Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Living With Aids Resource of Information
If you're living with HIV/AIDS and are eligible for Medicaid, there's a new healthcare plan—an HIV Special Needs Plan (SNP) called NewYork-Presbyterian System SelectHealth, one of many HIV SNPs, designed to serve your needs.
You can receive SelectHealth's special care and services if you live in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan or Queens. Your children under the age of 19 can also join the plan and receive their healthcare, even if they do not have HIV or AIDS.
At SelectHealth, their committed to providing the most effective care by offering all the services you may already be receiving with regular Medicaid, and providing new services important to people with HIV/AIDS — what we at SelectHealth call Coordinated Care.
NewYork-Presbyterian System SelectHealth is dedicated to providing you with the kind of care that can help you improve your health and your quality of life.
If you'd like to learn more about SelectHealth, you can talk to your healthcare provider.
Or call:
SelectHealth toll-free at 1-866-469-7774, for TTY/TDD 1-866-265-7306
The New York Medicaid CHOICE
Helpline at 1-800-505-5678, for
TTY/TDD 1-888-329-1541
You can receive SelectHealth's special care and services if you live in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan or Queens. Your children under the age of 19 can also join the plan and receive their healthcare, even if they do not have HIV or AIDS.
At SelectHealth, their committed to providing the most effective care by offering all the services you may already be receiving with regular Medicaid, and providing new services important to people with HIV/AIDS — what we at SelectHealth call Coordinated Care.
NewYork-Presbyterian System SelectHealth is dedicated to providing you with the kind of care that can help you improve your health and your quality of life.
If you'd like to learn more about SelectHealth, you can talk to your healthcare provider.
Or call:
SelectHealth toll-free at 1-866-469-7774, for TTY/TDD 1-866-265-7306
The New York Medicaid CHOICE
Helpline at 1-800-505-5678, for
TTY/TDD 1-888-329-1541
World Aids Day
On December 1, 2010, World Aids Day, The global community is focusing attention on protecting human rights of all people affected by HIV. Health, HIV and human rights are inextricably linked. HIV responses need to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted always....
Monday, December 6, 2010
A POSITIVE LIFE - LIVING WITH HIV- An Interview with Ron Crowder
Ron tested positive in jail back in 1991, he wasn't surprised. Being an injection drug user who was sharing needles, he knew he was at risk. Yet, being diagnosed in a time when AZT was the only medication available, Ron, 57, never lost hope nor has he allowed an AIDS diagnosis to stop him from giving back and educating Nashville's African-American community about HIV
1991 was the dark years, I was actually in jail, and I had some teeth removed. The dental hygienist in the jail dropped one of the instruments and it pricked her leg, so they asked everyone who had saw the dentist that day in jail to take an HIV test. That's how I found out.
What did you know about HIV when you found out?
Actually, not a whole lot. You know, everybody who had HIV was going to lose a whole lot of weight; that was my knowledge of it at the time.
Did you start praying? Did you get religious?
Well, no. I've always been, I grew up in the Church, so my thing was, you know, hey, it is what it is. I knew the risk. I knew I was an injection drug user. So I kind of reserved myself to pretty much prepare myself to die. I just didn't want to die in jail. I had just gotten a new eight-year sentence, so once I found out I was HIV positive I positioned the Court for a suspended sentence, and got it, after only four months into the eight-month sentence. I think they was kind of like, OK. They didn't want to deal with anybody HIV positive at that point.
Could you tell us what you were in jail for?
It was drug possession for resale. Possession.
So you got out of jail, and then what did you do?
Well, I got out of jail, and I started back shooting drugs, for only a very short period of time. And then I went into treatment. "The fact that I knew I was HIV positive and sharing needles; that's what consciously I wanted to clean myself up with. Because I didn't want anyone else to get infected as a result of me sharing needles."
Did you get treatment? Did you get whatever was available?
AZT at that point. Because, at the time, I had heard somebody say, you know, it was better to take something than not to take anything. But I had very, very low knowledge of the disease itself. A year or so later after then I started doing the work. I started educating myself. And that's what made me found the agency. Because there wasn't a whole lot of education, particularly to the people who was becoming infected the way I did -- you know, out on the streets, injecting drugs, or doing all kind of risky behavior. Particularly in communities of color -- we didn't have a lot of education. All we knew, mostly about HIV at that point was, it was gay, white men.
