Posted on November 14, 2014
Source: Generation Tomorrow
Baltimore community members got into the holiday spirit a few weeks early as they gathered for the 8th annual Testing for Turkeys at Nebo Christian Ministries. Attendees consented to receive free rapid HIV and hepatitis C tests in exchange for turkeys and side dishes. The daylong event was sponsored by Older Women Embracing Life and the JACQUES Initiative, with support from Generation Tomorrow.
JACQUES Initiative staffers and volunteers coordinated rapid HIV testing, and Generation Tomorrow students and peer community health workers oversaw rapid HCV testing. It was the first time that HCV testing was incorporated into the annual event.
More than 100 people learned their HIV status from the JACQUES Initiative. Students and peers from Generation Tomorrow tested 55 people for hepatitis C; 10 of whom were positive for hepatitis C antibodies and were offered confirmatory tests. Nearly everyone who tested for HIV received a free turkey for the holidays. Community members who tested for hepatitis C received a bag containing several Thanksgiving side dishes.
Several local organizations were also present to educate the community about HIV, hepatitis C, and additional Baltimore resources. Generation Tomorrow gave away prizes to people who participated in our hepatitis C educational activities. In addition to receiving informational materials, people were able to spin a wheel and answer questions about hepatitis C or “target” hepatitis C with a quick game of darts.
