Monday, February 24, 2014

Latinos D - Podcast D' Encuentro Español. Mpowerment New York City, NY

Podcast D' Encuentro | Podcast D' Encuentro


Descripción del Podcast
Un espacio distinto donde puedes opinar, y aprender mas sobre Mpowerment Project (MP) "Latinos D" de LCOA. Este es un programa dirigido a jóvenes latinos gay/bisexuales de 20 a 35 del area de NYC. Por medio de diferente actividades MP, tiene como objetivos crear una comunidad de hombres saludables y de esa manera promover las practicas de sexo seguro para poder combatir VIH/SIDA.

Episodios de mi podcast:




























Hablamos sobre identidad, y la importancia de diferenciar los conceptos de terminos usados para identificar poblacion...
3 de mayo de 2011 09:01 PM

104 Redes Sociales

En este episodio podras informarte sobre Redes Sociales. Cuales de estas son las mas populares, y que ventajas y desv...
20 de abril de 2011 02:13 PM

103 Crimenes de Odio

En este episodio podras informarte sobre lo que signifca un crimen de Odio. Asi mismo, aprenderas mas sobre que leyes...
12 de abril de 2011 08:01 PM

102 La Prueba del VIH

En este episodio grabado el lunes 04.04.2011 hablamos sobre la importancia que hay en hacerse la prueba del VIH. Damo...
5 de abril de 2011 05:56 PM










via Latinos Differentes - Mpowerment New York City, NY
Podcast:  Podcast D' Encuentro
Website: Latinos D
@Latin0sD

Latinos D Mpowerment Brooklyn NY | Core Group Structure

11 Latino Mpowerment Projects


Friday, February 21, 2014

Lies We Tell Ourselves | SOMOS Mpowerment Wilton Manors FL

Originally in the South Florida Gay News
by Jose Javier April 24, 2013

FB SOMOS Mpowerment Wilton Manors FL
t @SOMOSFL

It was just another night, meeting some friends for a few drinks at a local club.
A guy looks at me. I look at him. I keep talking to my friends. Turns out that the guy and me share a common friend. So we start talking. We trade numbers. Days go by texting. We seem to have a lot in common. We decide to get together to watch a movie at my place. The movie starts. Our hands wander.  I don’t remember what movie it was. You get my point.

Since I met him through a common friend, I have a sense of comfort.  I convince myself that I don’t need to ask him about his status, nor do I need to wear protection. And I tell myself, “After all, he looks OK.”

The story repeats itself four more times. Up to this point you may be able to relate to this situation. What happens next isn’t talked about that often, but maybe it has happened to you.

Jose Javier @Juicyjous | 2013
We decided to get HIV tested before taking things any further. His test result came back HIV-positive, mine HIV-negative… He was in shock as much as I was; he did not hesitate in telling me his results.  When I received the news, I felt as if it was my result that came back positive. Since I really liked this guy, I was worried for him.  I wanted to support him, and didn’t know how.  But I was also scared personally.  All I could picture was all those sexual encounters, with no condoms being used.  The slip of paper I held in my hand, showing that I was HIV negative?  Suddenly that seemed like a cruel joke, setting me up for the next test result that could come back positive.

I knew that an HIV test can’t detect antibodies if a person had become infected in the week before.  So I asked around, and found my way to a local agency that works in HIV prevention.  The counselors explained to me that the “window period” before you can rule out a recent infection is from 2 weeks to 3 months. I understood that if I take another test three months from that moment, my results should approach 99.99 percent accuracy.  However, I also knew for a fact that if I got tested after three months and it still showed negative I wouldn’t be 100 percent convinced.  Fear was going to overrule logic.  It was going to be a long three months, and I’d probably still have a nagging fear for some time after that.

