Philadelphia FIGHT is featuring more community-based trainings and educational programs for its 24th annual AIDS Education Month.
Kyle Chvasta, the organization’s public-programs associate, said this year’s AEM programs will extend past June.
“This year we are separating the events and we’re offering a more-curated, more-focused set of programs as opposed to lining up such a rapid succession of events,” said Chvasta.
AIDS Education Month comprises a series of events across Philadelphia to promote sexual health and increase HIV/AIDS awareness. Philadelphia FIGHT’s Community Health Training Alliance is overseeing the events, which include a year-long series of public workshops, conferences, webinars and symposia on health topics impacting the LGBT community.
The alliance unites a range of local, regional and national experts to provide educational workshops to Philadelphia FIGHT patients, the general community, social workers, medical providers, faith-based groups and educators.
The organization is also focusing attracting more young people with events such as the free Hip Hop for Philly concert and the Kiki Ball. The Hip Hop for Philly concert series encourages those ages 13-24 to participate in HIV testing.
Evon Burton, FIGHT’s marketing and community outreach coordinator, said hip hop acts as a messenger about sexual health.
“The concert series is an effective tool in helping to educate young people about sexual health as well as encouraging them in being advocates for sexual healthcare,” he said.
An awards ceremony will kick off AIDS Education Month on June 5 with the presentation of the annual Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award for Prevention, Treatment and Justice to honorees Elvis Rosado and Lee Carson. The biggest event of the month, End AIDS: The HIV Prevention and Outreach Summit, takes place June 13.