The Wyoming Health Council works to ensure that all people can access equitable, inclusive, high-quality, and affordable reproductive and sexual health care. | |
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Black Arts Movement
1965-1875
The Black Arts Movement was a Black nationalism movement that focused on music, literature, drama, and the visual arts made up of Black artists and intellectuals. This was the cultural section of the Black Power movement, in that its participants shared many of the ideologies of Black self-determination, political beliefs, and African American culture.
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The Black Woman: An Anthology (1970) is one of the best examples of work from the Black Women’s Literary Renaissance.
The Anthology is a groundbreaking volume that “introduced readers to an astonishing wave of voices that demanded to be heard.”
The collection includes essays, poems, and short stories by activists and writers including Nikki Giovanni, Alice Walker, Paule Marshall, and Audre Lorde. These works explore the thoughts, opinions, and ideas of Black women of that time, as well as some of their concerns with labor conditions and reproductive justice, to name a few, and represent the communal nature with which they sought to ruminate upon them.
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Eight Recommended Books By women to Understand Black History
Black History Month is the opportune moment to learn about the rich and dynamic history of Black people in the United States.
At a moment when conservatives are leading a campaign to limit the teaching of Black history in classrooms, it is especially important to resist these efforts.
One significant step to counter the nationwide bans of Black history is to commit to reading and promoting books that deepen our individual and collective knowledge. On the occasion of Black History Month, here is a list of recommended readings—all written by women—that shed light on the richness and complexity of the Black experience in the United States.
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A Brief History of Black Cinema In America
In honor of Black history, we are taking a look at the history of Black Cinema in America. This is a topic that is often overlooked, but it is an important part of our film heritage.
Because of the work of many Black filmmakers and activists throughout history, Hollywood is much more diverse than it ever has been before.
Hollywood today is undoubtedly enriched by the immense talent of Black filmmakers, but this isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, Black cinema has been an integral part of the film industry since it first started over a century ago! In this blog post, we will explore the origins of Black cinema and its evolution over the years.
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A Timeline of Black Women In Music
In honor of Black History Month in February and the upcoming Women’s History Month in March, we would like to honor some of the most notable Black female musicians of our time. These women paved the way for music, led many cultural revelations, and overcame difficulties, to be collectively crowned as queens.
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Art and Reproductive Justice
Call and Response: A Narrative of Reverence to Our Foremothers in Gynecology
Guided by the Sankofa principle of looking to the past to understand the present, Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP) uses art as a medium and catalyst to raise awareness of historical medical malfeasance around Black women's reproductive health and rights.
To accomplish that goal, RSP commissioned artist Jules Arthur to create three new paintings, for a total of six, for this groundbreaking educational art exhibition. They chose this well-known African American artist because of his brilliance at capturing complex Black historical narratives.
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More Info on the Resilient Sisterhood Project
The Resilient Sisterhood Project’s mission is to educate and empower women of African descent regarding common yet rarely discussed diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them. We approach these diseases and associated issues through a cultural and social justice lens—as we believe that poor knowledge of reproductive health is primarily related to health, racial, and socioeconomic disparities.
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The Creator
of a Viral Black Fetus Medical Illustration Blends Art and Activism
As an aspiring medical illustrator, Chidiebere Ibe noticed the absence as soon as he began to learn the craft. Why aren't there more images of Black skin in medical illustration?
In a healthcare system beset with racial inequities, the relative scarcity of dark skin tones in medical textbooks is no exception. Driven to correct this imbalance, the Nigerian-born would-be neurosurgeon started teaching himself to illustrate, using Black skin to depict various medical conditions and procedures.
One-and-a-half years and one viral illustration later, Ibe is now a student at Kyiv Medical University in Ukraine, a budding illustrator, and an advocate for racial health justice. Over the past few weeks, his image of a Black pregnant person and fetus struck an instant chord on social media. For many, the picture was a reminder that racial bias can permeate every level of healthcare and medical training.
"I’ve literally never seen a black fetus illustrated, ever," said one Twitter user, whose post with the image helped propel the illustration to virality. "Seeing more textbooks like this would make me want to become medical student," said a commenter on Ibe's Instagram post.
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Follow These Black Sexual and Reproductive Health Influencers
Do you want to stay on top of the latest trends and information on sex, reproductive and sexual health, and self-care?
Maybe you just want to know more about what it means to be a sex educator or to add a few new podcasts to your list? Look no further than these incredible Black educators, content creators, and influencers who are on the cutting edge of sexual and reproductive health. This list of amazing Black sexual and reproductive health experts will have you clicking “follow” before you finish reading the descriptions.
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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Feb 7
Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/ AIDS in Black Communities, emphasized the role we each play in ending HIV and inspires us to challenge the racism, homophobia, poverty, stigma, and other socioeconomic factors that continue to drive health disparities and create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and care services in Black communities.
