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The Peer HIV Ambassador Team (PHAT), consists of high school students. The extensive training involves the review of information including: Introduction of HIV/AIDS; Building Knowledge; Understanding Vulnerability; Attitudes and Beliefs; Condom Use; and Negotiation and Refusal Skills. The young people participated in role-playing scenarios, discussed and reviewed important information that they shared with their peers in subsequent PHAT activities.
The students are excited about the opportunity to provide prevention education to their peers and anxious to respond to the alarming statistics of those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, particularly here in Maryland.
| African
Americans Hit Particularly Hard by the Epidemic: A Look at the Numbers |
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| In the year 2000, more African Americans were reported with AIDS, and estimated to be living with AIDS, than any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S | |
| Although African Americans make up about 12% of the U.S. population, they now account for an estimated 54%of new HIV infections and 47%of new AIDS cases. | |
| The number of AIDS cases per 100,000 people (called the AIDS case rate) among African Americans is more than eight times the rate among whites and more than twice the rate for Hispanic/Latinos. | |
| AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. | |
| Although African American women make up only 13%of the U.S. female population, they account for 63% of AIDS cases reported among women in 2000. | |
| African American teens make up 15%of the teen population, yet account for 64%of new AIDS cases reported among 13-19 year olds in 2000. | |
| In a multi-city study of men who have sex with men, HIV prevalence (the percentage of people who are HIV+) for young African Americans was 14.1% compared to 3.3% for whites. | |
By using an education session/support group model, the Imani Project targets African American females and provides instructions for peer counselors. This model also facilitates group members' participation in the decision making process. The women participating in the project have been receptive to the information presented in the support groups. The different activities presented from the curriculum have proven helpful in presenting self-empowering tools for the target population.
The women enjoy reading the poems and completing some of the thought provoking activities and handouts. The group discussion provides an opportunity to share advice and experiences. Many of the women share similar life experiences with regard to practicing risky behaviors. Therefore, they are willing to provide insight to the road of self-destruction they traveled. Some have listened in disbelief, and others shake their heads acknowledging the same response to a similar experience.
For more Information contact Lynne Johnson at
(410) 338-2642 or email her at: Ljohnson@Blackmenthealth.org
(410) 338 – BMHA (2642) Fax: (410) 338-1771 |
Mailing
Address: 733 West 40th Street, Suite 10 Baltimore, Maryland 21211 |