And there was no needle exchange back then.
No.
So what miraculous journey did you take to survive?
Actually, I'm a pretty open person, and I was pretty open with my status from the word go. So I guess it was just an act of God that kept me healthy all these years. Over the years, the people that I did shoot dope with, just about all of them are dead.
Did you do anything different? Did you take vitamins? Did you work out? Did you juice?
Oh, yes. I think that anybody would have given up. I think that the fact that I have been so open. I think the stress of people trying to keep HIV a secret, particularly minorities . . .. Minorities have not done well with the fact of an HIV diagnosis. They don't want anyone to know. They take it to their grave. And I think that is what has helped me, I've always been open, from the word, from the jump, from when I first got the diagnosis, I went public.
What bad things happened to you, as a result of going public?
Nothing. Not to my knowledge. Not a thing.
You don't think people avoid you?
No. No. If they did, they didn't do it in such a way that I was aware of it. So, no. I'm just an open person.
So you think the people who are fearful of telling others, they might not understand what actually happens when you tell people?
What was your CD4 count when you were diagnosed?
Actually, my CD4 count has always been around 500. Always. And it's still around 500 or 600.
You're still very active.
Very active. I work 12, 14 hours every day. Recently married.
Let's talk about that. Tell me how you found love, being HIV positive. Do you find it's a particular challenge?
It wasn't for me. Again, I think people have this notion that your life is going to dramatically change because you're HIV positive. And I don't know if I'm extremely lucky, or I'm extremely unusual, or what. But life has been . . . hey, the same for me. I've always had a girlfriend. I've always just lived life as it comes, you know? And once I tell the female partner that I'm HIV positive, and educate them, it doesn't seem to be an issue.
You're just not afraid to tell people things.
No. And so you meet lots of people. I do. And I think that is what has helped me, that and working. I never even considered going on disability. I never tried it. I've always worked. And I just . . .. Life just kept going as the old one.
It sounds like you've overcome the stigma of HIV. Have you overcome the stigma of being previously incarcerated? Oh, yeah. Absolutely.
Do a lot of people think you're gay?
No. Well, meaning, because of the HIV.
Yeah. No, no. I mean, and that's another misconception about being HIV positive. When I do presentations, the first thing people ask me: How did I get infected? And my question will still be to them: How do you think I got infected? And nobody ever says gay. So, I don't know. I mean, I don't know.
But do you think the source of a lot of the stigma related to HIV, particularly in the African-American community, is the homophobia?
Yes, I do. And the reason: I think that the media didn't do a great job in the beginning. And people are still stuck in that mindset -- what they saw, what they heard, always. I even remember, when I first heard about it, you know, my first thing was, I'm not gay, You know? So I'm not going to get it.
Then, the next thing they came out with: OK, now we're seeing it amongst IV drug users. OK, I had to rethink that then, you know. And I had taken an HIV test before that came back negative. And I was like, oh, God, I got that.
And I went to jail that time, and I had never even thought about it anymore, in between the first time I took the test and the time I was incarcerated.
So you're going to shooting galleries, and you're trying to help people.
I do exactly the work that needed to be done.
For you.
1991 was the dark years, I was actually in jail, and I had some teeth removed. The dental hygienist in the jail dropped one of the instruments and it pricked her leg, so they asked everyone who had saw the dentist that day in jail to take an HIV test. That's how I found out.
What did you know about HIV when you found out?
Actually, not a whole lot. You know, everybody who had HIV was going to lose a whole lot of weight; that was my knowledge of it at the time.
Did you start praying? Did you get religious?
Well, no. I've always been, I grew up in the Church, so my thing was, you know, hey, it is what it is. I knew the risk. I knew I was an injection drug user. So I kind of reserved myself to pretty much prepare myself to die. I just didn't want to die in jail. I had just gotten a new eight-year sentence, so once I found out I was HIV positive I positioned the Court for a suspended sentence, and got it, after only four months into the eight-month sentence. I think they was kind of like, OK. They didn't want to deal with anybody HIV positive at that point.
Could you tell us what you were in jail for?
It was drug possession for resale. Possession.
So you got out of jail, and then what did you do?