- In 2021, Black people accounted for 12% of the population, but 40% (13,000) of the 32,100 estimated new HIV infections in the United States.
- Black gay and bisexual men are the group most affected by HIV, accounting for 37% (8,330) of estimated new infections among all gay and bisexual men.
- Black women are also disproportionately affected by HIV, making up 52% (3,200) of estimated new infections among all women.
Learn More
Meet Janelle, a Together U college sophomore exploring her HIV prevention options and learning more about PrEP while navigating her sexual health.
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International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance that celebrates the achievements and contributions of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This day recognizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the scientific community.
FUN FACT:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed on February 11th each year.
This date was chosen to honor the birthday of Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to the fields of radioactivity and nuclear physics. Marie Curie remains an inspirational figure for women in science.
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is designed to amplify your voice and experiences in relationships— we want to uplift what’s healthy and what is unhealthy or even abusive.
Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.
This years theme, a “Love Like That,” illuminates what “that” means regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships.
We know that love is more than a feeling; no matter how you define it, it’s essential to ensure you’re on the same page with your partner about the definitions and boundaries of your relationship. Teens and young adults express their love for one another in many ways, which differ from person to person or community. All expressions of love are valid. However, the essential aspect of “Love Like That” calls on us all to create a world of positive actions to express and show healthy love in various ways.
Love is Respect was launched by the National Domestic Hotline in February 2007 to help support teens. They offer a safe and inclusive space for young people to access help and information in a setting specifically for them.
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How To Prevent Teen Dating Violence
Disney isn’t real life. And because no one had talked with me about what a real, healthy relationship looks like, I didn’t know what to do when my boyfriend became abusive. In fact, I lacked the tools to even recognize the abuse when violence became the norm in my relationship. I eventually escaped the relationship and have spent the past several years healing. But I want to help others avoid what I went through, including preteens and teens who are just beginning to explore relationships.
If I had had a trusted adult to talk with, or more insight into what a healthy relationship looks like, I might have known what kind of person this young man was when he cheated on me three weeks into the relationship.
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What Should I Teach My High School Aged Teen About Relationships?
Your teen may start having their first big romantic relationships during high school. Here’s what you can do to help them have healthier, happier relationships, and deal with the responsibilities that go along with it — like consent and communication.
Many teens start having serious romantic relationships during high school and early college. Crushes, first kisses and hook-ups, and first heartbreaks — these are big emotional moments. Even though it may sound like puppy love, and even though these early relationships usually don’t last longer than 3 months or so, they’re important for your teen.
Early relationships can teach teens lessons for future relationships. Unhealthy relationships can lead to emotional and physical harm. Your teen’s first romantic relationships are a good opportunity for you to help them understand what it means to be in healthy relationships, so they can continue to have healthy, happy relationships throughout their life.
Be your teen’s go-to for relationship advice.
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International Sex Education Day
Change The Conversation, Change The World
....February 2....
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Talking to kids about sex and relationships can change their futures — and the world. Sex education, at home, in school, and even at the doctor’s office has a broad range of effects, including:
✓ Improving self-esteem and self-image
✓ Reducing at-risk sexual behavior
✓ Reducing teenage pregnancy
✓ Higher grades, test scores, and educational
outcomes
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As we continue to champion inclusive sex education, Sex Ed For Social Change (SIECUS) just released their 2024 State of Legislative Look-Ahead. This pivotal report unveils the legislative landscape of 2023 and what it means for the future of sex education.
What's Inside?
- Over 1,000 bills tracked.
- Insight into regressive trends and progressive victories.
- An in-depth analysis of the impact on young people’s access to inclusive education and health services.
- Advocacy Tools
This report is more than just numbers – it's a roadmap for understanding the current state of sex education legislation and its implications for our youth.
Together, we can build a future where every young person has access to quality sex education.
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Have you ever been in your local pharmacy or drug store, seen flavored condoms on the shelves and wondered to yourself, “What are those and who is buying those?”
In the thousands of years that condoms (or other barrier method based birth control) have existed in one form or another, flavored condoms are a relative newcomer. In fact, flavored condoms weren’t introduced to the consumer market until 1995. Save that one for trivia night! We might be biased, but we think that they have to be a contender for the best invention of 1995.
WHY WERE FLAVORED CONDOMS CREATED?
Believe it or not, flavored condoms are more about function than flare actually. In adding a light flavored coating to the exterior of these latex condoms, the idea is that they would be not only more appealing but more enjoyable for oral sex specifically. That’s right, these condoms were specifically designed to eat...just not exactly in the way you might’ve thought!
Because they’re generally designed with latex, they offer all the same protection as regular condoms from sexual transmitted infections (STIs) that can be transmitted through oral sex. Many people are aware that condoms can prevent pregnancy (and are up to 98% effective when used correctly), but flavored condoms remain one of the lesser known types of condoms on the market.
