Free HIV prevention training for African-American women

SISTA Adaptation Training is being held on April 23 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.   The training will take place at 64 New York Avenue NE on the 5th Floor; lunch will be provided.

"Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS" (SISTA) is a group level HIV prevention intervention for African-American females.   It has been proven effective in communities of color and is recognized on the CDC's list of Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBIs).   The intervention focuses on cultural and gender-relevant ways to increase condom use among African-American women.   This adaptation training will focus on how to use "SISTA" to reach young African-American females ages 13-24.   The free training will be highly interactive and most appropriate for providers who work directly with African-American female populations.   This training is not limited to HIV service providers; all organizations are encouraged to attend.

To RSVP for this training, email iwebster (at) metroteenaids (dot) org.   More information is available by calling Isaiah Webster at 543-0094.

City Council hearings/roundtables

Upcoming City Council events include:

• The Performance of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration:   The Committee on Health (CM Catania, At-large, chair) is holding this public oversight roundtable on December 17 at 10:00 am.   The purpose of this roundtable is to review the performance of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Administration (HAHSTA) in facilitating and monitoring the delivery of HIV/AIDS services to District residents.   The roundtable is open to the public but only invited witnesses will be permitted to provide oral statements.   Public comments are encouraged in writing; details about submitting comments and the roundtable are in the hearing notice.
• Utility Reliability in the District of Columbia public oversight roundtable:   The Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs (CM Bowser, Ward 4, chair) is holding this roundtable on January 23 at 10:00 am in the Council Chamber.   The purpose of the roundtable is to hear from residents and others about the quality of regulated utilities in the city; regulated utilities include Verizon, Washington Gas, and PEPCO.   Details about the hearing, including how to register to testify and what information the committee is most interested in hearing from residents about, is in the hearing notice.

HIV Prevention Project

Mary's Center for Maternal & Child Care, Inc.'s HIV Prevention Project provides effective culturally and linguistically age appropriate HIV/STD education and screening services to African residents of DC.   In addition, Mary's Center staff provide information and referrals and routine HIV screening.   All services are free and confidential.

More information is available by calling 420-7033 or emailing bmuleta [AT] maryscenter [DOT] org.