Fit2BTide S07.E06

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Wvuafm, Tuscaloosa. Happy Sunday, y'all. You are listening to Fit to be tied with Sheena And Nika on 90.7 the Capstone. And Woo. It is Thanksgiving week, right? [00:00:18] Speaker B: Yes. No. [00:00:18] Speaker A: Or was that last week? No, that was last. That was this past Thursday. I'm sorry. Obviously, my brain is all over the place. [00:00:26] Speaker C: That's okay. You know, listeners, we record this the week before it airs. So we get confused. Going back to the future. [00:00:34] Speaker A: Is that what we're doing? [00:00:35] Speaker B: I think so. [00:00:36] Speaker A: I know I'm like, what is happening right now? But it's so crazy because again, you know, as we think about nearing the end of November and then jumping into December, I want to know, like, how proactive are you with your holiday shopping? Like, do you do it pretty close to the holidays? Or are you that magical unicorn person that kind of, like, curates things throughout the year, like taking advantage of different deal day and that kind of stuff? [00:01:05] Speaker C: I do when I see something that I think, oh, this would be great for a Christmas gift, no matter when it is in the year, I'll try to pick it up. But I am not one of these that have the tenacity in the organization to have it all done by, like, let's say, July. I kind of pick things up as I go, but then I wait till some of the deals come out, like the Black Friday deals and things like that. And then also, as it relates to my children, I never really know what they want until the last minute because they don't really know what they want, I feel like, until the last minute. How about you? [00:01:40] Speaker B: Same. [00:01:40] Speaker A: You know, because what they would want in July could be totally different. [00:01:45] Speaker C: Absolutely. In December. [00:01:47] Speaker A: Also, I am very guilty of, you know, if I were to buy something way prior to Christmas, I end up immediately gifting it to them. [00:01:58] Speaker C: You can't keep as long. [00:01:59] Speaker A: I know I need to be better about that, honestly, from a budget standpoint. And I don't want spoiled children. You know, we're not excessive with it. But, like, every now and again, I'm like, oh, I know that they're into Ninja Turtles. Like, let's get this, let's get them. And so I need to get a handle on that. I'm speaking it now so that come January, when we start our new episodes again and we start talking about New Year's resolutions or just goals for the new year, maybe you can help hold me accountable since I said it that time. [00:02:32] Speaker C: I will. It does get easier to hold gifts back when you're older. I feel Like. Like, if I find something for my mom, I feel like, okay, I can hold this back till Christmas. But it is hard for the kids. [00:02:41] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:02:42] Speaker C: Cause they do. They change their tastes so often. So like you said, if they're into Ninja Turtles in July, they might not be into them in December. [00:02:51] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:02:52] Speaker A: And clothing wise, I mean, you know, I'm sure your kids are like this too, where sizes just change. [00:02:59] Speaker B: They do. [00:02:59] Speaker A: From one month to another. It's like, hold up, like, what is happening? So I don't know. [00:03:03] Speaker C: I will say this. I was very excited. I did get my Christmas decorations out side out by second week of November. [00:03:11] Speaker A: Proud of you. [00:03:12] Speaker C: I'm proud of me because last year I waited to the very end and we only had about a week and a half to enjoy it. So this year I was like, it's a pretty day. It feels like August. [00:03:22] Speaker A: Yes. [00:03:22] Speaker C: Let's get out here and take advantage and get the yard decorated. [00:03:26] Speaker A: I need to put my tree up. Hopefully. Actually, by the time this airs, maybe my tree will be up. [00:03:31] Speaker B: Who knows? [00:03:32] Speaker A: We'll see what happens. But I was talking to someone else the other day about the enigma that is November and December. It's like people love it so much and all that it represents, but from a work standpoint, and I know this isn't limited to just higher ed, it's like everything is due and everything is happening, and it just makes you question life, honestly does. [00:03:56] Speaker C: It's one big blur. [00:03:57] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:03:58] Speaker C: November and December is just one big month. One long month. Yeah. [00:04:02] Speaker A: Now, what's the vibe been in terms of the students you advise, like, this time of the year? [00:04:07] Speaker C: Yeah. So we're trying to look ahead at the next semester while also keeping our heads above water for this semester. You know, when we come back from Thanksgiving, we