READ MORE
From chocolate, mint and cherry, to even crazier flavors like bacon, pickle and coffee....which flavor will you choose? ;)
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STI and Oral Sex
Can someone be infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from oral sex?
Yes. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be spread through oral sex. However, the chances of giving or getting STIs during oral sex can be lowered by using a condom or dental dam.
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How To Test for Nongenital STIS and Why You Should
Your genitals aren’t the only place a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can land and set up shop.
What if you're already testing for genital STIs though?
So, you got tested for genital STIs, and the tests came back negative. Cool, you don’t have a genital STI!
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean anything for nongenital STIs. Anal, oral, and other nongenital STIs are still a possibility.
As Queen says, “A person can have a nongenital STI alongside a genital STI, or they can have a nongenital STI [even] if they don’t have any kind of genital infection.”
Talk to your provider about three site testing!
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Increasing Wyoming HIV Cases Highlight Need for Prevention
With newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases increasing in Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is pressing testing and other prevention strategies.
Reginald McClinton, Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) Surveillance Program manager, said 22 cases were reported in 2023, an increase from 13 in 2022 and higher than Wyoming’s typical annual range of 12 to 15. “This is a noteworthy increase and cause for concern,” McClinton said.
Among reported cases, 82 percent were male and 18 percent were female, and 36 percent identified as heterosexual and 64 percent identified as LGBTQ+. Ages ranged from 24 to 77.
Common risk factors were engaging in condomless sex, multiple and/or anonymous sex partners, and meeting sexual partners via dating and hook-up apps.
Leslie Fowler, Communicable Disease Prevention Program manager with WDH said, “Unfortunately there has been a pervasive myth in Wyoming that HIV only infects men who identify as gay. This has led to a lack of HIV testing, which results in poor patient outcomes and ongoing HIV transmission in the population.”
“Our internal and outreach staff have done a great deal of work to dispel the myths associated with HIV. In fact, we increased safety-net HIV testing in Wyoming by 24 percent in 2023,” Fowler said.
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Teen birth rate in Texas increases for the first time in 15 years
New data is revealing the real-life impact of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.
For the first time in 15 years, the birth rate among teens in Texas increased.
The University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality found the birth rate for women ages 15–44 in Texas went up by about 2%, and for teens, the birth rate increased by 0.39%. In both age groups, the highest increases were among Hispanic girls and women.
"It's certainly cause for discussion,” said Elizabeth Gregory, a professor and the Director of Women's Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Houston. “This affects individuals’ lives in terms of what their long-term opportunities might be, if they have to step out of school or take jobs to support their children in the near term."
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CDC: Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new surveillance data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There were 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in the United States in 2022. Rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia remain high, and rates of syphilis have gone up an alarming 80% since 2018.
In 2022 there were:
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1.6 million cases of chlamydia, which is a 6.2% decrease since 2018
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648,056 cases of gonorrhea, which is an 11% increase since 2018
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207,255 cases of syphilis, which is an 80% increase since 2018
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3,755 congenital syphilis cases, which is an 183% increase since 2018
As always, the number of cases reported to the CDC is likely lower than the actual number of infections. Many STIs have no symptoms. A person could easily not know they were infected. Even STIs without symptoms, however, can lead to long-term health issues like infertility. This is why regular screening is so important.
“Today’s data show the magnitude of the STI epidemic in this country and highlight the importance of staying vigilant in our prevention, screening, and treatment efforts. The rise in syphilis—a disease we once came close to eradicating—is particularly alarming,” said ASHA’s President Lynn Barclay. “Treatment is prevention, but this only works with widespread screening efforts that reach everyone.”
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New Telehealth Booths Available at Local Wyoming Libraries
Three local libraries announced the introduction of new telehealth booths, a service available for reservation by community members seeking confidential and convenient virtual health consultations, regardless of the provider’s location.
The addition of the telehealth booth was supported by the Public Access to Health Solutions, or PATHS, Project, a statewide initiative that seeks to enhance public access to health services through technology. The project aims to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved areas.
The telehealth booth provides a private and accessible space for individuals to engage in telehealth consultations with healthcare providers. This service is invaluable for those seeking medical consultations, mental health support and other health services, offering a convenient alternative to traditional in-person visits.
Natrona County Library (Casper)
Park County Library (Cody)
Goshen County Library (Torrington)
More sites coming soon!
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Join The Wyoming Health Council in Casper WY for BINGO NIGHT!!
Ready for a hoppy night? Sip on some of Black Tooth's finest brews (or a soda) while playing bingo!
$5 cash per card and 25 percent of the blackout pot will be donated to Wyoming Health Council.
Wednesday March 6th
Starting at 7pm
Black Tooth Brewing Company
322 S. David Street • Casper, WY 82601 • 307-577-5460
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WYOMING HEALTH COUNCIL
111 S. Durbin, Suite 200
Casper, WY 82601
Call Us: (307) 439-2033
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