Jose and the men of Somos Mpowerment Wilton Manors Fl | Mpowerment Coordinators (L to R) Jose, Greg, Obed and Anthony | www.latinossalud.org 2013

After all those HIV testing posters I’ve seen, and HIV prevention messages printed in magazines, I was kicking myself for drifting into unprotected sex without even talking about whether that was what each of us had wanted.  Maybe if we had talked about it, we both would have realized that even though we both assumed we were HIV-negative, past hook ups probably meant we should test first, before thinking about taking the condoms off.  The agency I went to has an MPowerment group for young Latino guys like me. They taught me how to talk about safe sex to my sexual partners, how to negotiate the use of a condom if a guy doesn’t want to wear one, or doesn’t want me to wear one, and even what to do if there is not a condom to be found.

My life has changed.  Because of this experience I decided to become a HIV counselor, too.  Every day I am learning new facts, and helping other guys to protect themselves and others. I am not looking at my life the same way. Not after this. I have to be more careful. Even though HIV is not a death sentence anymore, I see what my friends living with HIV have to manage: Doctor’s appointments, worries if their blood work numbers come in lower, fears of being rejected by partners who learn their status. I know what I have to do to stay away from the worry now.  And I hope that you do, too.

Somos Mpowerment Wilton Manors Fl | t @SOMOSFL

Jose Javier works as an Mpowerment outreach worker and HIV test counselor at Latinos Salud.  www.latinossalud.org

FB SOMOS Mpowerment Wilton Manors FL
t @SOMOSFL

Thursday, February 20, 2014

PrEP. A new prevention option

Is Truvada™ (PrEP) a magic pill, a bad pill or somewhere in between? There are a lot of opinions on the iPrex HIV study - the program that introduced the Truvada™ HIV prevention pill. We must do everything we can to stop HIV.  Truvada™ will be one more tool we can add to the mix.  Stay informed.

When the iPrex study was released, 
it seemed to answer some questions, yet create more. 

Who makes a good candidate for Truvada™?  How accessible is a prescription? Will insurance cover the cost? If I don't have insurance, how will I pay for it? 


Why aren't more people talking about Truvada™ (PrEP)?

Truvada™ works as long as you take it as prescribed (one pill a day). Would you be able to commit to take one pill a day?

Keep in mind - even when using the HIV Prevention Pill/Truvada™  or PrEP - it is not a replacement for condom use.  From the Truvada website: "You must still practice safer sex at all times – Do not have any kind of sex without protection. Always practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom" Start Truvada website ™ via Gilead.

From the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) University California San Francisco (UCSF)  fact sheet on PrEP (link below). "PrEP should never be seen as the first line of defense against HIV. PrEP should be delivered as a part of a comprehensive prevention package that includes risk-reduction and adherence counseling, encouragement of condom use, and diagnosis and treatment of STIs."

Here are resources to help guide discussion:

Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) | UCSF - At UC San Francisco is the world's largest research center dedicated to social, behavioral, and policy science approaches to HIV.

"What is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and is it effective in prevention HIV?" CAPS Fact sheet on PrEP 

The CDC | PrEP basics

Fact Sheet: PrEP and PEP from BetaBlog - Looking for basic facts about PrEP and PEP? Start here for simple definitions of key terms.

My PrEP Experience-  Real stories from people who have chosen to use PrEP as one way to protect themselves from HIV. 

Project Inform | PrEP "Getting access to PrEP starts with an honest conversation with your health care provider. Find one you feel comfortable talking to about sex and who is able and willing to prescribe PrEP for you. You will need an initial assessment and blood work done before getting the prescription. And, even afterwards, you need to see him/her regularly. If you don’t have a provider, you may be able to access PrEP through local clinical studies and other services."



PrEPare for Life is The National Minority AIDS Council’s PrEP Education and Awareness program.

Positively Aware - Summer 2013 "The new revolution. HIV Prevention in a Pill"  Let's Talk PrEP | Special Issue

Positively Aware | Summer 2013
Mapping Pathways Podcast: PrEP Talk: Podcast link

Project RSP (Chicago IL) on FaceBook: Project RSP Fan Page Project RSP! (Ready, Set, PrEP) is a Chicago-based initiative to educate our communities about PrEP.