have one week and then it's finals. So. Yeah. So everything is kind of. The train is approaching very fast. [00:04:26] Speaker A: Yes. [00:04:27] Speaker C: And so it's like, you know, grab your luggage, grab your hat, grab your ticket. [00:04:31] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:04:32] Speaker C: You got to jump on board and go. [00:04:33] Speaker A: Yeah. It's like you're going to either hop on that train prepared or you're going to be on there butt naked. But either way, the train's going to move. [00:04:40] Speaker C: Train's leaving. [00:04:40] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:04:41] Speaker C: Train's leaving to help you jump on. [00:04:42] Speaker B: Yes. [00:04:43] Speaker A: Well, with that said, everything we've talked about, per usual, is not what the rest of the show will be like today. You know, this semester we have really enjoyed bringing different campus and community partners on. I know that a few weeks ago we had the Tuscaloosa Safe center. That was fabulous. And today is going to be no different. You know, we're super excited about having a guest with us today. But we're going to leave that as a teaser. We've got to take a quick break. You are listening to fit to be tied with sheena and Nika on 90.7 the Capstone. WVUAFM Tuscaloosa. [00:05:33] Speaker C: Welcome back, listeners. You are listening to FIT to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the capstone. And today we have a great guest with us. As Sheena teased before the break, our guest is from five horizon health services. [00:05:50] Speaker A: That's right. We have director of outreach Iyana Diaz. Thank you for joining us today. Absolutely. [00:05:57] Speaker B: Thank you for having me. Happy to be here. Yes. [00:06:00] Speaker A: And what we normally like to do anytime we have a guest with us, we like to focus that first segment all about you. So it's gonna be all about Iyana. So why don't you kick things off by telling us a little bit about your professional and academic background. [00:06:16] Speaker B: Absolutely. Absolutely. Again, thank you for having so happy to be here. Just a little bit of background about myself. I am a graduate of the capstone as well. [00:06:25] Speaker A: Roll tide. [00:06:25] Speaker B: Roll tide. You know, to say I graduated in 2021 with my public health degree. [00:06:30] Speaker C: Heck, a public health. [00:06:32] Speaker B: Public health. I always have to come back to my roots. But I majored in public health with two concentrations, the health promotion and the health education background. I was pre med. At first I thought I wanted to be an obgyn or a music teacher. So I was on the music education pre med path. [00:06:48] Speaker A: Oh, wow. [00:06:49] Speaker B: And then I almost fainted in a pa so I was like as I was shadowing. So, like, maybe not. Let's do go the public health route. So graduate of the University of Alabama. I've been working at five horizons health services for about three years now. So my first adult big girl job, as they say, and I truly love it. So we do a lot of testing which we'll probably get into later. But I've been there for about three years now as a part of the prevention and outreach team. We cover a lot of different grounds, campuses within my field or my position specifically. So just happy especially to be giving back to the campus that poured so much into me for sure. [00:07:26] Speaker C: Well, you do give back because I know that you guys are great community partners with our public health program. We love to see you come through the door. You come and speak to our classes. Just great with the students and we're just so proud of you. [00:07:41] Speaker B: Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Just happy for the opportunity. [00:07:44] Speaker A: Well, and given the fact that you are a UA graduate and there is that strong partnership with our public health program and Five Horizons, did you have any interaction with Five Horizons when you were a student and, you know, learn about them when you were in undergrad? [00:08:01] Speaker B: So it's actually funny. I did. My first ever HIV test was with Five Horizons Health Services. And, like, years down the line, it was actually while I was applying for the position that I'm in Now in about 2021, I found the actual I got tested card. I was like, wow. And I didn't even know that that's who I was tested by until, like, three years down the line when I'm actually applying. So it was like a full, full circle moment. It kind of blew my own mind. I was shocked to even have that card still, because I throw away stuff. [00:08:28] Speaker C: All the time, first of all. [00:08:30] Speaker B: But having to even have that still. And it was kind of like a confirmation, like, okay, you're supposed to be here right now. Like, this is. This is different. I've never. I never thought about working in sexual