Orion Link

ORION news & new Peer Educator training coming up !

2010-01-15T09:02:00.000-08:00

First off, Happy New Year to everyone and let's make 2010 a great one for NOVAM and the community.

ORION will be offering the Peer Educator Training on Saturday & Sunday, January 23rd & 24th. This is a two-day training held from 10am-4pm. It's on a weekend, so it's the perfect time to meet new people, get comfortable with the NOVAM staff and offices, and feast on snacks and food. The training is free for all youth aged 14-24. The ORION Peer Educator training focuses on GLBTQ issues, HIV & STD 101, Substance Abuse, games, films, and is all about active discussion and free speech. TO RSVP please e-mail kvargas@novam.org .

ORION is now offering a personalized support service for African-American GLBTQ youth 14-24. These are one on one sessions, with a few meetings throughout the year. If you think you could benefit from this, or know anyone else who could, please e-mail bjackson@novam.org .

ORION has also been offering one-on-one support sessions for all races and ethnicities for some time now. Please e-mail iaguirre@novam.org to schedule.

The word is getting out there that NOVAM is the premier place to get tested. We have a great staff and great facilities. It is an office environment with a private room for testing. There is no need to worry about white walls, syringes, or that hospital smell (though we smell pretty good). Schedule your appointment at your convenience, and we will accommodate you. To schedule an appointment please e-mail kvargas@novam.org

Hope you use 2010 to help out your local non-profit, NOVAM, by participating in any of the programs we have to offer. They're all free and by participating you agree that the work we do is important and ensure us future funding for these vital programs.

Rainbow Tuesdays Clinic in Alexandria

2009-12-16T07:41:00.001-08:00

The Alexandria Health Department is proud to host free HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia testing and Hepatitis A/B immunizations specifically for gay, bisexual, and transgender men each second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 5pm-6:30pm. No appointments are necessary, as it is a walk-in clinic with HIV testing results given that same hour.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity and come get tested this December 22nd.

The Rainbow Tuesdays Clinic at the Alexandria Health Department is located at:
4480 King St
Alexandria, VA 22302 - located in the corner of 28th & King. Free parking is available.

HRC's Back-to-School Reception & Information Fair for GLBTQQ College Students is this week!

2009-09-21T09:49:00.000-07:00

This Thursday, September 24th the Human Rights Campaign is hosting a back-to-school reception and information fair for all college students in the DC metro area at their headquarters located at 1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington DC.

Drinks and food will be provided and HRC is expecting about 150-200 students to come by. This is the perfect time (and season!) to socialize, meet new people, and discover what sort of organizations, businesses, and establishments support the gay community and find what they have to offer.

The reception is free and will be held from 6pm-8pm. NOVAM will have a table there so stop by and say hello!

Poll: Do you use condoms each time you have sex?

2009-09-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

create free polls | comment on this

Are you at risk ?? Think about it for a second.. Tick tock tick tock..

2009-08-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hello my Sweet darlings,

Have you had sex with more than one person in the last 6 months?

Have you had sex without using a condom: oral, anal, vaginal, or otherwise?

Have you had sex while you were high or intoxicated?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to be tested for HIV today !!!

Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry is here for you.

We are in Falls Church, Va. (NOVAM.org) Call today for your free test darling.

Love ya ,
Miss Mother

ORION is hosting a BBQ on 8/12/09! Join us!

2009-08-11T08:35:00.001-07:00

The end of summer is near. No! Students are getting ready to head back to school, last-minute vacations are being taken advantage of. And well, since the summer's drawing to a close, why not draw a fire?

On Wednesday, August 12th, from Noon-4pm, Orion invites you, peers & youth, to come out for a few hours of sun, fun, food, and conversation.

The BBQ, free for our guests, will be held at Lake Accotink Park, located at:
7500 Accotink Park Rd
Springfield, VA 22150

Please shoot up an e-mail as soon as possible to bjackson@novam.org or kvargas@novam.org if you plan on joining us.

Hope to see you there!

"I could feel my concerns over my test results begin to diminish..."

