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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 20, 1996)
t u o l« u | V ju s t out ▼ Getting the word out US. S e p te m b e r V <tl 2 0 , 1 0 9 6 T 13 RT A IR - 7 NIGHTS m MATA ROCKS ( Jp TRANSFERS TO AMBERGRIS The Urban League seeks to widen the discussion of HIV/ AIDS issues within Portland’s African American community HOTEL TAX AND SERVICE CHARGES by Inga Sorensen he Urban League of Portland is mak hampers open discussion and access to care ser ing a concerted effort to prevent the vices. We are working to create a caring environ spread of HIV/AIDS in the metro ment in which the African American community politan area, particularly among the will feel more comfortable about discussing this African American community. issue, and in which those who are HIV positive The Portland chapter is just one of a handful of can be more open about their condition and use the National Urban League’s 115 local affiliates available services.” to establish its own HIV/AIDS community out Additionally, Durst says many African Ameri reach office, which is designed to provide preven cans may have a series of other issues to contend tion education and connect people living with with, including violence, economic disparity, rac HIV/AIDS with appropriate services. ism, unemployment and substance abuse. “Different groups in our community have dif “Because of all these other issues, health mat ferent needs,” says Terry Durst, an Urban League ters often go unaddressed,” he says. “Try talking staff member involved in HIV/AIDS education to an African American woman who is trying to and outreach efforts. "Women who are HIV posi feed her kids. She’s thinking about how to sur tive need a support system that is appropriate for vive, not how to stay safe when it comes to HIV. their culture. Young people who are HIV positive The key is to address related issues.” are often cut off from their families. The rate of The Urban League of Portland has launched a infection for African American men is nearly five number of HIV/AIDS education/prevention and times greater than for white men.” client services programs. Those efforts include Durst, who spent several years working on providing financial and technical assistance to a HIV/AIDS issues in Seattle before coming to support group known as FRIENDS and skills- Portland four months ago, says it is imperative building groups like Brother to Brother and the that there be an aggressive prevention campaign Quilt Project, and offering an HIV/AIDS educa in light of the growing number of African Ameri tion program for youth of color (funded by the cans directly impacted by HIV and AIDS. Columbia Willamette Area Health Education “Though we don’t have the double digit figures Center). of African Americans with HIV seen in other major metropolitan areas, the rates are growing and they will continue to grow unless we do something about it,” he says. The Urban League of Portland has a total of six staff members who have received training in pro viding HIV/AIDS education to communities of color. Several staff members discussed their work dur ing the first annual African Ameri can Wellness Conference held ear lier this month in Portland. “AIDS service organizations like Cascade AIDS Project or the Northwest AIDS Foundation [in Seattle] are beginning to target men Urban League staffers Cecil Prescod (left), Ameera Saahir of color. While that may be true, ^errS Durst such agencies don’t necessarily have the staff or The League has also created an advisory board experience with people of color communities,” comprising African American health profession says Durst. als whose meetings are open to the public, and is He believes the Urban League, with decades conducting outreach to increase awareness of of history within the African American commu available HIV care services with an emphasis on nity, is in a position to effectively sponsor HIV/ women of color in North and Northeast Portland. AIDS prevention efforts within the community, Funding for the Urban League’s programs as well as network and build solid relationships comes from a variety of sources, including the with other HIV/AIDS service providers. Multnomah County Health Department. The or “African American men and women may not ganization recently received a grant from the feel comfortable going to CAP, for example, Fabric of Life Foundation that will support its because it has traditionally focused on gay white "Nguzo Saba Community Buddy System,” a men,” says Durst. “Our prevention efforts focus project designed to bring people with HIV/AIDS on addressing AIDS in culturally relevant ways. from isolation into a nurturing community. Many of the prevention messages have failed to “While there is a level of conversation about speak to people of color. Let’s face it, a poster of HIV/AIDS within the African American commu two gay white men probably isn’t going to speak nity,” says Durst, “I think it’s fair to say that the level to an African American woman with children. is not enough to impact, i.e., stop the spread of this Materials need to speak to people, and people disease. To do that, we need the support of schools, need to feel comfortable in a setting that allows religious institutions and community organizations.” them to receive those prevention messages.” Durst says the Urban League could always use Durst says there is a certain level of reluctance more volunteers to assist with HIV/AIDS prevention within the African American community about projects. The group is also “re-energizing” its advi discussing AIDS, sexuality and homosexuality. sory board. “The more voices, the better,” he says. “These are things a lot of people don’t want to get into,” he says. For more information about the Urban Urban League staffer Amtera Saahir, who League's HIV/AIDS programs, call 280-2600. assists with HIV outreach and education efforts, The next advisory board meeting is scheduled agrees: "There is a lot of discomfort and denial in fo r 6-8 pm Sept. 26, at the Urban League, 10 N our communities about HIV/AIDS issues, which Russell St. in Portland. t T PPDO restrictions apply— subject to change I HI Pro Lab N.W. Inc. 133 SE M adison Portland, OR 97214 503 231-1599 A. A A A AAA. AAA. A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AAA. AA> A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A AA> AUSTRAL I Sydney/Cairns iombo Package; - FULL SERVICE CUSTOM PHOTO LAB RT Air from Los Angeles „ li (Portland add on fare available) Hotel transfers |3 nights Sydney Sydney Harbor 14 nights Cairns Cruise and M ore...from « $1499 Travel Sept. l - Nov. 3 0 restrictions may apply—subject to change fcete' rolTlAXD M A l l 4 .*.Y. M MEMBER « Ü IÂ Wayne Boulette P A R K IN G V A L ID A T E D Do you live or work in Washington County? We’re here for you!! The Washington County Health Department offers daily HIV testing and counseling, by appointment and walk-in, in two convenient locations: 155 North 1st Hillsboro p o rt tmarCfy Michael Scott (503) 227-3639 12550 SW 2nd Beaverton Other services include STD exams and treatment and a Wellness Program for individuals who are HIV positive. Call 648-8851 for an appointment One SW Columbia Suite 1010 Portland, OR 97258 FAX (503) 227-0602 1-800-248-0624 David Tarver All ta rn A ratas ub |«ct to change • Som* restrictions apply. TRAVEL SERVICE