C.A.R.E. Knowledge Blog

From the Long Beach Post's Brian Addison: PHOTOS: Drag Queens and More Traipse along Broadway for Easter Charity

Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal kicked off the event with an uplifting message that spirituality is not a judge. "I have my beliefs," she stated to the packed room. "My belief is rooted in everyone. And I truly believe that Mary's is the House of Worship, where everyone is accepted."

Jewels, the host and MC of Hats and Heels, proudly led the way down Broadway, stopping at the World Famous Falcon and eventually ending at Silver Fox with performances at both. Councilmember Robert Garcia ended the evening with a $500 donation to C.A.R.E. while watching the final performance at the Fox.

More at Long Beach Post...

Silence = Stigma

Stigma has been a big issue in the support groups here at CARE. Or rather, self-stigmatizing has kept people from attending the group. 

For most of the people attending the newly diagnosed group, they've been meeting people in a social arena that uses avoidance of people who are positive who disclose their status. Terms like "clean" and "disease-free" are put out with the hope that by avoiding people who know they are postive, they will avoid the virus. One result of this is that they seldom have any friends who are positive and out about their status--plantonic or otherwise. 

Unfortunately, the main drivers of the epidemic are people who don't know that they're positive. Often someone tests negative, and even after a few more encounters, they're still posting that they tested negative two, four, or six months ago. And as far as they know, they are negative--based on their last test result. 

So when the viral apartheid strategy fails, they're sequestered in an HIV closet of sorts. 

If disclosure is to be the norm, more positive people will need to be open about their status, negative people will need to be more accepting of their positive brothers, sisters, lovers, and friends, and public health messages will need to adress these important issues. 

Remembering on World AIDS Day

General Idea: One Year of AZT, One Day of AZT, 1991

Back before I started blogging here at the CARE Program, I wrote mostly on contemporary art at my blog Leap Into the Void. Back in 2008 I bemoaned the fact that World AIDS Day and A Day Without Art had seemed to have fallen by the wayside. My attempt at the time was to remember a specific artist, someone who I had gone to school with, who died of AIDS. Other bloggers followed suit, and their posts can be seen here, here, and here. Part of my thinking was that the era of effective combination therapy came along at the same time as the internet, which means there's little or no record in cyberspace of those who died of AIDS for the most devastating years of the epidemic. Perhaps that's one of the reasons we see so much complacency around HIV prevention and treatment today. 

With that in mind, there's someone I'd like to remember here today. In 2001 I attended the GNP+ conference in Port of Spain, Trinidad. GNP+ is the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, and they hold an international conference on the off years, in-between the International AIDS Conferences. 

It was in Port of Spain that I met Kenroy Nicholson, a young man in his twenties from Trinidad who was living with the virus. After meeting at the conference we hung out for a few days before I flew back to the United States. At the time he was working at Royal Castle, a local fast food chain. He lived in a township outside the city, an area with dirt roads, and maybe a water pipe that came to each block. His place had no phone or electricity, and was made of tin sheeting and cement blocks. He lived there with his two siblings, their partners and children in a one bedroom home. Of the five adults in the house, he was the only one who was working, and he did it without shoes, and without HIV meds. He never asked me for anything except friendship and understanding. We stayed in touch by mail, and he invited me to return for Carnival the next year. I couldn't return until the following Summer, and by the time I got there he had died.

So I'm dedicating this World AIDS Day post to Kenroy, one of the five thousand people who die each day from AIDS, people who do their best despite the lack of the most basic medical attention.  

If there's someone you'd like to remember, feel free to post in the comments section.

 

World AIDS Day in Long Beach

There are two or three events happening for World AIDS Day in 2011 in Long Beach. World AIDS Day happens every year on December 1, which is this Thursday.

There will be an event at The Center: an art exhibit that starts at 5, a speakers panel at 6:30, and a candlelight walk to the beach at 7:30.

There will also be an event at 5:00pm put on by the Long Beach AIDS Foundation at the band shell at Bixby Park. Bring canned goods or cash donation for hot chocolate or coffee. At 6:00 there will be a procession down Broadway.

