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Maryland’s Efforts Targeting African American Same- Gender-Loving Men

Maryland’s Efforts Targeting African American Same- Gender-Loving Men. Kip Castner, MPS Deputy Chief, Center for Prevention AIDS Administration Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene May 5, 2008. Maryland AIDS Administration MISSION.

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Maryland’s Efforts Targeting African American Same- Gender-Loving Men

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  1. Maryland’s Efforts Targeting African American Same- Gender-Loving Men Kip Castner, MPS Deputy Chief, Center for Prevention AIDS AdministrationMaryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene May 5, 2008

  2. Maryland AIDS AdministrationMISSION The AIDS Administration is dedicated to working with public and private partners to reduce the transmission of HIV and help Marylanders already infected live longer and healthier lives. This is accomplished by promoting and developing comprehensive, compassionate and quality services, for both prevention and care. The AIDS Administration provides leadership, encourages input from affected communities, and uses scientific knowledge to guide the development of responsible, compassionate and effective policies and programs. Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  3. Challenges: Population • African American Same Gender Loving Men experience all of the challenges associated with being African American • AASGL additionally experience the challenges associated with compulsory heterosexuality and concepts of black masculinity. These combine to challenge the development of positive self-identity as African American Same Gender Loving Men Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  4. Maryland HIV IncidenceExposure Trends AIDS Administration, Maryland DHMH May 5, 2008

  5. Low community planning participation / advocacy Low resources Low community recognition of need, programming Low capacity Challenges: Program

  6. Interventions: Standard • Outreach with Syphilis Testing • HIV Counseling, Testing, and Referral • Many Men, Many Voices • Interventions Delivered to Individuals • POWER (Positive Wellness and Renewal) Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  7. Interventions: Maryland-Specific • RISE (Rewriting Inner Scripts) is a two-day small group retreat in which AAMSM: • identify inner scripts and their origins • recognize similarities between racism and homophobia • recognize the impact of internalized oppression on perception of self and of other SGL men • explore the consequences of inner scripts on partner attraction/selection, and the patterns that characterize their relationships and risk behaviors Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  8. Interventions: Maryland-Specific • Expanded / Adapted Healthy Relationships • Preceded by six-session intervention developed by facilitator Lennie Green exploring health disparities, full participation in health care / navigating the care system, evaluating the quality of HIV information, the immune system, HIV, OI, and HAART • Substitutes locally filmed video clips starring African Americans in culturally relevant situations Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  9. Recommendations • Acknowledge the role of oppression – in the dimensions of race, class, sexual orientation, and gender expression – on AASGL self-concept, motivation, and behavior • Work with AASGL to unlearn internalized oppression and align our public health goals with their pursuit of equal opportunity and self-definition Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  10. Highlights from NASTAD Consultation • Out In the Open: The Continuing Crisis of HIV/AIDS Among Florida’s Men Who Have Sex With Men • The importance of looking beyond traditional funding sources / of seeking a response to the staggering rates of HIV infection among AASGL from other major institutions (e.g., substance abuse administrations) Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  11. Next Steps • Development of a MSM-specific Plan for Maryland • Advocacy training for members of MSM Response Team & allies • Obtaining resources to rigorously evaluate RISE Kip Castner (410) 767-5290 castnerk@dhmh.state.md.us Maryland AIDS Administration May 5, 2008

  12. Maryland AIDS Administration www.dhmh.state.md.us/AIDS/

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