The Thursday Morning eNEWS

As we continue to rebuild our web-site into an interactive tool for the community’s use, we hope that you will visit it often. Updates that will occur on a weekly basis will be the community calendar, support group listing, PWH/A Guide on-line edition, and our new classified sections. We hope that you will use it as a resource often at www.friendsalliance.org

For those of you wondering what has become of the 2007 PWH/A Pocket Reference Guide printed version. Distribution will finally begin the middle of June.

FERNDALE’S MIDWEST AIDS PREVENTION PROJECT GOES INTERNATIONAL

MAPP Press release Ferndale – May 14, 2007

As part of the 2007 Community Connections Program, The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP) will host ten HIV/AIDS professionals from Minsk, Belarus on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 in an effort to provide firsthand knowledge of its innovative HIV prevention and education programs.  Belarus is a country that was formerly a part of the Soviet Union. The 2007 Community Connections Program is a collaborative effort with IVC Detroit (International Visitors Council) and USAID (United States Agency of International Development).  The theme of this year’s program is “Improving the Quality of Life for People Living with HIV/AIDS – A Project for Belarus.”  The Belarusian participants hope to bring fresh ideas back to Minsk so that they can curb the spread of HIV and reduce the stigma toward those who are living with the virus.  HIV/AIDS has been a fixture of American society for over 25 years and MAPP is about to have it’s 20th anniversary as one of Michigan’s largest HIV prevention and education organizations.  In comparison, the AIDS epidemic in Belarus is relatively new and, unfortunately, growing.  “It’s all about building bridges,” said Craig Covey, founder and CEO of MAPP.  “We have an obligation to share our wealth of knowledge and experience so that we can reach our common goal – the end of AIDS.” 

Fifth annual health fair a huge success

By Jason A. Michael Originally printed 05/03/2007 (Issue 1518 - Between The Lines News)

FERNDALE - The fifth annual Health Fair at Affirmations was a huge hit last Saturday. Sponsored by Project Healthy Living, the fair gave participants an opportunity to receive an array of free or very low cost health services and screening tests. According to Knoll Larkin, Affirmations health services coordinator, about 250 folks visited the fair, with 75 receiving health screenings. In addition, 30 non-profit agencies participated and set up booths. "We had really good representation," Larkin said. "We had some local agencies, like the Social Security Administration, Ferndale Senior Services. We also had Karmanos Cancer Institute, a lot of recovery type groups, like Together We Can, the Brighton Hospital substance abuse treatment facility. And of course the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, AIDS Partnership Michigan and Transgender Michigan were there." Folks who attended had the opportunity to undergo hearing and vision tests, dental and depression screenings, blood panels, glucose checks and more. Podiatry screenings, which made their debut at this year's fair, were also a big hit. The event was one of the first to take place in the new Affirmations building, and the fair spread out throughout the center, including in the community room and gallery. "It was great just to be able to offer such a nice place for people to come and receive the screenings and health information," Larkin said. "The atmosphere was more inviting overall. We had a lot of folks come in from off the street that weren't even aware of the festival that came in and participated." Larkin acknowledged the contribution of the more than 40 volunteers who ensured that the day ran smoothly. "It would never be possible without all the volunteers, medical and non medical volunteers," he said. "We had a lot of students from Wayne State School of Medicine and Oakland University's Nursing Program. One of things I read on a lot of the comment cards was how energetic, kind, welcoming and friendly the volunteers were. That's always nice to hear."

