training for clinicians)

Hats Off To Women™ Symposium (presented by the Empowerment Resource Center)

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute encourages everyone to get tested and know their status. Click here (pages 37-38) to view a listing of local area testing sites (Source: NIH-funded Center for AIDS Research at Emory University). Together, we can mark another milestone in the Black community's ever-evolving history of better tomorrows and brighter futures.