HIV advocates meet in capitol
RALEIGH, N.C.— Patients, healthcare providers, community leaders and advocates gathered in the state’s capitol on April 25 for HIV Speaks on Jones Street: NC HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day 2017 to raise awareness and educate North Carolina legislators about policies that improve the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. North Carolina AIDS Action Network (NCAAN) served as the event’s host.
“As policy makers make decisions about the future of our state, it’s vital that they hear the concerns of those living with HIV and their allies,” said Lee Storrow, executive director of NCAAN. “With advanced anti-viral medication and PrEP, medicine that will prevent HIV- people from becoming HIV+, we have the tools we need to end this epidemic in North Carolina.”
After a morning briefing and training on various issues impacting people living with HIV/AIDS, advocates spent the day at the General Assembly meeting with legislators. While the advocates met with their local legislators, Alliance of AIDS Services- Carolinas provided free HIV and Hepatitis C testing in the 1300 Court of the General Assembly. Numerous legislators from both sides of the aisle, including Charlotte’s own Rep. Chaz Beasley and Rep. Mary Belk, came to get tested to help raise awareness and fight against stigma.
“It was great to come together, advocate together and see how all these different paths had a moment to intersect at HIV Speaks on Jones St.,” said Legal Services of Southern Piedmont’s Desheane Newman. “It is really powerful to have the opportunity to share stories, take those stories and channel them into something bigger; the results of which we hope to see be reflected in our respective communities throughout the state. It is my second year attending and I learn so much each time.”
info: ncaan.org.
Chow down for PPSA
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s annual Chow for Choice will be held on May 16.
Dine at one or more participating restaurants across the state and 10 percent of the day’s proceeds will go to support the organization.
Listed venues locations in Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Hillsborough and Winston-Salem are available online.
Pro-women’s health friends and family are encouraged to share a meal to benefit Planned Parenthood.
info: chowforchoice.org.
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