Happenings

May 18           Friday -  Asians & Friends Bar Party

On the National Asian / Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness and Testing Day, Midwest AIDS Prevention Project’s (MAPP) annual :Friday May 18th 2007, 9 pm to 2 am, Soho Martini Bar, W. Nine Mile Road  Downtown Ferndale. Everyone welcome  Free HIV testing/ gift cards and prizes…drink specials / music / videos. For information call 248.545.1435 ayee@aidsprevention.org or www.asiansandfriendsMI.org

May 19           Asian Pacific Islander AIDS Awareness Day May 19^th

 Coalition of minority focused groups participate in testing event

 Ferndale, MI: A Coalition of minority focused HIV prevention service agencies have come together to generate awareness and encourage HIV testing. The GLBT Association of Middle Eastern Americans (Al GAMEA), The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP) and Asians and Friends will be marking the occasion for the third year in metro Detroit.  Soho bar in Ferndale will host a testing event on Friday May 18^th where the groups will offer free HIV testing. “It’s your behavior that puts you at risk” said the first Chinese-American Mr. Gigi’s, Dorian, who is also a bartender at Soho. “Having a day like this is important” he continued “in a place like Detroit where there is a small API community it’s especially important to make sure that we don’t overlook anyone.”  “Gay and bisexual Asian/Pacific Islanders are a minority within a minority” said Chris Ramazzotti, Al GAMEA Co-founder/Co-chair. “We are excited about this opportunity; our participation will remind everyone there are many Arab countries in Asia as well as countries like Iran, India and Turkey. This gives us the chance to reach out to them.” The National API HIV/AIDS Awareness day started three years ago by the Banyan Tree Project, a program of the API Wellness Center in San Francisco. This is an officially recognized awareness day by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The first National Awareness Day was held in 2005. Each year it is commemorated with events around the country designed to promote the Banyan Tree Project goals. For more information about the banyan tree project visit http://www.banyantreeproject.org/  For information about Al GAMEA and other programs visit  http://www.algamea.org  For information about Asians and Friends a project of The Midwest AIDS Prevention Project visit  http://www.aidsprevention.org

May 19           Triangle Foundation & HRC present: The 2007 Annual Women's Gold OUTing!

Benefiting programs of the Triangle Foundation and HRC, this outing is sure to be a great time for all! We are golfing on Saturday, May 19 starting at 8:30 am in team scramble format and will be held at the beautiful St. John's Golf & Conference Center in Plymouth. The event features challenging golf, an amazing dinner (your choice of Beef, Chicken or Vegetarian), and lots of prizes. In fact, this year Lochmoor Chrysler-Jeep will be giving a brand new car away as a hole-in-one prize!  The event starts at 8:30am with a shotgun start and coffee kickoff at the Clubhouse - our Clubhouse sponsor this year is SameSexLoans.com. Prizes for Longest Drive, closest to the pin, and longest putt are just some of the winning categories, but that's not all! There will be a prize for best and worst golfer, and a gift bag for each golfer. In addition, golf balls are compliments of Susan Reck of Merrill Lynch. "We are excited to be partnering again with HRC to benefit both organizations," said Stephanie Newman, events coordinator for Triangle Foundation. " This is an incredible opportunity for the women in our community to come out and support the cause of equality - all while having a great time." The price is only $130. The Outing is a chance to have a great time and support two great organizations! Good Golf, Great Food, an Important Cause, and the finest women! What else could you ask for? So let's "swing" into spring together!  To sign up  go online at http://www.tri.org/events/golf.html, or call 313-537-7000 x103.The 2006 Annual Women's Golf OUTing benefits the Triangle Foundation & the Human Rights Campaign.

Make your reservation here today!

May 22           Fuzeon Empowerment Group Presented by Midwest AIDS Prevention Project (MAPP) Please join the Fuzeon empowerment group for the first meeting of the year! Learn how you can achieve success with Fuzeon with speaker Bill Taylor Moderated by Brenda Stapleton of Roche Labs On Tuesday, May 22 - 2007at Como’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, 22812 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI, 48220 Food will be provided. Space is limited - You MUST Register For more information or to register call: (248) 545-1435 ext. 111

June 23         Twenty Fifth Annual Detroit Together Men’s Chorus Spring Concert details and tickets at www.dtmc.org

June 3           Motor City Pride, Ferndale www.pridesource.com

June 3           AFFIRMATIONS Grand Opening official ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off on the mainstage at 2:00pm followed by an afternoon open house with tours. www.goaffirmations.org