Well, I got out of jail, and I started back shooting drugs, for only a very short period of time. And then I went into treatment. "The fact that I knew I was HIV positive and sharing needles; that's what consciously I wanted to clean myself up with. Because I didn't want anyone else to get infected as a result of me sharing needles."
Did you get treatment? Did you get whatever was available?
AZT at that point. Because, at the time, I had heard somebody say, you know, it was better to take something than not to take anything. But I had very, very low knowledge of the disease itself. A year or so later after then I started doing the work. I started educating myself. And that's what made me found the agency. Because there wasn't a whole lot of education, particularly to the people who was becoming infected the way I did -- you know, out on the streets, injecting drugs, or doing all kind of risky behavior. Particularly in communities of color -- we didn't have a lot of education. All we knew, mostly about HIV at that point was, it was gay, white men.
And there was no needle exchange back then.
No.
So what miraculous journey did you take to survive?
Actually, I'm a pretty open person, and I was pretty open with my status from the word go. So I guess it was just an act of God that kept me healthy all these years. Over the years, the people that I did shoot dope with, just about all of them are dead.
"I've taken plenty of vitamins. I used to swim a couple of miles a day. I used to get up and do a thousand push-ups every morning. I've done everything humanly imaginable . . . eat a lot of fruit . . . I've done everything. I've done juices. I've done herbs. I've done everything that I thought would keep me living."
Did you do anything different? Did you take vitamins? Did you work out? Did you juice?
Oh, yes. I think that anybody would have given up. I think that the fact that I have been so open. I think the stress of people trying to keep HIV a secret, particularly minorities . . .. Minorities have not done well with the fact of an HIV diagnosis. They don't want anyone to know. They take it to their grave. And I think that is what has helped me, I've always been open, from the word, from the jump, from when I first got the diagnosis, I went public.
What bad things happened to you, as a result of going public?
Nothing. Not to my knowledge. Not a thing.
You don't think people avoid you?
No. No. If they did, they didn't do it in such a way that I was aware of it. So, no. I'm just an open person.
So you think the people who are fearful of telling others, they might not understand what actually happens when you tell people?
What was your CD4 count when you were diagnosed?
Actually, my CD4 count has always been around 500. Always. And it's still around 500 or 600.
You're still very active.
"I think people have this notion that your life is going to dramatically change because you're HIV positive. And I don't know if I'm extremely lucky, or I'm extremely unusual, or what. But life has been . . . hey, the same for me."
Very active. I work 12, 14 hours every day. Recently married.
Let's talk about that. Tell me how you found love, being HIV positive. Do you find it's a particular challenge?
It wasn't for me. Again, I think people have this notion that your life is going to dramatically change because you're HIV positive. And I don't know if I'm extremely lucky, or I'm extremely unusual, or what. But life has been . . . hey, the same for me. I've always had a girlfriend. I've always just lived life as it comes, you know? And once I tell the female partner that I'm HIV positive, and educate them, it doesn't seem to be an issue.
You're just not afraid to tell people things.
No. And so you meet lots of people. I do. And I think that is what has helped me, that and working. I never even considered going on disability. I never tried it. I've always worked. And I just . . .. Life just kept going as the old one.
It sounds like you've overcome the stigma of HIV. Have you overcome the stigma of being previously incarcerated? Oh, yeah. Absolutely.
"My life is an open book. You know: hey, I'm a drug addict; and hey, I'm HIV positive. So, you know, deal with it."
Do a lot of people think you're gay?
No. Well, meaning, because of the HIV.
Yeah. No, no. I mean, and that's another misconception about being HIV positive. When I do presentations, the first thing people ask me: How did I get infected? And my question will still be to them: How do you think I got infected? And nobody ever says gay. So, I don't know. I mean, I don't know.
But do you think the source of a lot of the stigma related to HIV, particularly in the African-American community, is the homophobia?
Yes, I do. And the reason: I think that the media didn't do a great job in the beginning. And people are still stuck in that mindset -- what they saw, what they heard, always. I even remember, when I first heard about it, you know, my first thing was, I'm not gay, You know? So I'm not going to get it.
Then, the next thing they came out with: OK, now we're seeing it amongst IV drug users. OK, I had to rethink that then, you know. And I had taken an HIV test before that came back negative. And I was like, oh, God, I got that.
