Well this week has been a goody as far as public health issues go. . we got The Pope:
BBC News, Tuesday, March 17, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7947460.stm
“You can’t resolve it with the distribution of condoms,” the pope told reporters aboard the Alitalia plane headed to Yaounde. “On the contrary, it increases the problem.” We have 3 % of the District HIV positive (please see previous post in my blog for full report) . . . and we have Mayor Fenty saying things like this:Mayor Fenty’s Office Press Release
March 16, 2009
Mayor Fenty Releases Updated HIV/AIDS Statistics and Unveils New Study on Heterosexuals and Relationships
http://dc.gov/mayor/news/release.asp?id=1499&mon=200903
“Past studies have highlighted the HIV/AIDs problems in the District, but this reports details how individuals are putting themselves at risk for the disease,” said Mayor Fenty.“These facts serve as a blueprint that allows us to improve how we prevent HIV and better serve people living with the virus.
(for the full statement and the rest of the report please follow the link above)
So basically what we have is a three ring circus and a recipe for death. The recipe has been cookin for a long time and people have died, are dying and will continue to die. Mr. Pope, God Bless, it is true ABSTAINING is the NUMBER 1 BEST way to not contract HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease. Condoms do protect against HIV. STOP SETTING THOSE OF US BACK who so tirelessly spend hours and hours on foot talking to people and striving to get the condoms out there and teach people how to use them!
Fenty. . . COME OUT INTO the community and talk to people about HIV and COME see your communities. . .
Thank you to Karyn Pomerantz who also organizes and spends countless hours in the community protesting the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS and for all that living in poverty.
TODAY come out and show your support:
Rally @ the Wilson Building 12:00- 1:00 pm, 1350 Penn Avenue NW
DC Fights Back, C2EA, and allies demand that the DC Government, Health Department, and city leaders draft a comprehensive plan to address the factors at the core of the epidemic. The initials priorities will address:
- Adequate and effective prevention programs (including syringe exchange) as well as testing/counseling
- Quality health care access and treatment for everyone
- Access to safe and affordable housing
- Effective and accessible substance abuse/mental health programs
- Effective and relevant education materials and programs including comprehensive sex and sexuality education for teens
- Anti stigma and discrimination policies and strategies.
If you are able to come out today please do. . . if not make comments on this blog and we will deliver them to the Mayor’s office! Thank you for supporting your community! We all deserve to a chance to live a healthy life!
Any Questions Please e-mail: k.holder@housingworks.org