health specifically, but I can't see myself not doing it. I love it so much. So it's really been a joy. And that's kind of how, like, it became, like, a full circle moment. It, for instance. [00:08:49] Speaker C: Yeah, I love that. [00:08:50] Speaker A: I do love that. Now, where is home originally for you? [00:08:54] Speaker B: So home is kind of difficult. I'm a military kid. [00:08:57] Speaker A: Okay. [00:08:58] Speaker B: So I moved around everywhere, but the longest place I've ever stayed is Tuscaloosa. So I've been here since eighth grade. So I just say I'm from here, but I've been to, like, 10 different schools before middle school or eighth grade. Right. [00:09:09] Speaker C: Well, claim, you know, Nika and I. [00:09:13] Speaker A: Are not originally from Tuscaloosa, but we've lived here so long that I've lived here longer. [00:09:18] Speaker C: I've lived here longer than the hometown I grew up in. [00:09:20] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, You're a native. [00:09:22] Speaker C: I'm a native. [00:09:22] Speaker B: Now, we're local, and that's perfectly fine. [00:09:24] Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely. Well, okay. So with Five Horizons Health Services, tell us a little bit about the main focus. Like, what is your typical elevator pitch to someone when they're like, what are y'all all about? [00:09:36] Speaker B: Absolutely. So In a nutshell, Five Horizons Health Services, it was founded in 1988 as West Alabama AIDS Outreach. Our main goal and focus is to provide sexual health regardless of. Of what a person necessarily does. If you're going to have sex, we want you to do it safely. So that's our whole mission and focus. We understand that we're in the South. Sexual health can be very much stigmatized and not talked about a lot, which is why there are so many infections and diseases kind of running rampant, especially in the south, because we don't have that education. So really providing our community with the education as well as testing as well as treatment services. So we have a clinic as well. We offer behavioral health services as well. So we're trying to do as much holistic things as possible, hitting all those determinants of social, you know, determine social health, all of those factors that really play a part in how somebody can show up for themselves and take care of themselves. So we try to holistically care for all of our clients so that we can for sure make sure that their sexual health and is okay in turn, like, helping the public health of, like, the community, especially, especially in the South. So everything that we do in the south really helps, really helps out. [00:10:47] Speaker C: So, yeah, absolutely. Perfect. [00:10:49] Speaker A: Well, okay, so earlier, I think I heard you correctly that you did not necessarily imagine yourself doing sexual health as, like, your health topic as a public health person. So with that said, what makes you passionate about your job? I'm kind of curious if you, like, been pleasantly surprised at, like, oh, my gosh, I have a passion for this. [00:11:10] Speaker B: So I have absolutely been pleasantly surprised. I always or often say during the presentation, I never knew how much I liked talking about sexual health or sex in general until I started working here. But because it was so stigmatized, I was at first like, everybody has their own biases. Everybody has their own things that they have to work out and be willing to face and change, especially to make a change in the community. And I think that's what I enjoy the most about my job and my profession is seeing that light bulb click on in people's brains for them to understand. Okay, this pertains to me in this way. And I can make healthy decisions by this information that this young lady, this company just gave me. So really, education forward, I'm really focused on prevention. I'd rather get our community to where they're like, oh, I remember this. So let me not engage in this activity. Rather than coming on the back end. And it's kind of like an UPO moment. So what do I do from here? So I'm really focused on the prevention aspect. Like I said, I like seeing that light bulb click on in people's brains to where it makes sense and it applies to them, especially with sexual health. I think people have, even me sometimes people tend to have like a superhero complex or that won't affect me until it hits closer to home. And I think it's way closer to home than a lot of people want to think. So seeing that light bulb, click on to where it makes sense. I think that's where I get the most fulfillment from, for sure. [00:12:30] Speaker C: A girl after my own heart. [00:12:32] Speaker A: You know, I prevented geeking out. Nika, I love it. [00:12:37] Speaker B: I love it. [00:12:38] Speaker C: I love when you're like, hey, I like to give you all the information so that you can make a good decision. Cause