Arkansas>AIDS
The Arkansas Department of Health in collaboration with the Black AIDS Institute hosted a Testing Tour in Arkansas
From Sept. 6-8, The Black AIDS Institute, in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) hosted an Arkansas Greater Than AIDS Testing Tour for the third consecutive year.
The tour brought free HIV testing, food, entertainment, raffles and more to three Arkansas cities including Conway, West Memphis and Dermott while also engaging residents in HIV/AIDS awareness.
The first tour stop was at the University of Central Arkansas where 277 students came out to get tested. The day featured an introduction from Dean of Students, Dr. Gary Roberts, and performances from Arkansas natives Miss Paris and Tawanna Campbell.
Campus support included UCA’s Keep A Child Alive, First Security Bank, and Minority Mentorship Program (MMP). The campus had a large outpouring of support from Historically Black fraternal organizations such as Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Phi Beta Sigma, and Kappa Alpha Psi.
On Sept. 7, GTA stopped in West Memphis, at the West Memphis Neighborhood Center where 109 individuals were tested. The local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., AR Delta AIDS Care and Ragen Davis came out to provide information on health issues affecting the Black community. Entertainment was provided by Tawanna Campbell .
The third stop on Sept. 8, was in the delta itself in Dermott at Dermott City Hall, and 69 community members attended the event. It featured performances from Hoggtied, Tawanna Campbell and Miss Paris.
The collaboration managed to generate an exceptional turnout, which resulted in many being tested and seeking health care for themselves and their families. The event success further revealed the power and influence of partnering organizations in the midst of the HIV epidemic.
“The collaborative efforts of the Arkansas Department of Health, the Black AIDS Institute, and community based organizations in Arkansas who are dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV, led to 454 Arkansans being tested,” HIV/Hepatitis C Prevention Program Manager for the State of Arkansas, Courtney A. Hampton said.
Major partners included Alere, ArCARE, Jefferson Comprehensive Care Systems Incorporated (JCCSI), Better Community Development (BCD), Greater Delta Alliance for Health (GDAH), and Arkansas CAN.
“These efforts also assisted in re-engaging individuals back into care. We are truly proud of the success of the tour and look forward to a continued working relationship with the Black AIDS Institute.”
Attendees at all sites were especially excited to take Deciding Moments photos in addition to getting $10 Walmart gift cards, Greater Than AIDS t-shirts, condoms, and food!