IT'S WORLD AIDS DAY

World AIDS Day is celebrated annually on December 1st.   World AIDS Day is a worldwide day for people to come together in the fight against HIV, to show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS, and remember those we lost to the infection. World AIDS Day was held for the first time in 1988. It is also one of the first ever globally celebrated health days. Today, scientific research and advances have improved and more people are being tested. However, in Memphis TN, the rates for our teens, especially teens of color have increased drastically. Black teen males in Memphis, starting at age 13, have the highest new rated of HIV compared to national averages. However, teens do not have access to comprehensive sexual health education (CSE).  Hate, discrimination and stigma unfortunately still remain a reality for many people living with the virus. Doesn't matter if they are gay or straight. World AIDS Day is important because it reminds people, and our government that HIV rates will not decrease until or end without investing money, awareness and CSE. Have YOU been tested? Have you been tested LATELY? SisterReach offers FREE rapid response HIV tests every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at our office from 10am-2pm. You don't even need an appointment! We also offer free barrier method contraception (condoms, female condoms, dental dams) and counseling about the best option for you.  The statistics won't change until we do. Get Tested Today!

SYA SPOTLIGHT

Jerissa Bowers is a 8th grade student at Colonial Middle School. She is a CAPA drama and a honor roll student.  Jerissa is also a majorette for Dynamic Diamond Elites of Memphis. In her spare time she loves to read, write, sing and dance.  Jerissa is a SisterReach Youth Ambassador and is fired up about reproductive justice! Jerissa helped SisterReach celebrate World AIDS day in collaboration with HIV Treatment Works by sewing our panels together to expand the  Memphis AIDS Quilt designed and unveiled in 2008 by the MidSouth Coalition on HIV and AIDS. Great work Jerissa! Great work SYAs!!!!!!

SIGN OUR PETITION

Do YOU believe t hat every student requires access  to age-appropriate, medically accurate information on a broad set of topics related to sexuality including human development, relationships, decision making, abstinence, contraception, and disease/infection prevention? Well TN legislators don't even though Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) has proven to reduce incidents of unprotected sex and delay first sexual activity.

SIGN THE PETITION

MEET OUR NEW YOUTH HEALTH EDUCATOR! Jakiera M. Stewart is a native Memphian and graduate of Hollis F. Price Early Middle College High at Lemoyne Owen College. Jakiera is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Healthcare Leadership from the University of Memphis. Jakiera has been a community advocate from the tender age of 10 years old serving as a Youth Ambassador for The City of Memphis Office of Youth Services' Memphis Ambassadors Program and Partnership To End AIDS Status, Inc. youth program. Jakiera was an individual grant awardee from the ABC Disney for Change, Metamorphosis, and has represented Memphis as a youth ambassador for National Child Awareness Month in Washington, DC. Jakiera is passionate about youth led change and aspires to change the city of Memphis through youth-led advocacy.

Become a Sustaining Partner  This year, SisterReach celebrates FIVE years of doing Reproductive Justice work in the state of Tennessee. For as little as FIVE dollars, you can become a Sustaining Partne r investing in this important work to ensure that FIVE years from now, SisterReach is able to continue serving marginalized women and girls in Tennessee. Want to give more? Awesome! You can do that too! Click the link to get started!

SisterReach | 901.222.4425 | 901.222.4441| www.sisterreach.org

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