(Long Beach) RED is something that happened last year that will probably happen again (though I can't find specifics on line). Downtown Long Beach buildings and fountains will be lit up red, and participating downtown restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from 6 to 10 pm to local HIV organizations.

Who is Next?

Last month The Body ran a piece on 10 famous people with HIV. What was interesting to me is that there wasn't anyone who has disclosed their status since the mid 1990's, a time before effective combination therapies became available. For those on the list who are still living--Magic Johnson and Greg Louganis--their disclosure came at the height of their athletic careers, and almost required some reason for their retirement at the top of their game. We could add Rudy Galindo to this list, the last person I remember going public with his or her HIV status. 

Even if Magic wasn't such a vocal advocate for HIV, his disclosure has done much to promote testing and condom use. His continuing success in business and sports shows that one can have a full life--not only after HIV, but also after disclosure.  As I wrote in the comments section:

Does the lack of any new celebrity spokespersons living with HIV/AIDS in the last fifteen years mean that celebrities are all using condoms and no longer put themselves at risk? I don't think so! 

Having famous people living with this disease does much to promote HIV awareness, condom use, and access to treatment. It's unfortunate that there are probably 10 more celebrities we see in concerts, on ESPN, on TV, and in the movies every day who would make incredible advocates, but because they might loose that romantic role or Nike endorsement, choose to hide behind their pills.

This week Kellee Terrell picks up on the theme in their post, "Will This Generation's Magic Johnson Please Stand Up?"

Maybe the media, TheBody.com included, needs to write more articles about straight men living with the disease. And maybe more health care professionals need to check their own biases at the door and be less worried about offending patients and just test them anyway.

Or maybe what we need to set all of this into motion is another Magic Johnson.

Someone who possesses the same level of fame, power and swagger as the Dwyane Wades, the 50 Cents and the Jay-Zs of the world, and who is willing to go public with his HIV status. While this person has yet to materialize, given the HIV prevalence rate in this country, I know he exists.

And to take it one step further, maybe we also need a famous woman with HIV to disclose her status. I know she exists as well.

When I first started woring in the HIV field, Magic's disclosure sent lines out the door from the Long Beach Health Department's STD clinic. I'm sure there were a few who did test positive, and can thank Magic for their getting tested and getting into treatment early. If it's been a while since your last test, maybe it's time to come back and get tested. 

The CARE Program offers free confidential HIV testing with results in twenty minutes. We're located at 411 East 10th Street, Suite 107, Long Beach, CA 90813. You can walk in, or make an appointment by calling (562) 624-4900.

 

CARE to Dine 2011: Thursday, August 18

The idea behind the one-day event is simple, but effective: dine out, fight AIDS. On Thursday, August 18th, forty restaurants in and around Long Beach will donate twenty percent of the day's proceeds to the CARE Program, helping to fund munch needed services in the Long Beach community. This year's CARE to Dine event marks a special anniversary, the 25th year the CARE Program has been providing comprehensive HIV services. So pick a restaurant, call your friends, have a great evening out, and show you care!

For more information on participating restaurants, visit the CARE to Dine page:

http://careprogram.org/events/dine

To find a participating restaurant close to home, visit our Google interactive map.

If you're a member of Facebook, there a many community groups hosting at particing restaurants.

CARE to Dine page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177859658932465

Alegria: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=237176466321522

Sababa: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178729215532887

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=259823184030034

La Traviata: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=219560681424544

LB Grunions: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138686686216495

LB D-Listers: http://www.facebook.com/dlisters

The Center and Suja Lowenthal at Lola's: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=218431144867244

Robert Garcia at L'Opera: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=222246077819951

On Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/events/long-beach-fourth-annual-care-to-dine

After eating, join us and others at The Silver Fox to celebrate a successful fundraiser and meet the C.A.R.E. to DINE team!

