Meet Shakera Cheston

CHOICE Project Coordinator at Morris Brown College

Shakera Cheston serves as the Project Coordinator and Lead Navigator for the CHOICE Project at Morris Brown College. She is a proud alumna of Fort Valley State University, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. Raised on the south side of Atlanta, her implementation of progressive work in the areas of substance abuse, sexual health and various intersecting topics actively amplifies the current standing curriculum, training and programming. She has led numerous initiatives, campaigns, panels and conferences. Shakera aims to continue expanding her scope of work by creating a space where a plethora of tools and resources can be found for those in need nationwide.

Q: Why do you serve on the SHLI HIV Equity Task Force?

"I do this work because I believe everyone should have the best opportunity to live the life they have envisioned for themselves with the proper tools, resources and affordable access. Each and every one of us deserves a chance to experience all of life and its wonders with the lens of preparedness, awareness and empathy to pay it forward for the next generation."

Q: What is one of your favorite quotes?

"One individual cannot possibly make a difference, alone. It is individual efforts, collectively, that make a noticeable difference—all the difference in the world!" ~Jane Goodall

Introducing the Georgia Thrives 200 Campaign

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is Friday, February 7. NBHAAD recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black people. On this day, there is a call to increase awareness and access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. 

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Southern United States, including Georgia, accounts for the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in the country. Within this region, rural areas often face significant barriers to healthcare access, including limited testing facilities and healthcare providers, which exacerbates the risk for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in these communities. This lack of access to comprehensive sexual health education and prevention resources contributes to higher vulnerability and the continued spread of the virus among young adults, particularly those attending HBCUs in rural settings.

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine is answering the call by taking it to the streets of rural Georgia with its Georgia Thrives 200 Campaign. The two-day event on February 6 and 7 is focused on providing home-testing kits to 200 students and staff at Fort Valley State University in middle Georgia.

There are opportunities to help prepare the care packages on February 6 at Morehouse School of Medicine. It's Packing &. Pizza Party and you are invited! Click on the invitation above or here if you are interested in volunteering.

Thank you in advance for your support!

SCAN THE QR CODE OR CLINK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO REGISTER NOW.

In addition to our community outreach for National Black HIV Awareness Day on February 7, we have created social media posts you can share to show your support. If you would like to post, we’ve made it easy. Just download one or more of these prepared posts and use the hashtags #NBHAAD #EndTheEpidemic #HIVAwareness #MorehouseSchoolOfMedicine #SHLI #GeorgiaThrives.

Also, remember to tag Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) in your posts.

40% of new HIV cases in the U.S. are in the Black community, a community that makes up roughly 13% of the U.S. population. It's time for change! Get tested today! 🌍✊ 

#NBHAAD #GetTested #EndTheEpidemic #HIVAwareness #MorehouseSchoolOfMedicine #SHLI #GeorgiaThrives

Together, we're stronger. 💪 This National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, take a stand! Get tested and break the cycle. We’re In This Together to End This TOGETHER! 🙌

#NBHAAD #GetTested #EndTheEpidemic #HIVAwareness #MorehouseSchoolOfMedicine #SHLI #GeorgiaThrives

Thriving begins with knowing. This #NBHAAD, let’s make sure we all know our status. Getting tested is quick, easy and it saves lives. GET TESTED! 🌟

#GetTested #EndTheEpidemic #HIVAwareness #MorehouseSchoolOfMedicine #SHLI #GeorgiaThrives

Dr. Maisha Standifer, a former Cobb Scholar, shares insights into her career path and the influence of Dr. W. Montague Cobb and the Cobb Scholars program on her professional choices and advocacy. In the episode, she delves into the dynamic Georgia Thrives initiative, which targets HIV disparities in urban and rural areas of the state, and explores similar initiatives in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

Dr. Standifer also speaks to the challenges of stigma, the importance of culturally competent care and the critical need to understand the socio-political determinants of health. This is a comprehensive discussion aimed at empowering Black communities and enhancing healthcare equity.

Click here or on the graphic above to listen to the entire episode.