And I went to jail that time, and I had never even thought about it anymore, in between the first time I took the test and the time I was incarcerated.
So you're going to shooting galleries, and you're trying to help people.
I do exactly the work that needed to be done.
For you.
"People ask me all the time, 'Why you work so hard? Why you work so much? Take a vacation.' And I say, 'Listen. If I can save one person from becoming HIV infected, that has a ripple effect.' Because if you save one person, you, in fact, save several people."
Your chances of getting run over by an 18-wheeler truck is greater than you dying of HIV. Take care of yourself. Change some of your behaviors. Take good care of yourself. And you probably will live forever."
Hey, this is not a death sentence anymore.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
HIV IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE.....SEE HOW THIS GENTLEMAN LIVES HIS LIVE POSITIVELY
HIV diagnosis is not a death sentence
25 years later I'm still here
November 28th 2009 - Today, I am celebrating an Anniversary. I don't recall the exact day I found out I was infected with HIV, it was sometime in 1984. The day that stands out most for me is November 28th 1985.
On November 28th 1985, I was told by my doctor to inform my family, arrange my finances and funeral, I had six months to live!
Soon after, I left my job, friends and family and moved far away so that no one would see me get sick and die...but I didn't die. Twenty-five years later I'm still here.
The point is that I missed out on so much during those years when I hid my HIV status and lived far away from family and friends. Years, when I could have been close to those I love but instead I lived in isolation.
Years that I could have been close to my father (my mother died when I was young), brothers and sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and all my friends. All of whom when I did finally disclose I was HIV+ asked, "Why didn't you tell us? We love you!"
What was I thinking? I was deciding for others; deciding what others could or could not handle, what they could or could not know, instead of letting people make up their own minds!
The truth is that people infected with HIV can and do live normal lives. They go to school, have careers, marry, have children and much more!
Don't waste time worrying about what could or might be. Be present NOW!
Enjoy all life has to offer. Learn about HIV. Learn what you can do to stay healthy!
Fear will undermine every aspect of your life if you let it. Don't let HIV occupy your mind. Don't let HIV take away your JOY for living!
Do everything you love to do and spend time with people who you care about and who really care about you.
I must say that once I decided to no longer be afraid of people finding out I was HIV+ and since coming out about my HIV status...my life has been rich and full!
Yes, there have been health concerns, sickness, HIV/AIDS medications and side effects with HIV affecting every area of my life, but there is so much more that has made my life worth living!
You have one chance in life; make the most of it.
Bradford McIntyre
Thursday, December 2, 2010
What is Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is one of many hepatitis viruses causing inflammation of the liver. Each year 125,000 Americans are infected with HAV. A positive blood test for hepatitis A, called IgM hepatitis A antibody test, indicates that you are infected. Transmission Hepatitis A is spread most often directly from person to person:
· Anal/oral contact, by putting something in the mouth that had been contaminated with infected feces.
· Diaper changing tables, if not cleaned properly or changed after each use, may facilitate the spread of HAV.
Fecal residue may remain on the hands of people changing soiled diapers.
· Fecal contamination of food and water.
· Food handlers who are infected can pass the virus on if they do not wash their hands with soap and water
after having a bowel movement especially when preparing foods that are not cooked afterwards.
· Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish (clams, oysters, or mussels) contaminated with HAV can spread the
virus.
Symptoms
· Children with hepatitis A usually have no symptoms.
· Adults may become quite ill suddenly, experiencing jaundice, fatigue nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark
urine/light stools and fever.
· The incubation period averages 30 days; however, an infected individual can transmit the virus to others as
early as two weeks before symptoms appear.
· Symptoms will disappear over a 3 to 6-month period until complete recovery occurs.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. However, the infection will clear up on its own in a few weeks or months with no serious after effects. Once recovered, an individual is then immune (not infectious) and cannot contract hepatitis A again. However, their blood test will always be positive for hepatitis A. About 1 in 1000 with hepatitis A suffer from a sudden and severe infection (fulminant) that may require a liver transplant.
Prevention
Immune globulin (IG) can provide a temporary immunity to the virus for 2 to 3 months if given prior to exposure to HAV or within 2 weeks after exposure.