 

The Silver Fox – Bar/Nightclub
After-Dining Party for Friends & Volunteers 
Donate your change / Drink specials
411 Redondo Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90814 
562-439-6343 
Hours during event: 4:00PM – 2:00AM

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS 2011

Alegria Cocina Latina

115 Pine Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-436-3388 
Hours on event day: 11:30AM – 10PM

Ambrosia Café
1923 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-432-1098 
Hours on event day: 10:00AM – 10:00PM

AVIA Kitchen at the AVIA Hotel
285 Bay Street 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-436-1047
Hours on event day: 5:00PM – 10:00PM

Brew Haus Coffee and Tea
250 W. Ocean Boulevard, B-2
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-495-5050
Hours on event day: 6:00AM – 8:00PM

 

Buono's Authentic Pizzeria
250-A W. Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-432-2211 
Hours on event day: 10:00AM – 11:00PM

 

Café Piccolo 
3222 E. Broadway Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-438-1316 
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 2:00PM & 5:00PM – 10:00PM

 

California Pizza Kitchen
6417 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-596-2775
Hours on event day:  11:00AM – 9:30PM
* To dine at this restaurant you must present the attached coupon.
Click here to Open & Print Coupon

diPiazza Restaurant and Lounge
5205 E. Pacific Coast Highway 
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-498-2461 
Hours on event day: 4:00PM – 1:30AM

El Torito Restaurant
6605 E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-594-6917
Hours on event day:  11:00AM – 10:00PM
* To dine at this restaurant you must present the attached coupon.
Click here to Open & Print Coupon

 

The Factory Gastropub
4020 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
562-595-4020
Hours on event day: 4:30PM – 11:00PM

 

The Falcon Bar
1435 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-432-4146
Hours on event day: 7:00AM - 2:00AM

 

Forbidden City Restaurant 
6380-A E. Pacific Coast Highway
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-961-3500 
Hours on event day: 12:00PM – 10:00PM

 

Francelli's
3404 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
562-434-3441 
Hours on event day: 11:30AM – 10:00PM

Galeana's Grill
70 Atlantic Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-912-7766
Hours on event day: 8:00AM – 9:00PM

 

Gaucho Grill
200 Pine Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-590-5000 
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 1:00AM

 

George’s Greek Café 
135 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA  90802 
562-437-1184 
Hours on event day: 10:00AM – Midnight

Hamburger Mary's
740 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-436-7900 
Hours on event day: 11:000AM – 2:00AM

 

Hooters of Long Beach
71 Aquarium Way 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-983-1010 
Hours on event day: 11:000AM – 1:00AM

Kabob Curry
108 W. 3rd Street
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-495-2262 
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 9:30PM

 

Kafe Neo
2800 E. 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814 
562-987-1210 
Hours on event day: 7:30AM – 10:00PM

 

Kavikas Grill & Bar
95 Aquarium Way 
Long Beach, CA  90802 
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 3:00PM, 5:00PM – 10:00PM

 

La Strada
4716 E. 2nd Street 
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-433-8100
Hours on event day: 11:30AM – 10:00PM

 

L’Opera Ristorante
101 Pine Ave 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-491-0066
Hours on event day: 11:30AM – 10:00PM

La Traviata
301 Cedar Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-432-8022
Hours on event day: 5:00PM – 11:00PM

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine
2030 E. Fourth Street
Long Beach, CA 90804
562-343-5506
Hours on event day: 11:30AM – 9:30PM

 

Mabel’s Gourmet Pralines
625 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-491-5354
Hours on event day: 12:00PM – 6:00PM

 

Magic Lamp Grill
5020 E. 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-987-3080
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 10:00PM

 

Michael’s on Naples Ristorante
5620 E. 2nd Street 
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-639-7080
Hours on event day: 5:30PM - 10:00PM

Naples Rib Company
5800 E. 2nd Street 
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-439-7427
Hours on event day: 4:00PM - 9:00PM

Nino'sRistorante Italiano
3853 Atlantic Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90807
562-427-1003
Hours on event day: 11:00AM - 10:00PM

 

The Original Park Pantry
2104 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-434-0451
Hours on event day: 6:00AM – 10:00PM

 

Paradise Piano Bar
1800 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-590-8773
Hours on event day: 3:00PM – Midnight

 

