February E-News | Celebrating Black History Month

FEBRUARY 2022 E-NEWS

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

FEBRUARY 7

ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY (NBHAAD)

Exponents hosted our annual commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on Monday, February 7th. Initially conceptualized in 1999, the event provides an opportunity for Black communities to increase HIV Testing, access to prevention services and reduce HIV-related stigma.

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE

Our event, hosted by the Judith Loeb Chiara Recovery & Wellness Center, provided an opportunity for participants to learn more about the history of the event through an exciting trivia game. Additional activities included a panel discussion arranged by our Director of Health Services, Dana Diamond, CASAC, in her role as a spokesmodel for the HIV Stops With Me campaign. This is Ms. Diamond’s third year as a model!

HIV testing was available and our Service Navigator, Roger Adamson, provided information on biomedical interventions (PrEP/PEP/iART). Our Testing Manager, Sade Ellis, reminded guests that at-home HIV test kits can be sent to individuals through our partnership with the Health Department’s Community Home Test Giveaway Virtual Program. Ms. Ellis also recited a rousing poem ‘My Black is Beautiful’ to set the mood for the day.

Participants were provided the choice to attend in person or virtually. Everyone was able to participate, and the event concluded with personal commitments that individuals will implement during the year to raise awareness around the importance of knowing one’s status, engagement in care for persons with HIV, information/connection to PrEP and other prevention services, and doing our personal best to confront stigma.

Stay tuned for our National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event to be held on March 9th.

Donald Powell, Sr. Director of Programs and Development

FEBRUARY 14

VALENTINE'S DAY ART SALE

Exponents Behavioral Health February Theme

"Black Excellence & Self Love"

You will always find our space decorated with interactive and exciting decor. Our Weekly Art Therapy Group makes huge contributions to the decor and is inspired by Jonathan G., one of our eer educators who is also a proud Exponents Third Way graduate & CASAC Student.

Each week, we work on creative expression in recovery through arts and crafts. Throughout the year, we accumulate all of the artwork leading up to our annual art show, where community member’s art is displayed for all to enjoy.

Black Excellence & Self Love: we’ve used worksheets about issues impacting communities of color via Body image, Social Justice, Heart Health, Black Empowerment/History & Self love sentence prompts, positive affirmation coloring pages and puppet creations.

Jewelry Making: This is a special project sparked by our very own stone/crystal extraordinaire, Peer Educator Jonathan G. Community members are educated about what the stones represent and why they may have chosen these particular stones in connection to their recovery and life experiences. Community members create pieces for themselves and for our Jewelry sales throughout the year. Our most recent sale is for Valentine’s day. All proceeds go back into the art therapy group for supplies.