you never want someone to get to the end of the day and go, well, if I had known, I wouldn't have done xyz or I would have done xyz. [00:12:52] Speaker B: I would have done such and such different things. Absolutely. If I had this key of information. [00:12:56] Speaker C: Knowledge is power. [00:12:57] Speaker A: Yes. [00:12:58] Speaker B: No. [00:12:58] Speaker A: And I think it's a treat for us to talk to you as a proud alum of ua. And then, you know, Nika, especially with Iyana, coming from Yalls academic area, I feel like you're probably having this proud faculty. I am, too. And it's great for our listeners, especially since I know that many of our listeners are UA students. And so when you're hearing about students who have gone to the university and then they're doing work that they love, work that is local to Tuscaloosa, it makes it really exciting. And so I'm grateful, Iana, for you kind of sharing what your background has been and what the main focus is of Five Horizons. I know in just a little bit we're about to take a break, but we're going to go into some deeper focus with Five Horizons for sure. And actually, before we take that break, I'm curious. When I was looking at Yalls website, I had mostly been familiar over the years, especially when the organization was West Alabama AIDS outreach. Really just thinking about those interventions in Tuscaloosa. But then when I started seeing everywhere y'all serve, I was like, oh, my Lanta. So when did that explosive expansion happen? [00:14:11] Speaker B: So that happened in about the fall of 2022. There was a large medical advocacy group in Montgomery, and we overtook or took on like, their services and their clients as well. So that's really where the expansion started the most, especially in Alabama. Before that, we served 10 counties in West Alabama, and now we're in Selma, Montgomery counties, as far as Geneva, Houston counties. So we stretched pretty far. And we also have a clinic in Starkville, Mississippi, that we opened in the middle of COVID So in 2020. So if there's anybody or any students that they have other friends that attend Mississippi State University, we also help them out everywhere or those like surrounding counties, we especially help. So we're pretty since 22. We've been everywhere for the most part. [00:14:58] Speaker A: Okay. [00:14:59] Speaker C: That shows that there's a need. [00:15:00] Speaker B: Absolutely. [00:15:01] Speaker A: Absolutely. With that said, we're going to take a quick break, y'all. Y'all run to the restroom, grab a snack, do what you got to do. You are listening to Fit to Be talk with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 to Capstone WVUAFM Tuscaloosa. [00:15:25] Speaker C: Welcome back, listeners. You're listening to Fit to Be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the capstone. [00:15:31] Speaker A: Yes. And if you are just now joining us, well, for one, you got to go back at some point and listen to our previous segments. But we have the honor of having Ms. Iyana Diaz, who is the director of outreach for Five Horizons Health Services with us. And in the previous segment she was telling us all about her academic and professional background, including the fact that she is a proud UA alum. So roll tide to that. [00:15:55] Speaker B: Roll tide. [00:15:56] Speaker A: And so, you know, just to kind of even recap for our listeners as well as those that may just be hopping into the program, what is the mission of Five Horizons Health Services? [00:16:06] Speaker B: So yes, absolutely. So Five Horizons Health Services, we are a nonprofit community based organization and we provide services to West Alabama as well as East Mississippi. We were founded in 1988 as West Alabama AIDS Outreach where our original mission was to provide HIV related prevention services to West Alabama. But since that time, since our expansion, we've expanded to include a lot of services for populations in need of specialized or generalized care. Overall, we do try to provide high quality patient centered medical care, prevention, testing and case management services, really honing in to taking care of that client holistically rather than just pinpoint type things. So anything to eliminate any barriers to our clients care, to make sure they're in treatment, getting their medicine as they need, getting their checkups, anything to eliminate those barriers to their care. That's what we specialize in. [00:17:01] Speaker A: Okay. [00:17:02] Speaker C: Love it. And you are a United Way agency. [00:17:05] Speaker B: Absolutely. [00:17:05] Speaker C: So when listeners, we had Safe center on a few weeks ago, that is also a United Way agency. So when you donate to the United Way campaign, these are some of the good things that is going on out in the world that your funds are going to. [00:17:24] Speaker B: Absolutely. [00:17:24] Speaker A: Happy to be. [00:17:26] Speaker