Hepatitis A vaccines, are made from inactivated (killed) hepatitis A virus. It is highly effective in preventing the
hepatitis A infection. Check with your doctor to determine how many shots are needed. The vaccine provides
protection two to four weeks after the first injection. A second injection results in long-lasting protection, possibly 20 years or longer. Twinrix, a vaccine that combines hepatitis A and B, may be given to individuals 18 years and over. The vaccine is licensed for persons 2 years of age and older and is recommended for:
· Individuals who have chronic liver disease or clotting factor disorders.
· Those who travel or work in developing countries (this includes all countries except northern and western
Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and North America, except Mexico).
· Men who have sex with other men;
· Users of illicit drugs.
· Children in populations that have repeated epidemics of hepatitis A (Alaska natives, American Indians, and
certain closed religious communities) and states or counties that have consistently elevated rates of hepatitis
A.
· A combined hepatitis A & B vaccine is available for those over 18 years of age.
· Anal/oral contact, by putting something in the mouth that had been contaminated with infected feces.
· Diaper changing tables, if not cleaned properly or changed after each use, may facilitate the spread of HAV.
Fecal residue may remain on the hands of people changing soiled diapers.
· Fecal contamination of food and water.
· Food handlers who are infected can pass the virus on if they do not wash their hands with soap and water
after having a bowel movement especially when preparing foods that are not cooked afterwards.
· Eating raw or partially cooked shellfish (clams, oysters, or mussels) contaminated with HAV can spread the
virus.
Symptoms
· Children with hepatitis A usually have no symptoms.
· Adults may become quite ill suddenly, experiencing jaundice, fatigue nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark
urine/light stools and fever.
· The incubation period averages 30 days; however, an infected individual can transmit the virus to others as
early as two weeks before symptoms appear.
· Symptoms will disappear over a 3 to 6-month period until complete recovery occurs.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. However, the infection will clear up on its own in a few weeks or months with no serious after effects. Once recovered, an individual is then immune (not infectious) and cannot contract hepatitis A again. However, their blood test will always be positive for hepatitis A. About 1 in 1000 with hepatitis A suffer from a sudden and severe infection (fulminant) that may require a liver transplant.
Prevention
Immune globulin (IG) can provide a temporary immunity to the virus for 2 to 3 months if given prior to exposure to HAV or within 2 weeks after exposure.
Hepatitis A vaccines, are made from inactivated (killed) hepatitis A virus. It is highly effective in preventing the
hepatitis A infection. Check with your doctor to determine how many shots are needed. The vaccine provides
protection two to four weeks after the first injection. A second injection results in long-lasting protection, possibly 20 years or longer. Twinrix, a vaccine that combines hepatitis A and B, may be given to individuals 18 years and over. The vaccine is licensed for persons 2 years of age and older and is recommended for:
· Individuals who have chronic liver disease or clotting factor disorders.
· Those who travel or work in developing countries (this includes all countries except northern and western
Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and North America, except Mexico).
· Men who have sex with other men;
· Users of illicit drugs.
· Children in populations that have repeated epidemics of hepatitis A (Alaska natives, American Indians, and
certain closed religious communities) and states or counties that have consistently elevated rates of hepatitis
A.
· A combined hepatitis A & B vaccine is available for those over 18 years of age.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
HIV & AIDS
HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus. You may hear that someone is "HIV infected", "has HIV infection", or "has HIV disease." These are all terms that mean the person has HIV in his or her body and can pass the virus to other people.
HIV attacks the body's immune system. The immune system protects the body from infections and disease, but has no clear way to protect it from HIV. Over time, most people infected with HIV become less able to fight off the germs that we are all exposed to every day. Many of these germs do not usually make a healthy person sick, but they can cause life-threatening infections and cancers in a person whose immune system has been weakened by HIV.
People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 or more years. They may not know they are infected. An HIV test is the only way to find out if you have HIV. See HIV Counseling and Testing for information and resources on HIV testing in New York State.
HIV spreads when infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk gets into the bloodstream of another person through:
•direct entry into a blood vessel;
•mucous linings, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, mouth, eyes, or nose, or
•a break in the skin.
HIV is not spread through saliva (spit).
HIV is spread through:
•Vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom.
•Sharing needles, syringes, or works to inject drugs, vitamins, hormones, steroids, or medicines.