2009-07-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

To Whom It May Concern:

The other day I came in to get free HIV testing done, and was understandably nervous. One of your prevention specialists, Bernard, took me into a room with high-backed, comfortable chairs, calmly explained how the test was to be administered, and asked me if there was anything on my mind that I wanted to talk about, or if I had any questions. I was surprised, as I had never encountered such warmth from someone giving me an STD test, so I said no. However, soon after the test had been administered, and the twenty minute waiting period begun, I found myself moving quickly into conversation with Bernard. He was very understanding, and easy to talk to, and as we talked I could feel my concerns over my test results begin to diminish. Before I knew it, the twenty minutes had elapsed, and Bernard gave me very favorable test results.

I think it’s absolutely wonderful that you provide such a valuable service, especially in an area with a large, diverse LGBT community. I know that had I been forced to go to my primary care physician, my results could have potentially been found out by my family, and I wouldn’t have been cared for nearly as much as I was at NOVAM. I hope this letter helps you find funding, or whatever it is that you need to continue your good work.

All the best,
Anonymous

In this life there are tests...

2009-07-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

In this life I think that there are many tests; that's when you really need rest, comfort and friends. Stay strong and live each day to its fullest.

Only time will tell.....

Miss Mother

HIV Testing Day is June 27 2009

2009-06-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

National HIV Testing Day is coming and there are many locations throughout the area that will be offering free testing.

It is so very nice when you know your status and your mind is free !

Knowing your status is POWER !!!!!

If you want more information give us a call and we will give you the locations near you.

Northern Virginia Aids Ministry 703 553-5505

Capital Pride 2009

2009-06-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

Here we are, in the middle of Capital Pride with a bunch of weekend events left to go...!! Please try to attend at least one! Check out their website for a full schedule and/or for more information. NOVAM will be at both Latino Pride and Capital Pride's Annual Street Festival. Stop by to say hi!

Fri 6/12: Latino Pride DC
6:30pm-9:30pm
HRC Center
1640 Rhode Island Ave., NW Washington, DC

Sun 6/14: Capital Pride Street Festival
11am-6pm
Pennsylvania Ave (between 3rd & 7th St., NW)

Take the Test. Take Control. VIDEO CONTEST.

2009-05-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Young and old across Northern Virginia are invited to create a 60 – 90 second public service announcement promoting National HIV Testing Day. The contest, sponsored by the Northern Virginia HIV Prevention and Education Committee of the Northern Virginia HIV Consortium, is designed to increase awareness of the importance of HIV testing and knowing your HIV status. The annual theme is “Take the test. Take control.”

Winners will be announced at the annual National HIV Testing Day Outreach Event on June 27th at Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria, VA.

RULES
1) Your video submission must reflect the theme “Take the test. Take Control.”
2) The maximum running time for each entry is 90 seconds.
3) Participants grant the committee the right to use their names
photographs, and video submissions for advertising, publicity, and promotion
purposes.
4) Videos can be created and submitted by an individual or a team.
5) Video content must be original. Do not use copyrighted material.
6) Videos can not contain profanity, nudity or obscene behavior.

SUBMISSION
Please download your videos using Youtube.com and submit your link by e-mail to: novahiv@gmail.com. Or mail DVD to:
Northern VA Prevention and Education Committee
c/o Nechelle Terrell, Alexandria Health Dept.
4480 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302

***Deadline for submissions is June 8, 2009***

PRIZES
One first prize: $100 gift card
One second prize: $75 gift card
One third prize: $50 gift card

SPONSORSHIP

The National HIV Testing Day contest is organized by the HIV Prevention and Education Committee of the Northern Virginia HIV Consortium. The committee consists of staff from the following agencies and organizations: AIDS Response Effort (ARE); Alexandria Health Department; Arlington County Health Department; Ethiopian Community Development Council; Fairfax County Health Department; Inova Juniper Program; K. I. Services, Inc.; Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM); Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC.

Latino Pride DC - Friday, June 12th (Updated info!)

2009-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that on Friday, June 12th, the HRC Center will be hosting Latino Pride DC! It will run separately but concurrently with the Capital Pride events, and is scheduled from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. There will be a discussion panel of LGBTQ leaders, a show performance, and socializing, among other things. It's free and all can attend. Don't miss it!

Had unprotected sex? Contracted an STD? Look into inSPOT.org

2009-05-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

If you've been infected with HIV or any other STD and have had unprotected sex (including oral), you may have infected your previous partners. That's where inSPOT.org comes in. Maybe you feel embarassed or ashamed at the possibility of having infected someone. inSPOT allows you to anonymously contact your partners to let them know that they could be at risk and need to get treated/tested immediately. It also gives detailed information about STDs and treatment centers. All in all, a great resource to have. Spread this information around to your friends, and remember using condoms, dental dams, etc will help prevent the spread of STDs.