Black AIDS Institute:  Preparing for PrEP, Part 1: What Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Could Mean for Black Gay and Bi Men Preparing for PrEP



NIH: Questions and Answers: The iPrEx Study: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis as HIV Prevention Among Men who Have Sex with Men The iPrEX Study

HIV/AIDS Resource Center for Gay Men: iPrEx: First-Ever PrEP Efficacy Study Published - The Body PrEX | the Body

Truvada™ via Gilead: "Start here" Before taking Truvada™ for PrEP, here is important information to know. "Start here"




"Love may have another protector" PrEP Facts- Pilot research study involving the San Francisco AIDS Foundation (SFAF) and SF Department of Health.

Video: Three PrEP Myths Busted via San Francisco AIDS Foundation

"Check out our PrEP Facts materials to download including pt-provider brochure with checklist and billing codes."  PrEP Facts - Asset Library via San Francisco AIDS Foundation

How Well Do Condoms and PrEP Prevent HIV Among Gay and Bi Men? via a POZ Magazine Exclusive. 

No Magic Bullet, - Why Treatment as Prevention isn't just a 'Biomedical' intervention. No magic bullet

Condoms are less expensive and do not require a prescription yet they also require commitment and consistent use.
For doctors and providers: 

Engaging healthcare providers to implement HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.
[Curr Opin HIV AIDS. 2012] - PubMed - For Doctors / Providers link

Project Inform offers booklets in English and Spanish: Order form for PrEP booklets

The Centers of Disease Control -  CDC | Resources for Doctors / Providers

PrEP facts brochure from San Francisco AIDS Foundation PrEP Facts | SFAF

My PrEP Experience blog:  Animated Video "What is PrEP?"

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

PrEP Forum - March 10, 2014

Want to learn more about PrEP? SAVE THE DATE: March 10th for what will be a very informative discussion on #PrEP#PrEPForum #HIV

Panelist from differing vantage points (doctors, researchers, community leaders and providers, consumers, and those interested in learning more) will discuss the current and upcoming status of PrEP.

Panelists include:
Robert M. Grant, MD, MPH - Gladstone Institutes
Jim Pickett - Director of Prevention Advocacy and Gay Men's Health - AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Stephanie Cohen, MD, MPH - San Francisco Department of Public Health

Among the topics to be explored are:
Who are those most appropriate for PrEP?
How will it support current prevention strategies?
Access and cost?
What will be or are the biggest challenges in getting those at highest risk for HIV to participate in PrEP and what needs to be in place address those challenges?
What's it like for someone currently using PrEP as their prevention method? etc.

LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

We look forward to your attendance and participation in what will be a lively discussion. To register please click this link:  PrEP Forum Registration


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PrEP Forum Draft Agenda
March 10, 2014, 9:00 – 4:30
Hotel Whitcomb, 1231 Market St., San Francisco

9:00- 9:15                       Welcome/Introductions/Opening Remarks

·       Alice Gandelman - California Prevention Training Center 
·       Greg Rebchook Ph.D - Center for AIDS Prevention Studies / UCSF (CAPS)

                                          Overview of day/logistics:

·       Tim Vincent - (CA PTC)

9:15-10:30                       Setting the Stage: Implications from Research and Implementation

·       iPrex Study- Bob Grant MD, MPH
·       Community Opportunities and Challenges-Jim Pickett
·       Implementation of PrEP at SF City Clinic- Stephanie Cohen MD, MPH

10:30-10:45                Break
                                      TweetUp - Meet and great with other #PrEPForum twitter users


10:45- 12:00                    Breakout Discussion Groups

·       Clinical Providers Discussion (Group 1)
o   Facilitators: Dr. Oliver Bacon (UCSF), Jackie Tulsky (UCSF)
·       Clinical Provider Discussion (Group 2)
o   Facilitators: Jeff Burack (CRUSH Project/CAPS), Jonathan Volk (Kaiser Group)
·       Community HIV Prevention Provider Discussion (Group 1)
o   Facilitators: Charles Collins Ph. D (CDC), Charles Fann (SFDPH)
·       Community Provider Discussion (Group 2)
o   Facilitators: Micah Lubensky (SFAF), Jacob Yang (API American Health Forum)

12:00-12:45                    Lunch

12:45-1:30                      PrEP Experiences from the Community (Consumer Panel)

·       Panel Moderator: Greg Mehlaff (CA PTC)

