World AIDS Day: December 1, 2011

post by CHC member, Antionette Fisher



Chicago Health Corps and The Department of Public Health at CTA Blue Line Lake station.



     December 1, 2011 was World Aids Day and 2011 marks the 30th year that HIV has been a part of our lives. World AIDS day is dedicated to educating and motivating people around the world about HIV and AIDS. Chicago Health Corps member spent the day partnering with organizations across Chicago to spread awareness and commemorate the global events.CHC members spent the morning with the Chicago Department of Public Health at CTA El train stations passing out Worlds AIDS Day packets. A total of 20,000 free condom packets were passed out during the morning commute (7am- 10am) at five El stops: Howard Red line, 95^th Red line, Lake and Thompson Center Blue line and Austin Green line. Travelers at the El locations were receptive and open to receiving the information, some even asked for more to be able to share with friends and loved ones.



Chicago Health Corps  and The Department of Public Health at CTA Green Line Austin station.



     On the West Side, Chicago Health Corps members partnered up with Circle Family Health Center Network at the West Chicago Avenue, Chicago Public Library to offer HIV testing.  Circle Family Health Center Network focuses on bringing high-quality primary and preventive health care and behavioral health services to the medically underserved residents of Chicago’s West Side, and its surrounding communities. Michelle Williams, a case manager for Circle, was very appreciative to having CHC members there. “Due to CHC members being able to pass out flyers and being open to answering questions, it really made this event move manageably. The CHC members definitely were awesome and were able to help me bring Circle’s numbers up!

     Also on the West Side CHC members serving with Erie Family Health Center in Humboldt Park supported a Lending Hands for Life event. LHL is an award-winning HIV/AIDS program and an extension of Erie Health’s mission to provide comprehensive, community based quality health care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.CHC members registered and distributed Worlds AIDS Day information, buttons, and pins.



Lily, Maggie, Danielle, Lisa Sun, James, Shermaine and Alina at the Lakeview Howard Brown Elephant Store



     Last but not least, CHC members linked up with Howard Brown Health Center, to provide support at two of the Center’s Brown Elephant resale shops. Howard Brown exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness. The proceeds from the Brown Elephant resale shops go directly to the Howard Brown Health Centers.  Howard Brown distributed awareness materials, lubricants and condoms as a part of World AIDS Day.CHC members assisted with organizing merchandise and customer assistance to the shoppers at the Andersonville and Lakeview locations. The store contains everyday items from things like furniture and clothes to jewelry and kitchen ware. Customers poured in the store and all seemed very eager to shop for the cause!

Savannah, Neerja, Sydney,Jessica and Matt at the Andersonville Howard Brown Elephant Store.

     The Chicago Health Corps was proud to have been able to serve with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Circle Family Health Center Network, Erie Humboldt Park and the Howard Brown Health Center!