Posted on April 20, 2015
Source: Ann Ihaza
Hello, my name is Ann Ihaza. I am currently completing a Masters of Public Health degree at Morgan Student University with a concentration in epidemiology. However, I also have an interest in health policy, and my key areas of focus are HIV, cancer, and other infectious and chronic diseases. My site assignment with Generation Tomorrow is Sisters Together and Reaching (STAR). STAR is one of the leading non-profit organizations in Baltimore and aims to address service inequities among African American women living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
I joined Generation Tomorrow because the program focuses on HIV and hepatitis C prevention and promotion. They do an exceptional job of raising the next generation of HIV and hepatitis C leaders. I hope to help reduce the incidence of HIV by providing rapid testing for HIV as well as hepatitis C. HIV testing remains one of our most powerful tools for tackling the epidemic. Everyone should know their status.
I have gained so much knowledge and acquired many skills from our HIV and hepatitis C training and weekly lecture series. These program activities have provided us with the tools we need to go out into the communities; however, reality may be a little different. I have learned that it is important to find your niche, be personable, and create strategies that work best for you and your clients. This experience has improved my understanding of HIV and hepatitis C in Baltimore and demonstrates that there is still a need for research, health promotion, and effective strategies and interventions to help raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing. I will continue to help address this challenging issue even after my time with Generation Tomorrow.