June 30         Lansing Pride March www.michiganpride.org

July 8             28^th Annual Metra Picnic www.metramagazine.com

July 30-31    2007 National Conference on Latinos and AIDS

The 2007 National Conference on Latinos and AIDS will take place July 30-31, in Miami Beach, Florida. The featured speaker this year is Rosie Perez. This conference is a national forum on HIV/AIDS for health professionals who provide care for Latino communities. It will help health care providers update their knowledge, skills, and attitudes about HIV/AIDS. The conference was also designed for healthcare media, federal and state legislators, AIDS service organization officers, social workers, pharmacists, nurses, peer counselors, church leadership, and corrections health care personnel. The aims of this conference are to inform participants about the epidemiology of HIV; current HIV research and guidelines; modern methods for the management of HIV; social and psychiatric concerns of HIV infected patients; and political issues, trends, and policy initiatives that impact HIV infected patients. Read more about the program schedule. Register online or get more information about this important event. View the printable conference brochure:

Sept 16          AIDS Walk Detroit www.aidswalkdetroit.org

In the News

GlaxoSmithKline, Brazil Expected To Sign Deal on Providing Antiretroviral at Reduced Cost

Dow Jones, 5/10

GlaxoSmithKline and Brazil by Friday are expected to sign an agreement that would reduce the cost of GSK's antiretroviral Abacavir by 27% in the country, an unnamed health ministry official announced on Thursday, Dow Jones reports. Although the official did not specify how much Brazil would save from the deal, he said that GSK likely will lower the cost of Abacavir from $2.76 per dose to $2 per dose, according to Dow Jones. The deal comes one week after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva issued a compulsory license to produce a lower-cost, generic version of Merck's antiretroviral Efavirenz (Radowitz, Dow Jones, 5/10). World Trade Organization regulations allow governments to declare a "national emergency" and issue compulsory licenses on any grounds without consulting the foreign patent owner. Brazilian Health Minister Jose Gomes Temporao late last month signed a decree declaring that the country would purchase from an India-based drug maker a generic version of Efavirenz if Merck did not offer the drug at a lower price. Brazil asked Merck to reduce the cost of Efavirenz to 65 cents per dose from $1.57 per dose. An unnamed source said that Merck offered to sell the drug for $1.10 per patient daily, but Brazil rejected the offer. Merck sells Efavirenz for $1.80 per daily dose in most middle-income countries. A generic version of the drug would save Brazil about $240 million by 2012, when Merck's patent on Efavirenz expires (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 5/7).Brazil and GSK since last year have been in talks about a discount for Abacavir, which the government provides at no cost to about 4,000 people. The Brazilian government provides antiretrovirals at no cost to anyone in the country who needs them and manufactures generic versions of several drugs. About 600,000 people are living with HIV in Brazil, according to health ministry estimates.

New Jersey Senator Introduces Bill That Would Require Pregnant Women, Infants To Receive HIV Tests

AP/Cherry Hill Courier Post, 5/13

New Jersey Senate President Richard Codey (D) on Thursday introduced a bill (S 2704) that would require all pregnant women and infants in the state to be tested for HIV unless women choose in writing to opt out of the test, the AP/Cherry Hill Courier Post reports (Hester, AP/Cherry Hill Courier Post, 5/13). Current state law requires health care providers to offer HIV tests to pregnant women. Codey's bill would require pregnant women to be tested for HIV as early as possible in their pregnancy and again during the third trimester. Under the bill, every birthing facility in the state also would be required to provide infants under their care with HIV tests. In addition, physicians and health care providers would be required to provide pregnant women with information about HIV/AIDS, the benefits of being tested, available medical treatment and how treatment can reduce the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 3/23). According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, New Jersey has some of the highest numbers of pediatric HIV/AIDS cases nationwide. Codey has called the bill a "no brainer," the AP/Courier Post reports. The Center for Women Policy Studies opposes mandatory testing, saying that it violates a woman's right to make her own birthing and medical treatment decisions. The bill will be scheduled for hearings in the coming weeks, the AP/Courier Post reports.