•Women with HIV infection can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
•People who are exposed to blood and/or body fluids at work, like health care workers, may be exposed to HIV through needle-sticks or other on-the-job exposures.
It may also be possible to pass HIV through sharing needles for piercing or tattooing.
A person infected with HIV can pass the virus to others during these activities. This is true even if the person:
•has no symptoms of HIV
•has not been diagnosed with AIDS
•is taking HIV medications
•has an "undetectable" viral load
HIV is not spread by casual contact like sneezing, coughing, eating or drinking from common utensils, shaking hands, hugging, or use of restrooms and drinking fountains.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus. You may hear that someone is "HIV infected", "has HIV infection", or "has HIV disease." These are all terms that mean the person has HIV in his or her body and can pass the virus to other people.
HIV attacks the body's immune system. The immune system protects the body from infections and disease, but has no clear way to protect it from HIV. Over time, most people infected with HIV become less able to fight off the germs that we are all exposed to every day. Many of these germs do not usually make a healthy person sick, but they can cause life-threatening infections and cancers in a person whose immune system has been weakened by HIV.
People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 or more years. They may not know they are infected. An HIV test is the only way to find out if you have HIV. See HIV Counseling and Testing for information and resources on HIV testing in New York State.
HIV spreads when infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk gets into the bloodstream of another person through:
•direct entry into a blood vessel;
•mucous linings, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, mouth, eyes, or nose, or
•a break in the skin.
HIV is not spread through saliva (spit).
HIV is spread through:
•Vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom.
•Sharing needles, syringes, or works to inject drugs, vitamins, hormones, steroids, or medicines.
•Women with HIV infection can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
•People who are exposed to blood and/or body fluids at work, like health care workers, may be exposed to HIV through needle-sticks or other on-the-job exposures.
It may also be possible to pass HIV through sharing needles for piercing or tattooing.
A person infected with HIV can pass the virus to others during these activities. This is true even if the person:
•has no symptoms of HIV
•has not been diagnosed with AIDS
•is taking HIV medications
•has an "undetectable" viral load
HIV is not spread by casual contact like sneezing, coughing, eating or drinking from common utensils, shaking hands, hugging, or use of restrooms and drinking fountains.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Hepatitis B & C Personal Stories Development Group
Hope everyone had a lovely time of thanks…. Reminder – we meet again this Wednesday… it is the first night of Hanukah, the festival of lights, and another great story of resilience against all odds. Please let me know if you will be attending this meeting!
This week we will welcome new members and start with writing warm ups!
Please feel free to pass this opportunity along to others interested in developing their story
Hepatitis B & C Personal Stories Development Group
Wednesday December 13th (5:30 – 7:00 pm)
American Indian Community House: 11 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10004 – map
* Directions: Wall Street area: door is right near the tail of the Bull…. Closest train is the 4, 5 to Bowling Green. Few blocks from N, R, 1 to Whitehall South Ferry – and 2, 3 to Wall Street. You will be given a code to punch in to the elevator.
* Please RSVP
Has Hepatitis B or C changed your life? The world needs to hear your story! Your personal story is powerful! If you can write, speak, create artwork or a film about it - imagine how many people would be touched! Come join our writing group where we will work, and play, together to develop your story in your own unique voice. Stories may develop through writing, speaking, acting, painting, photography, or a myriad of other creative forms! The group will be led by two amazing and supportive writers and performance artists Raul Rios, Spoken Word Poet, Counselor & Founder of LatinosNYC
Rosalie Purvis, MFA, Creative Writing Professor, Theatre Director & Performance Artist Meetings will take place every two weeks & will be open to new members – so if you are not able to attend this time, let me know and I will add you to the invitation list Thanks, Nirah
This week we will welcome new members and start with writing warm ups!
Please feel free to pass this opportunity along to others interested in developing their story
Hepatitis B & C Personal Stories Development Group
Wednesday December 13th (5:30 – 7:00 pm)
American Indian Community House: 11 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10004 – map
* Directions: Wall Street area: door is right near the tail of the Bull…. Closest train is the 4, 5 to Bowling Green. Few blocks from N, R, 1 to Whitehall South Ferry – and 2, 3 to Wall Street. You will be given a code to punch in to the elevator.
