Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
The Voice of Africa is thrilled to announce that one of our esteemed partners, RnD Associates , has been awarded a grant from the Baltimore City Health Department to drive transformative health initiatives in the community on HIV/AIDS. This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing critical public health disparities and promoting wellness across diverse populations.
About RnD Associates
RnD Associates is a non-profit company based in the United States. It was founded by Ms. Rebkha Atnafou-Boyer, MPH, a Research Associate and a Research Associate at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. RnD Associates’ mission is to provide human capacity building services to enhance the knowledge and skills of service professionals, thereby creating more vibrant, healthy, and safe communities.
A Collaborative Vision
The funded project focuses on raising awareness about HIV, STIs, and sexual health while providing essential resources and referrals for prevention and treatment. The Voice of Africa’s role as a media partner in this initiative amplifies the project’s reach, ensuring the message of health and wellness resonates throughout the targeted communities.
Priority Populations and Zip Codes
The program targets youth, adults, and seniors in Baltimore’s priority zip codes: 21215, 21213, 21218, 21224, and 21217. Through a multi-faceted approach, the initiative aims to:
- Increase awareness of HIV and STI prevention methods, including PrEP and PEP.
- Address barriers to accessing sexual health information and services.
- Promote healthy relationships and sexual health practices.
- Facilitate referrals to prevention, screening and treatment services.
Key Program Activities
The project’s scope includes a robust mix of community engagement, education, and innovative outreach strategies, such as:
- Ambassadors for Healthy Relationships: Training community leaders to advocate for sexual health.
- Theatre Performances: Hosting three impactful shows addressing health themes.
- Educational Sessions: Conducting eight community events to educate and empower attendees.
- Media Outreach: Producing six podcasts and five social media campaigns to spread awareness.
- Health Screenings: Screening 100 individuals for HIV/STIs and referral for PrEP, and treatment for HIV other STIs
- Community Partnerships: Collaborating with barbers, beauticians, universities, faith-based organizations, substance abuse/harm reduction, youth development, returning citizens and rites of passage programs.
Performance Goals
The initiative’s objectives align with Baltimore City’s vision for improved community health. Key performance metrics include:
- Training 25 barbers and beauticians as health ambassadors.
- Enrolling three universities and nine youth programs.
- Engaging 400 individuals at community events.
- Piloting PrEP education at three to five grooming sites.
Strategic Leadership and Coordination
Under the overall management of Rebkha Atnafou, and expert guidance of Delayna Watkins (Training and Treatment Referral Coordinator), Dr. Ray Winbush (Morgan State University on data management and evaluation), and Jimmy Wasihun (Data and Communications Coordinator), Kadmiel Van Der Puije (Media Coordinator), the project ensures seamless execution and data-driven outcomes. The members of the collaborative also include Wesley Hawkins, Nolitah Project (youth development), Deitra William, Each1Save1 (youth development, returning citizens, violence prevention, mentoring); Mama Ngina, Own Your Ase, LLC (rites of passage, women empowerment); Curtis Warren, Brothers Helping Brothers and Apex Holistic Wellness Services (returning citizens, mentoring, and harm reduction); Troy Staton, More than a Shop (barbers and beauticians); Dr. Irance Reddix-McCray, Adullum Community Healthcare Center LLC (PrEP and HIV/STI testing and treatment, and Jerrel Williams and Sarah Wallace, ForMyKidz (youth development, returning citizens, harm reduction). Shared online tools like calendars and document repositories enhance collaboration among stakeholders.
Upcoming Highlights
Key upcoming events organized by RnD Associates and the partners include:
- Akoma Couples Summit in February.
- Healthy Love Sessions in February
- Women’s Wellness Event in March.
- Black Family Day and Fathers & Sons Event in June.
- Monthly training sessions in collaboration with “More Than a Shop” initiative.
- Monthly podcasts
- Monthly all team meeting
- Trainings for returning citizens, harm reduction, and youth development programs and screening and referral February-May
- Publication: Guidebook on Promoting Sexual Health in Black Churches and Faith-Based Programs, May.
- Training for faith leaders, April.
Publication: Promoting Sexual Health with Barbers and Beauticians: A Case Study on More Than A Shop (MTAS)
A Shared Commitment to Change
The Voice of Africa proudly supports RnD Associates in their mission to dismantle barriers, promote sexual health, and reduce HIV infection rates. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to uplifting communities and creating impactful change.
As this journey unfolds, The Voice of Africa will continue to provide updates, amplifying the voices of those driving this crucial work. Together, we are building healthier, more informed communities.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on this transformative project!