Tennessee Senate Approves Bill Requiring People Convicted of Promoting Sex Work To Be Tested for HIV

AP/Eyewitness News Memphis, 5/10

The Tennessee Senate on Thursday voted 31-0 to approve a bill (SB 764) that would require people convicted of promoting commercial sex work to be tested for HIV, the AP/Eyewitness News Memphis reports (AP/Eyewitness News Memphis, 5/10). The state House in April voted 92-3 to approve the companion bill (HB 1775), which is sponsored by Rep. Ulysses Jones (D). According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, if the bill is signed into law, it will be the first of its kind nationwide (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 4/10). The Senate bill, which is sponsored by Democratic Leader Jim Kyle, now goes to Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) for consideration. The governor was not available for comment on whether he would sign the bill into law, the AP/News Memphis reports.

Australia Allocates $8M for National HIV Prevention, Education Program

Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 1/31

The Australian government on Tuesday announced that it has included 9.8 million Australian dollars, or about $8 million, in the federal budget for the development of a national HIV prevention and education campaign, Melbourne's Age reports (Nader, Age, 5/9). A ministerial task force -- led by Michael Wooldridge, chair of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS, Sexual Health and Hepatitis and former health minister -- recommended the campaign in January in response to a 41% increase in the number of new HIV cases in the country recorded from 2000 to 2005 (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 1/31). The campaign will target at-risk populations, including young people and men who have sex with men. The plan provides funding during the next four years to develop a new media campaign, as well as create resources for doctors, sexual health workers and schools, according to the Age (Age, 5/9).Some HIV/AIDS advocates have said funding for the campaign is inadequate, the Australian reports. The program provides "less than $2.5 million a year spread across the Australian continent," Australian AIDS Fund President Brian Haill said, adding, "I would have to say that the sum is truly insignificant. They would have even been better to say we're really not getting anywhere with the AIDS prevention program." Haill said the government should rethink its HIV prevention strategy. "There would be more value for money if the government had opted to introduce a national sexual education program for all schools," he said. Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations spokesperson Don Baxter said, "We've been encouraging the government to do a campaign like this, so we were very pleased to see the funding for it in the budget." He added that it is "not a lot for a national media campaign, but we think there's a possibility of targeting it to television shows with higher audiences of gay men" (Hart, Australian, 5/10). Health Minister Tony Abbott said the campaign would not use scare tactics like Australia's "Grim Reaper" HIV campaign, which was implemented in the 1980s. Baxter said such a campaign would be rejected by viewers.

Medically Speaking

FDA Approves Abbott, Roche HIV Tests

Dow Jones, 5/14

Abbott Laboratories on Friday announced that FDA has approved its test to detect and measure HIV viral loads, Reuters reports. According to Abbott, its RealTime HIV-1 test is intended in part to assess viral responses to treatment. It was developed for use on an Abbott system for DNA and RNA testing in molecular laboratories (Reuters, 5/11). In related news, Roche on Monday announced that FDA has approved its HIV diagnostic test, called Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TagMan HIV-1 Test. The test can be used to determine a patient's prognosis by measuring baseline HIV RNA levels or to monitor his or her treatment response.

Job Postings

For complete job postings, go to www.friendsalliance.org/classifieds.html

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Detroit Community Health Connection, 13901 Jefferson Ave.,Detroit, MI  48215, Fax (313) 832-2075, E-Mail  Resumes to:  portiam@dchcquality.org

DCHC provides a workplace that is comfortable and progressive. We keep the lines of communication open, and strive to maintain a health care environment where you would be proud to being your family.  EEO

SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR

Responsibilities: Under limited supervision, functions to coordinate implementation of the treatment plan identified by the physician.  Supports the designed process of care for present or past substance using patients and their families by patient education, implementation of consultations and referrals, participation in team conferences, patient advocacy, discharge participation, and telephone follow-up to clients.  Demonstrate ability to work with diverse populations.