1:30-2:45                         Breakout Discussion Groups

·       Sexual Health Implications with MSM
o   Facilitators: Steve Gibson (SFAF Magnet) , Xavier Erguera (CRUSH/CAPS)
·       PrEP in Trans Communities
o   Facilitators/Co-moderators: Jae Sevelius Ph. D (CAPS), Maddie Deutsch (Trans COE)
·       Access Considerations
o   Facilitators:  Ife Udoh (CAPS/CRUSH), Oscar Vivenco and Gina Gallitero (Kaiser)
·       PrEP and Women’s Health
o   Facilitators: Shannon Weber (UCSF), Sally Slome (Kaiser)

2:45-3:00                         Break

3:00-4:00                         Next Steps Toward Implementation        

·       Tim Vincent (CA PTC), Kim Koester Ph. D (CAPS/UCSF)

4:00-4:30                        Evaluation/Close               

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++





via CA STD HIV Prevention Training CenterUCSF Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesCenter of Excellence for Transgender Healththe Mpowerment Project

Co-Sponsors: Asian & Pacific Islander American Health ForumPacific AIDS Education and Training CenterSan Francisco AIDS Foundation




Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Together creating communities for friendship, for health, for life.

Welcome!

Each year we've been incredibly impressed by the tremendous enthusiasm and energy surrounding HIV prevention for young Gay and Bisexual men that we've observed in communities across the country. Many community-based organizations (CBOs) have been implementing the Mpowerment Project for years, and this blog is dedicated to what we've learned from them. 

After conducting research to develop and test the Mpowerment Project, we then provided assistance to organizations who called us for help in implementing their own Project. We began finding out about some of the issues that community-based organizations encountered in implementing the Project.

RELATED:  What is the Mpowerment Project? Download Module 1: Mpowerment Overview.


MPowerment Long Island | New York


What is The Mpowerment Project?


This is not traditional AIDS education, HIV prevention outreach, safer sex workshops or AIDS prevention public service announcements.

If your organization is looking for a program that can make an enormous difference in the lives of millennial young Gay and Bisexual men ages 18-29, then the Mpowerment Project may be right for you. 

The Project is run by a 'Core Group' of 10-20 young Gay and Bisexual men from the community with the support of 'Coordinator(s)' who are paid staff. The Core Group, along with other particpants, design and carry out all Project activities. Ideally, the Project has its own physical space where most outreach events and meetings are held. The Project space can also serve as a drop-in center where young adult Gay and Bisexual men can organize, meet and support each other.

Interested? We've created a short 10 minute audio-slideshow for you. Take a look at our research papers - it's all here: Mpowerment Project Overview  

The MPowerment Project is one of the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) effective interventions.

SOMOS - Latinos Salud | Mpowerment Wilton Manors FL



A little about us.

We are researchers from the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). We developed the Mpowerment Project; designed from multi-site projects first implemented in Eugene OR (1995), Albuquerque NM (1997) and Austin TX (1998). We wrote the Mpowerment manual in 2002 and updated it in 2010.

The Mpowerment manual is a free download - when you register at The MPowerment Project website

Let us know if you have any comments, questions or feedback- we'd love to hear from you. 


Mpowerment Boise | Idaho



Here for you.

The Mpowerment Project is one of the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ) effective interventions.

Implementing the Mpowerment Project is a community solution..

Let us know how we can help your organization. We provide Capacity Building Assistance (CBA) to CBOs, and you can always reach out to us directly. For in-depth or on-going assistance the best way to request assistance is through the CDC’s CBA Request Information System (CRIS). Be sure to include our name (University of California San Francisco CAPS) in your CRIS request.

CDC directly funded agencies can access the CRIS request system here:  Capacity Building Request login | CDC funded sites | CRIS system.

If you are funded through your state or local Health Department (HD) you may access the CRIS system here:  Capacity Building CDC request system | non CDC funded sites




'Together creating communities for friendship, for health, for life.'

Mpowerment social media:

The Mpowerment Project on Facebook
Twitter: @mpcaps
Web: www.mpowerment.org


Haven Mpowerment | Springfield MO