* Please RSVP
Has Hepatitis B or C changed your life? The world needs to hear your story! Your personal story is powerful! If you can write, speak, create artwork or a film about it - imagine how many people would be touched! Come join our writing group where we will work, and play, together to develop your story in your own unique voice. Stories may develop through writing, speaking, acting, painting, photography, or a myriad of other creative forms! The group will be led by two amazing and supportive writers and performance artists Raul Rios, Spoken Word Poet, Counselor & Founder of LatinosNYC
Rosalie Purvis, MFA, Creative Writing Professor, Theatre Director & Performance Artist Meetings will take place every two weeks & will be open to new members – so if you are not able to attend this time, let me know and I will add you to the invitation list Thanks, Nirah
Monday, November 29, 2010
What is Hepatitis?
C and its significance
Hepatitis C affects approximately 4 million or 2% of Americans, and more than 100 million persons worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Endstage liver disease and liver cancer due to hepatitis C account for 30%-50% of adult liver transplantations in western countries. Most people with chronic hepatitis C do not have symptoms and are not diagnosed until they have advanced liver disease. There is as yet no vaccine for hepatitis C.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
15 YRS OLD
Committed arm robbery
In this Asian novelty shop
It was November 11, 1977 9pm on the dot.
Sunset Park would not be right
Leaves on tress and petals on flowers frozen
The grass crunched beneath my feet
A coldness that permeates the depth of souls
Touches the very marrow of the bone
Hollow damp I walked on
41st 9th Ave
Within a few minutes, the playful, frisky wind
Turned me into a snarling beast hurling gunshots of pain
Coat, hat and gloves seemed so warm once I left home
Gave no resistance to the soaring, roaring beast that’s looking to kill me
Numbing feet slipped and slide on treacherous streets
Gunshots mounting a sidewalk attack
Ravages have been relentless and 9th Ave has been battered
This tornado traveled down this chilly night
Hearing a loud crack like a bull whip
As I ran it felt like red hot coal fire
I’ve been shot
Burnt flesh no phantom pain
Did not hit spinal cord or jugular vein
Warm fuzzy cloud of dreams then fall asleep
Is not my time a voice said?
Living with regret
That at 15 I committed arm robbery
In Sunset Park streets
Raul K. Rios
In this Asian novelty shop
It was November 11, 1977 9pm on the dot.
Sunset Park would not be right
Leaves on tress and petals on flowers frozen
The grass crunched beneath my feet
A coldness that permeates the depth of souls
Touches the very marrow of the bone
Hollow damp I walked on
41st 9th Ave
Within a few minutes, the playful, frisky wind
Turned me into a snarling beast hurling gunshots of pain
Coat, hat and gloves seemed so warm once I left home
Gave no resistance to the soaring, roaring beast that’s looking to kill me
Numbing feet slipped and slide on treacherous streets
Gunshots mounting a sidewalk attack
Ravages have been relentless and 9th Ave has been battered
This tornado traveled down this chilly night
Hearing a loud crack like a bull whip
As I ran it felt like red hot coal fire
I’ve been shot
Burnt flesh no phantom pain
Did not hit spinal cord or jugular vein
Warm fuzzy cloud of dreams then fall asleep
Is not my time a voice said?
Living with regret
That at 15 I committed arm robbery
In Sunset Park streets
Raul K. Rios
HEP C EYES
HEP C EYES
Although common infrequent never or suspected
I am in the family of A-E
Hepatitis do you know me?
You seem to want me
Sharing hypodermic needles
Love people that don’t love there freedom
So let me take you for this ride
You having jaundice eyes
Undetected for 10yrs remember me blood transfusions
Fibrosis cirrhosis is what I do
Acute or chronic liver failure, at least I’m with you
Have you on your knees repenting
Knocking on wood as I’m trying to get rid of you
You think you have life troubles
How long did it take to get into you?
Have you seeing faint sunsets and trouble trees
As all your insides are lingering
I’m smart and charming dam you didn’t even notice me
My passion is your awakening
Now my vengeance I’ll shall leash
As you medicate with new and old time remedies
Dance with me as your body lets go!!!
Is so simple as ABC my Hepatitis Family
Raul K.Rios
LatinosNYC
Although common infrequent never or suspected
I am in the family of A-E
Hepatitis do you know me?