Requirements: Master’s or Bachelor of Science degree in social service related field or a Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC) with 3 to 5 years or experience working within substance abuse treatment centers.

Certified HIV Test Counselor

APM has a position available for a full time Certified HIV Test Counselor.  If you know of anyone looking for work in HIV Prevention for further information, contact Lillian T. Piersante, OraQuick Rapid Testing &  Laboratory Coordinator, AIDS Partnership Michigan, 2751 E. Jefferson, Suite 301, Detroit, MI 48207, 313.446.9807  lpiersante@aidspartnership.org  

Community Health Awareness Group: Standard/Intensive Case Manager Job Opening

Community Health Awareness Group, an African American AIDS organization, is seeking applicants for a full time Standard/Intensive Case Manager. Duties include identifying, screening, assessing, and developing service delivery plans for persons with HIV, with an emphasis on those with chronic mental health and/or substance abuse problems. Direct clients to needed services, coordinate and monitor access to and delivery of quality services, and provide client advocacy when necessary. Current Michigan driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required. Computer and typing fluency required. Applicant must have a MSW or related Masters, preferably with experience in mental health, substance abuse, and/or medical field. Send resume and cover letter/salary requirements to 1300 W. Fort, Detroit, MI, 48226 Attn: S. Hargrave or via email to sfraz313@yahoo.com .

PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER:

Join a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team in an exciting new program integrating mental health and medical services in an adult HIV outpatient academic medical clinic in Detroit.  Primary responsibilities include psychiatric evaluations, consultations, medication management and psychotherapy.  Part-time position, may include full benefits.  Fax or e-mail resume and cover letter to Laura Zanchetta (313-993-3997, lzanchet@med.wayne.edu).

Project Director

AIDS Partnership Michigan seeks a Project Director for a community level prevention intervention project targeting young men of color who have sex with men and ancillary HIV CTR services.  Responsibilities include ensuring the tailoring and translation of the intervention to the target population, program implementation, operation, data collection and reporting. Primary liaison to CDC, the Ruth Ellis Center and other stakeholders. Minimum of BA/BS degree in a human services discipline, working knowledge of issues affecting young men of color who have sex with men including key life contextual issues, individual, interpersonal, social and cultural factors, community organizing and social marketing skills or experience.  Send resume and cover letter to: Associate Executive Director, AIDS Partnership Michigan, 2751 E. Jefferson, Ste 301, Detroit, MI 48207 or email to millbourne@aidspartnership.org

Detroit Community Health Connection

Nutritionist

Provide nutritional education and suggested dietary modification to patients. Provide in-service and nutrition education to staff. Assesses the nutrition status of patients through the integration of anthropometrics, biochemical, and clinical and dietary information. Creates and completes care plan to address and identify nutritional problems, utilizing both problem oriented protocols and other procedures including referrals to other providers, programs or other agencies as indicated. Develops and updates patient education material for use by the patients. Assists community groups and organizations in planning and implementing nutrition related activities. Requirements: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Food Service, Community Health, or related field. Registered Dietitian with American Dietetic Association (ADA) Minimum of one year in nutritionist capacity in an ambulatory setting.

LPN    (Bi-Lingual)

Responsibilities: A Growing and Progressive JCAHO accredited Community Health Center located in the Detroit area, has an immediate opening for a full time Staff Nurse for busy primary care practice in a patient friendly ambulatory setting; Requirements: Certification and State Registration required plus 1 yr exp. in ambulatory setting.

Compensation: DCHC offers competitive wages and benefits including medical insurance, dental care, tuition reimbursement, 403B Retirement plan, paid vacation time and personal and sick days.

Portia Mitchell, MLR/HR, Director of Human Resources, Detroit Community Health Connection, Inc.   http://dchcquality.org, 13901 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI, 48215 (313) 821-2591 x 3119; FAX (313) 822-4202 E-mail:  Portiam@dchcquality.org

Support Group Listing

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