June marks the official start of summer, which is not only a time for celebration but also a time for reflection, rejuvenation and rest.


This month, we commemorated Juneteenth not only as a historic moment in American history that declared freedom for thousands unjustly held in bondage, but as a continuing call for health equity—especially in our most vulnerable communities. Freedom, liberty and justice for all cannot be achieved until everyone has equitable access to the care they need to thrive.


June is also Pride Month, a time to affirm the dignity, visibility and health of LGBTQ+ individuals who often face layered barriers including those related to race, identity and geography. We continue to advocate for their right to access care without stigma and to live full, healthy lives.


That is why we work every day to dismantle disparities and uplift the voices of communities historically left out of the conversation. We appreciate media outlets that help us amplify those voices. We equip communities with the education and information they need to move the message forward. We tell the stories of people who are thriving with a diagnosis and celebrate the many wins along the way.


On June 27, we mark National HIV Testing Day with the launch of our inaugural conversations with faith leaders across Georgia. Together, we are working to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote healing in communities often silenced by stigma and shame. More on this important initiative is coming soon.


Thank you for being part of this work. As always, we invite you to actively participate—whether through volunteering, joining us virtually, in person or welcoming us to your events in 2025. Your involvement is invaluable. Connect with us through our Georgia Thrives website contact form or on our social media platforms. The road to equity is long, but as long as we are in this together, we can end this together.


Let’s continue making these moments count and together we will make Georgia Thrive in 2025!

Meet Chauncey McGlathery, JD

Director, American Academy of HIV Medicine


Chauncey McGlathery is an author, advocate and systems thinker. His acclaimed book, "The Hero’s Journey," reflects a deep commitment to dismantling barriers to health and wellness for marginalized communities.


With a background in electrical engineering and civil rights law, McGlathery works at the intersection of policy, equity and innovation. He collaborates with regional stakeholders and global partners to craft achievable health and wellness strategies rooted in the realities of the communities they serve.



A natural bridge-builder, McGlathery is passionate about confronting structural inequities and exploring how race, gender and identity politics shape health outcomes. He believes that by understanding the intersections within ourselves, we can foster greater compassion and inclusion in the systems that govern them.

BMI Inaugural Father's Day Fest 


On Saturday, June 14, the Satcher Health Leadership Institute team participated in the Black Male Initiative (BMI) inaugural Father’s Day Fest at Rodney Cook Sr. Park. The event, open to all with a special focus on celebrating and supporting Black fathers, featured a full day of good vibes, celebration and culture with free food. SHLI partnered with BMI to distribute educational materials and other resources to attendees.

Asset & Hazard Mapping 101: The Basics


On Monday, June 23, the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at MSM hosted the first of a two-part virtual training series focused on community wellness mapping.


Attendees received a hands-on demonstration of Google MyMaps, including how to start a new map, add layers, import data and create visual profiles of assets and hazards using a variety of tools.



The second training in the series will build on these basics and continue to equip community members with tools to tell their stories through data and place.


At just 29, Kennedi Lowman was thriving as a medical lab scientist in Atlanta when a routine blood donation changed her life forever.


A call from the American Red Cross revealed she was HIV-positive. The news plunged her into fear, silence and depression. But what began as a private battle became a powerful public mission.


In this inspiring feature from MadameNoire, Kennedi shares how she turned her diagnosis into purpose.


Kennedi is a member of the SHLI HIV Equity Task Force, and we could not be more proud to have her on board. Her story is a reminder that healing, hope and impact are always possible.


Thank you, Ashley Cobb, for amplifying Kennedi’s story.




"We have community partners who are 30-plus years living with HIV and aging. So, with aging naturally comes other chronic conditions." - Maisha Standifer, PhD, MPH


As conversations around Medicaid expansion and equity continue, it’s critical not to overlook the unique needs of older adults and people with disabilities within the LGBTQ+ community.


Dr. Maisha Standifer, director of population health at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute, emphasized in a recent Capital B Atlanta article that this intersectional group often faces layered health challenges, many of which are tied to chronic conditions and long-term HIV survival.


Click below to read the full article.


JULY


National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month


21

Zero HIV Stigma Day #zerohivstigmaday

AUGUST

20

Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #SHAAD


27

National Faith HIV Awareness Day #NFHAAD


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.

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