Amethyst Women’s Project held their annual event in commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2011 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM. The event took place at the Iglesia Pentecostal de Jesucristo located on 2102 Mermaid Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224 and was open to the community of Coney Island. The day entailed free HIV testing and HCV/STI screenings along with prevention education, music, games, free food and an exclusive film screening.
The main program began with a opening prayer given by Pastor Linda Watts, followed by some opening remarks from Executive Director, Aida Leon. Peer Coordinator, Melisa Garber, conducted a PowerPoint presentation on the impact of HIV/AIDS globally provided by UNAIDS. Peer Outreach Educator, Ibian Soto, shared her story about living with HIV/AIDS and having her life been saved by Aida Leon and Amethyst Women’s Project, followed by the showing of a remembrance pictorial in honor of community members lost to the virus, which was especially touching to all those present.
After the main program everyone was invited to eat some deli subs while watching the documentary “Still Around,” a compilation of short films concerning HIV/AIDS provided by Outcast Films. Lastly, the Peer Coordinator, Melisa Garber led a “Community Feud” game quizzing the attendees on HIV/AIDS transmission with three lucky winners receiving gift bags and t-shirts for having the right answers.
In total there were 40 individuals in attendance with 20 of them getting tested for HIV, 7 of them getting screened for STIs, and 4 of them received a HCV screening. Overall the event was another great success thanks to the dedicated staff and volunteers of Amethyst Women’s Project.
To see pictures, click here to go to our facebook page.
