"My name is William Buckhalter, and I am one of the Community Engagement & Training Coordinators for the EHE (Ending the HIV Epidemic) Community Engagement Project in Los Angeles County called the HIV.E. The LAC+USC Medical Center Foundation, in partnership with the AMAAD Institute, has been funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs to implement the Ending the HIV Epidemic Project for Los Angeles County. We are excited to announce the launch of 10 cohorts where the HIV.E will offer peer-to-peer support and social/educational events designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the growing population of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. As we know, Los Angeles County has many marginalized communities. Therefore, this project will focus on priority populations, including Women of Color, Black and Latinx MSM, youth and young adults under 30, and Transgender Persons. 

To bring awareness to the HIV.E’s initiative of reducing new HIV transmissions and acquisitions in the United States by 75% in five years (by 2025) and by 90% in ten years (by 2030). AMAAD’s Team Lead and Manager of Transgender Equity, Nina Barkers, facilitated a workshop discussion about our EHE Community Engagement Project with a national audience of attendees at the National African American MSM (NAESM) Leadership Conference on Health Disparities and Social Justice. During the conference workshop, Nina shared information about the HIV.E model and was able to inform and network as a part of the concentrated effort to develop and expand the HIV.E to be an effective community change agent in HIV prevention and education. The NAESM Leadership Conference was a fantastic opportunity for AMAAD to showcase its program! 

Presenting that information at the NAESM Conference was a reminder that we still need you, our community members. The HIV.E is a network of residents and community leaders using their voice, power, and knowledge to reduce HIV infections and transmissions in Los Angeles County. You can work with other passionate leaders in your community to guide and lead projects to shape policies and shift narratives around HIV/AIDS. 

Reach out today to discover how your voice and knowledge can create a County with accessible and stigma-free treatment and prevention services such as PrEP and PEP. All are welcome to join! So please reach out to us on any of our social media platforms: (Facebook: @AmaadInstitute, Instagram: @Amaad_institute)

and/or contact us at EHE-AMAAD@amaad.org"

William Buckhalter

(He/Him/His)

Community Engagement & Training Coordinator

william@amaad.org 

Bridging The Gap: AMAAD Attends the pop-up wellness event at M.A.P!

With the many changes happening in our world revolving around COVID-19 “it feels good to be in the midst of community again” says Youth Health & Wellness Program Manager, Darnell Green. In January, The AMAAD Institute took part in the POP-UP Wellness event hosted by the Minority AIDS Project (MAP) in collaboration with Charles Drew University, Kedron Health, and Trap Medicine. The event was centered around bridging the gap between organizations by creating a safe space for the community to access COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.  

The AMAAD Institute attended the event to sprinkle our South L.A. magic as well as share our information about our COVID-19 and HIV testing programs. The day was filled with great energy, music, and food. For many participants and organizations, this was their first time attending an event at MAP. Minority AIDS Project was at the forefront of the HIV epidemic in the 1980s by providing space for Black gay men to find support and spirituality. “Bishop Carl Bean blazed the trail so that organizations like The AMAAD Institute can do the work we do today”. 

Darnell Green

(He/Him/His)

Manager of Youth Programs

Darnell@amaad.org