C: Yeah. So when we're talking about that, you've kind of Alluded to the services you provide. But let's pretend I walk into five horizons today and there's like a menu of services. What are some of the things I would safe? [00:17:39] Speaker B: Absolutely. So one of the main things, especially with our community and UA students or all of our university students, the main thing we push is free hiv, free SDI testing. So free, free, free. No sugarcoating, no catches, no anything like that. You walk in, you can get free testing. So the STI testing comes with chlamydia, gonorrhea and trich. If you do need treatment at all, it'll only be $20 and that's not per infection. So say for instance, you get tested for HIV and the STIs, some of the STI, chlamydia, gonorrhea and trick and you come in reactive. For chlamydia and gonorrhea you only have to pay $20 and you'll get both of those treated for you. [00:18:19] Speaker C: Wow, okay. [00:18:19] Speaker B: So super affordable. We also have a sliding fee scale. So if you do think $20 is not in your price range for that day, just let the clinic know and we don't turn anybody away. So no matter what, you can get your treatment and never think that finances are reasons for you not to get your health care. So no matter what. But we make sure that they're taken care of. We also offer prep. So prep is pre exposure prophylaxis. So it's a preparational tool to. It's basically a medication that you take so you won't ever have to contract hiv. So it's a pill form or an injectable option. With the pill form you take it just like birth control, we call it like birth control for hiv. You take it every day and it limits your chances of contracting HIV by 99%. So we offer that prep is actually for free under most insurances right now especially. And also if you don't have insurance insurance or if you're concerned about possibly a guardian, you really want to hone in on your take care of your own health and have it in your name. We can help you get on your own insurance and you can get prep. And with that insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield. So you can take that to other clinics and things around in the area. So you can get limited primary care as well. So prep, free testing. We also, like I was saying before, very holistically focused. So behavioral health sessions too. So if you're interested in mental health, like therapy, things like that, therapy sessions, we have you take a PHQ9 which is just an assessment to level or an assessment for levels of depression. And then you could take. Or we pay for two sessions per month of therapy for up to 12 months. So if that's something we really. We know mental health is so connected with sexual health. A lot of the times why people have sex is because they might be having a bad day or they just need something of relief, just like food. People overeat when they're stressed out. People might turn to sex for those same things. So trying to tackle all of those issues that people might not see at the forefront, like therapy or like, excuse me, like mental health, we try to address all of those. We also offer education sessions. Like Nika was saying, we've come into the public health classes and discussed different hiv, sti, healthy coping skills, relationship building, really, whatever to make it. It's not always focused on sexual health, but we do try to incorporate that in. But we know sexual health is tied into so many things. So that kind of makes my work kind of broad, too, but always focuses in. On. On just healthy decision making, education focused, prevention focused, and then as well, just event collaboration and opportunities. And we also offer pep. So post exposure prophylaxis, which is the counteract, or not counteract, but the opposite side of prep. So say, for instance, you get into a situation and you know you're possibly exposed to hiv. PEP post exposure is what you. You can take. We kind of call it like the plan B for HIV. Sure, you take it within 72 hours, just like a plan B, and it limits your chances of contracting HIV by 99. So we offer that. But say, for instance, those experiencing or those who are survivors of sexual assault, like you all had safe center here last week, we have a great partnership with them, and we offer those clients prep, or, excuse me, PEP as well. So those are a lot of the few things that we do. So. [00:21:29] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:21:30] Speaker C: Well, that's amazing. [00:21:31] Speaker A: I feel like Nika and I are in a privileged position of being so well versed with the fact that your agency exists. And while I would love to generalize that, you know, Tuscaloosa county probably has a good idea of you existing, I also realize that based on all the different counties that you serve, and, you know, my goodness, I think of all the rural areas, too. What. How do you overcome those