Come Out and Support NOVAM at The Little Theater

2009-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

Come support NOVAM's Imagine Night at The Little The Little Theatre Of Alexandria,April 28,2009

Our 75th
Season

Reception and auction begin at 7 p.m. show at 8 p.m.
Purchase tickets at www.thelittletheatre.com
Make sure to buy the special NOVAM tickets

Gross Indecency;The Tree trials of Oscar Wilde
An engrossing...edge-of -the seat legal thriller
by Moises Kaufman
directed by Frank D. Shutts,II
produced by Mary Beth Smith-Toomey

Please get tested today ! Knowing your status is power !

2009-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

So many people have so many fears about finding out the results of their HIV test and how it will affect their life. Well not getting tested is the biggest problem that one can have. If you get tested and know that you don't have the virus then you know that you have to be careful, if you get tested and you do have the virus then you still have to be careful and take your meds. Life does not have to stop because you are positive!

Now you know what has to done to stay healthy! Trust me, when I found out that I was HIV positive I thought it was the end of my world! Everything that was important to me seemed to just not be important any more. After I went to the doctor and got on the medication and most of all started meeting people who had been positive for many years, I knew that I had a chance. The face of HIV/AIDS has changed so much, you never know who is positive or not!

I started doing things that made me feel alive again! I found out that I was positive because my wife died of AIDS and that's when I got tested. She contracted the virus from her ex and he never told her that he was positive! She was my first love and the best thing that ever happened to me. We had a wonderful life together and had accomplished great things together. Losing her was like dying myself ! She was my soulmate.

Today I am living a life doing what I know is meant for me to do. That is to teach all who will listen about this virus and to encourage them to let nothing stop you from moving forward. And as the saying goes "when life serves you lemons, make lemonade," well my lemonade is so sweet! Today I have the job that is I know is my calling, saving lives! Most of my life I worked as a home health aid taking care of people with all kinds of illnesses. Just out of high school I was trained as a community organizer, working in low income communities helping people get on their feet and moving forward. Then I did not know how it felt to be in their position or situation . I am a Youth HIV Prevention Specialist and I test and counsel youth to help them stay healthy and think twice before they have unprotected sex. I also teach that until you accomplish what you want in life, and understand the dangers that exist with having sex, abstinence is a wonderful thing !

I thank my Higher Power for all that I have been through. I am better today than I ever thought I could be, all because I got tested early and started treatment. Today I am healthy and happy! I understand how it feels to be HIV positive and I know that that helps me to understand what someone may be feeling when they get a positive test result, I am living proof that you will be alright ! So please get tested today and know that you are not alone, and that there is help for you ! We really have to change the way we look at life in many ways. Don't let HIV stop you from being all that you can be ! Knowing your status is power!!!

I will continue to try and prevent this virus from affecting as many as I can, for as long as I have life and energy to do so !

Just do it !

Quote from Miss Mother

2009-03-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Miss Mother was kind enough to send us a message today!

“Get tested today! Because the life you save may very well be your own”!

Lovin You,
Miss Mother

Expect to hear from Miss Mother at least once a month for HIV testing tips and advice.

Together Rx Expanding Coverage in Tough Economic Climate

2009-03-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

This press-release from The Body is welcome news in this economy! Together Rx Access is a program that helps families pay for medication, and they just made it so that more people can get help. For instance, before the change, somebody who made over 30 grand was not eligible. Now somebody who makes under 45 grand is eligible! That's an increase of 50%!

It certainly appears to be worth looking into, and is especially relevant to people with chronic diseases like HIV, where missing medication can be the difference between life and death. Just a few missed doses and HIV can develop a resistance. What kinds of other obstacles stand in the way of people taking their medications?

Complacency in the Community Regarding HIV?

2009-03-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

According to an article at The Body, male-to-male sex represented the largest transmission category for HIV from 2001 to 2006. It goes on to point how that it's possible that because of the life-saving medications that have been developed, HIV is regarded in a less serious fashion than it would be otherwise. The medications used can be debilitating, however, and often the quality of life is not what it could be when compared to if the person had never contracted HIV in the first place.