You seem to want me
Sharing hypodermic needles
Love people that don’t love there freedom
So let me take you for this ride
You having jaundice eyes
Undetected for 10yrs remember me blood transfusions
Fibrosis cirrhosis is what I do
Acute or chronic liver failure, at least I’m with you
Have you on your knees repenting
Knocking on wood as I’m trying to get rid of you
You think you have life troubles
How long did it take to get into you?
Have you seeing faint sunsets and trouble trees
As all your insides are lingering
I’m smart and charming dam you didn’t even notice me
My passion is your awakening
Now my vengeance I’ll shall leash
As you medicate with new and old time remedies
Dance with me as your body lets go!!!
Is so simple as ABC my Hepatitis Family
Raul K.Rios
LatinosNYC
Herion
Heroin
How she glazed into my eyes every night
How she wonder how I would be
Always with her black case
She was genuine blissful with sounds of nature
Having dreams of seas, taking me far, far away
Mystic voyages she said it will be
Sweet inspirations
Beautiful and peaceful
Claming and relaxing
The composer of my heart so blissful
Her eyes her soul at times devilish
Heart as pure as gold
Sunset pictures heavenly sceneries
Finding Elysium
My place of ideal happiness
Living your freedom
Within your plunger and needles
Cascading within my crimson blood
Wistful visions
All this before dawn
Inject her and see moonlit dreams
How tomorrow is gone and I shed this tear
Of how you are a memory
HERION
Raul K. Rios
How she glazed into my eyes every night
How she wonder how I would be
Always with her black case
She was genuine blissful with sounds of nature
Having dreams of seas, taking me far, far away
Mystic voyages she said it will be
Sweet inspirations
Beautiful and peaceful
Claming and relaxing
The composer of my heart so blissful
Her eyes her soul at times devilish
Heart as pure as gold
Sunset pictures heavenly sceneries
Finding Elysium
My place of ideal happiness
Living your freedom
Within your plunger and needles
Cascading within my crimson blood
Wistful visions
All this before dawn
Inject her and see moonlit dreams
How tomorrow is gone and I shed this tear
Of how you are a memory
HERION
Raul K. Rios
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS - SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are caused by bacteria or viruses usually transmitted by sexual activity with an infected person. With the exception of viral infections, i.e. Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Hepatitis, and HIV infection (AIDS), most STDs can be cured.
The key to treatment is the word PROMPT, since many STDs, if not immediately treated, can go on to cause serious medical problems.
LATINOSNYC IS COLLECTING COATS
LatinosNYC is looking for coats to send to the PINE RIDGE REZ in South Datoka. We can buy nice Pea Coats for $30 each. If I can get $1.00 from all my friends and family here PINE RIDGE REZ would be straight for the Winter. LatinosNYC po.box 20468 NYC NY 10009 or call me 646 352 1759.
Bliss Blood
Bliss Blood
Finding you on the streets
Was heavenly
Cascading dreams means everything
Opened my cellophane
Needing more day to day
Seeking feelings that me sway
Tracks like railroads runs through veins
Trying to draw blood in ice cold veins
Making me feel creative chit that’s the way
White or dark or sticky tar
Getting through the days are impossible so far
You give me chills but eased my pain
Wanting to let go but became your slave
Dam how you go in and out these veins
How I wish we lingered on but this chit is totally
Insane
Hopelessness, depression, regret, worthlessness, anxiety and isolation
The struggle was great the fight was real was knock out in some of these bouts thats foreal
But here I am telling you my plight how heroin lost the last fight!!!
Raul K Rios
LatinosNYC
Finding you on the streets
Was heavenly
Cascading dreams means everything
Opened my cellophane
Needing more day to day
Seeking feelings that me sway
Tracks like railroads runs through veins
Trying to draw blood in ice cold veins
Making me feel creative chit that’s the way
White or dark or sticky tar
Getting through the days are impossible so far
You give me chills but eased my pain
Wanting to let go but became your slave
Dam how you go in and out these veins
How I wish we lingered on but this chit is totally
Insane
Hopelessness, depression, regret, worthlessness, anxiety and isolation
The struggle was great the fight was real was knock out in some of these bouts thats foreal
But here I am telling you my plight how heroin lost the last fight!!!
Raul K Rios
LatinosNYC
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