The Azalea Project, a special Healthy Start project for substance-abusing pregnant and parenting women, held several group activities this fall for participants on topics like human rights and women’s health.
One group was facilitated by Diane Ross, from Jacksonville Human Rights Commission. The JHRC works to ensure that all Jacksonville residents enjoy the opportunity to fully participate in the privileges a community free of discriminatory practices. The JHRC investigates complaints of alleged discriminatory or unfair practices in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. JHRC also provides training opportunities on anti-discrimination laws and offers a variety of programs and projects that encourage citizens to develop a deeper understanding of other racial, ethnic, religious and cultural norms through dialogue sessions. The Azalea participants got a better understanding of their rights, how to make complaints and how to have their voices heard about things they are concerned about.
Willie Roberts, Faith Community Nursing Program Coordinator at St Vincent’s Hospital, along with two HIV-positive volunteers, spoke to Azalea aprticipants on women’s reproductive health and HIV/AIDS in particular.
Topics included:
- How HIV is spread
- HIV symptoms
- Myths about HIV/AIDS
- Safer Sex Practices
- Know your partner’s HIV Status
- Protecting your children from HIV
- Types of HIV Tests
- Caring for yourself & others with HIV/AIDS
They work to improve the health and sense of well-being of all women and girls by providing them the information, education preventing getting the virus & how to live with it. The women were empowered to take better care of their reproductive health by getting tested, having annual check-up and practicing safe sex.