How big of an issue do you think complacency is? Is it merely the fact that HIV is no longer a guaranteed death sentence that is driving up infection rates, or is there some other cause? If so, what kind of action could be taken to make the public take the threat of HIV more seriously?

South Carolina = Washington D.C.?

2009-03-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

In what’s probably the only bright spot for the news that D.C.’s HIV infection rate is sky-high, a recent report from the Kaiser foundation indicates that this might be opening some eyes elsewhere. Having such a high prevalence in the capital of the most powerful country in the world is showing that HIV can get a hold anywhere that diligence in outreach and prevention is not what I t could be. In this report, South Carolina is specifically mentioned as a locality taking a look at D.C.’s infection rate and seeing how dangerous letting HIV slide is.

In other news, the House has approved a bill that aims to establish a comprehensive policy to HIV screening and treatment in the nation’s prisons. Given that HIV transmission occurs in prison from the use of dirty needles or MSM, this will has the potential to be able to turn back a part of the rising tide of HIV. What do you think?

D.C. HIV Situation Even Worse?

2009-03-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

A report posted to The Body indicates that the recent revelation that 3% of District residents are HIV-positive may be underestimating the problem. Apparently, the D.C. government plans to scale up its testing to get a better gauge of the problem. The D.C. metropolitan area is a very porous region, however, with many people moving back and forth over the Virginia and Maryland borders. This shouldn't be just a D.C. issue, but a regional issue. How can Virginia and Maryland reach out to the District, or vice versa? What kind of coordination should be happening in the D.C. area that isn't?

It should be noted, though, that a great number of people are living longer because of currently available medications. Do you think this might have inflated the numbers somewhat?

HIV/AIDS rate in D.C. up to 3%!

2009-03-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Big news. A Washington D.C. health report is about to be released showing that the HIV/AIDS rate in the District has hit 3%. That’s comparable to 3^rd-world countries that we’re giving billions of dollars of aid to. What is going wrong in D.C.? This is not a new problem that suddenly exploded on to the scene; officials have known for some time of the growing number of infections occurring in the D.C. area. It’s happening to men who have sex with men, heterosexuals, people who use injected drugs-everybody! It is disproportionately prevalent amongst black men and the poor of D.C. This is a massive problem. What do you think the D.C. government did wrong, and how might they fix it? How can Mayor Fenty step it up?

Going in for HIV Testing!

2009-02-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

A lot of people who have never gone to get tested for HIV don't know what it's like, and that can be pretty intimidating. Testing is really important, though. Testing doesn't give you HIV-but if you have HIV, getting tested can be the difference between life and death. Still, it doesn't feel very good. You might feel like you're being judged, or a little freaked out about the test itself.

To find out what HIV testing was like, I decided to do it myself. I'd never been tested before. It had never occurred to me to be tested, until I wanted to write a blog entry about it. So I called ahead to the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry and contacted the testing coordinator. He was really nice and really encouraging. He helped me set up a time when I could come in and told me the test would only take about twenty minutes.

I went in without really knowing what to expect. I was met at the office by Bernard, who was going to be testing me. Bernard asked me to sit down in his office-it didn't even look like a medical office, it was just like your normal office-type office- and he explained what the test was going to be like. It's just a swab, like with a Q-tip, from the inside of your mouth. They just put that in a solution that will react if you've got HIV. No needles, no blood or anything gross like that.

Before I got that done, though, Bernard wanted to ask me some questions. A lot of people who test want to make sure people are educated about HIV so they can keep from getting it in the first place. He wanted to know things like if I had had unprotected kinds of sex recently, if I was monogamous or not, and if I had used needles to inject drugs. Everything we talked about was confidential, of course-it wasn't like he was going to tell anybody if I did those things, he just needed to know so he could talk to me about what kinds of things I could be doing that might be a way I could end up with HIV. I don't inject drugs and I haven't had unprotected sex recently, but if I did I'm pretty sure I'd feel comfortable telling him about it.

After we went through the questions, I got the swab taken and I hung around for about twenty minutes. I kind of wish I had brought something to read or listen to, but that's ok. When time was up, Bernard got back to me and said I was testing negative. Awesome. He gave me a couple of tips on how to use condoms and then I was out. No sweat-just a quick chat with a helpful and friendly guy, and I was on my way.