The Pizza Place & Garden Café
1431 E. Broadway Avenue 
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-432-6000
Hours on event day: 11:00AM – 11:00PM

 

Polly’s Pies: Two Locations
Long Beach—Atlantic
3490 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807 
562-595-5651

Long Beach—Los Coyotes
4680 Los Coyotes Diagonal
Long Beach, CA 90815
562-597-6076

Hours on event day: 7:00AM – 9:30PM 
* To dine at this restaurant you must present the attached coupon.
Click here to Open & Print Coupon

 

The Raven’s Nest
Authentic Cuban Cuisine
2941 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90803 
562-439-3672
Hours on event day: 5:30PM – 9:00PM

 

Sababa Restaurant and Lounge
6527 E. Pacific Coast Highway 
Long Beach, CA 90803
562-252-3572
Hours on event day: 5:00PM – Midnight

Super Mex

 732 E. First Street
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-436-0707
Hours on event day:  11:00AM – 9:00PM
* To dine at this restaurant you must present the attached coupon.
Click here to Open & Print Coupon

 

Two Umbrellas Café
1538 E. Broadway Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-495-2323
Hours on event day: 8:00AM – 2:00PM

 

Utopia Restaurant
445 E. First Street
Long Beach, CA 90802 
562-432-6888
Hours on event day: 12:00PM – 9:00PM

 

CARE to Dine Kickoff Party

The CARE Program invites you to join community leaders and business partners to launch CARE to Dine & celebrate 25 years of CARE!

Join Long Beach’s taste makers and community leaders on Sunday, July 24 as we launch the fourth year of CARE to Dine. Enjoy the ocean views, live jazz, drinks and appetizers, and celebrate 25 years of what has been called the “Gold Standard” in HIV care! We will be announcing the final roster of restaurants and give attendees the first choice of over 30 area restaurants where they can be CARE’s impresario, linking their organization to a great night out, and help provided much needed HIV services in the Long Beach area. The evening includes complementary admission to the Long Beach Museum of Art until five and free valet parking. 

Date: Sunday, July 24, 2011

Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: Long Beach Museum of Art

2300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803

In honor of 25 years of CARE’s commitment to serving  persons living with HIV/AIDS a $25 suggested donation will requested at the door.

 

 

Join the CARE Program at Long Beach Pride

The CARE Program will have a presence at both the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade. If you'd like to join us and march, meet at the parade staging area on Ocean near Paloma at 9:30; CARE will entry 56, next to Cheer LA. The Parade route runs from Lindero to Alamitos. The best viewing area will be along Bixby Park, with DJs, Cheer LA pep rally and more, from 9:30 until the parade starts an hour later. 

CARE will also be at the Long Beach Pride Festival both days, part of St. Marys Medical Center's Pavilion at the festival, where they will be offering free health screenings. Stop by CARE's table to learn more about our new pharmacy, HIV/Hep-C clinic, support groups, HIV testing, plus our comprehensive medical and social services, which has been called the "gold standard" of HIV care in Los Angeles County.

District Pride Tonight

Join us at Bliss 525 for District Pride, a kick-off event for Long Beach Pride and fundraiser for the CARE Program, The Center Long Beach and East Village Arts. The event runs from 6 to 10pm, and tickets are $25.

Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness This Thursday

 
This Thursday May 19th is National API AIDS Awareness Day. From the California State Office of AIDS:

Currently, there are over 4,000 A&PI individuals living with HIV in California.  Due to social and cultural barriers, such as a lack of recognition of the impact of HIV/AIDS within some A&PI communities, and the notion of saving face among some individuals from A&PI communities, the number may be even higher. 

One of eleven AIDS awareness days that target various facets of the epidemic, Asian communities have historically been seen as being less affected than other at-risk populations. Anecdotally, the newly diagnosed support group I help facilitate at The Center always has newly diagnosed Asian or Pacific Islanders in attendance. The good news it that they're coming out, and learning to be advocates for their own health. For others who read about these awareness days, realize their own risk and want to be proactive and test, the CARE Program offers free, quick, and confidential oral (no needles) HIV testing by appointment. Our office number is (562) 624-4900.