challenges of figuring out how to let the masses know that y'all all exist? Because, you know, especially if you are going to a county that may not have the hustle and bustle of Tuscaloosa county with getting to Partner with other agencies. How do you get that out there? Is that a struggle for your organization or. I hate to use the word struggle, but is that kind of an obstacle at times? [00:22:20] Speaker B: It can definitely be obstacles at times. I think the most challenging obstacle is every city is different, every rural location is different. So it won't be necessarily cookie cutter like what you'll do in a Fayette county might not work in Walker or Lamar or anything like that. But I will say what really helps the best is them seeing a present face, reoccurring face. So the more that we're out there, not necessarily here, not saying here, we're here to prick your finger and then go away and you never see us again for like six months rather. On the other hand, just doing tabling sessions, meeting them where they are, going to church opportunities or other type of fall festivals, things that are outside of the box sometimes. It might not look like it's directly related to sexual health, but it's all about relationship building. So you can't really do anything without somebody trusting you. Especially related to health and especially related to sexual health, which is already stigmatized. So having them, those communities see us as much as possible, even during times where we're not offering anything other than here's some information and here's some food. Just gaining that trust to let them know that we're not only do we care about, we care about them as people. They're not just a number, they're not just a statistic or a test to check off of a box. We're not only caring about themselves, but caring about their whole family because it's a public health issue. So relationship building is really how we tackle those obstacles. The more they see us, the more they trust us and the more we are, they allow us to really help. Help. So that's. I feel like that's the most. [00:23:54] Speaker C: So when we talk about who can be seen at five horizons, let's say I'm a student and I have the choice. I could go to the health department to get tested. I could go to the student health center, I could go to like a med center. I could come to you guys. Why would you want to persuade them to come to you over the other great. I mean all the other ones are great as well. I think it has great services. But what is it that's unique other than like what you've just said? Like the holistic approach? [00:24:21] Speaker B: Yeah, so I definitely think as you said, the holistic approach, but also just a guaranteed warm feeling, non judgmental feeling as soon as you walk in the door. I think that's one thing that we prioritize and specialize is that no matter who's coming in, they're going to feel like they made the right choice to come in today. That's greeting them with a smile. Greeting them with, if you are a hugger, we'll hug you. I make sure I ask all of my clients, like I always ask, can I hug? Or even, especially if you could, sometimes you can tell when it's needed. [00:24:54] Speaker C: Sometimes people need a hug, right? [00:24:55] Speaker B: I know I need a hug sometimes. So. And at the end of it, our goal, because it's already so stigmatized and what we do are so stigmatized and difficult to talk about, we try to make it as non judgmental as possible. So knowing that whenever you come to Five Horizons Health Services, you could tell us your entire sexual health history, you won't get eyes batted at you. You won't feel as if you're less than. You're still treated as a person. Because we're people first and we just want you to be safe no matter what. However you choose to do that, we'll help you do that. But the overall goal is being safe, feeling comfortable, and having something in a safe space that you know you could come back to, to where you won't ever feel judged. That's always our goal. So for sure. [00:25:39] Speaker C: So I do know that that, like you said, is stigmatized. And so it is embarrassing maybe to walk into a clinical setting, such health department or a physician's office, because you're there for a clinical test. So what I'm hearing is what sets you guys apart is I'm not just going in as a medical patient. I'm going in to where I've now I'm making a friend. [00:26:01] Speaker B: Right? Absolutely. [00:26:02] Speaker C: It's more of a community. [00:26:04] Speaker B: Yes. [00:26:04] Speaker C: So you can go get tested at the health department, but you may just be a patient. Right. With you guys, we're building relationships. [00:26:10] Speaker B: Absolutely. And then say, for instance, you're not at the comfortability level where you want to come into our office. We also have testing, our self testing kits that you can do in the comfort of your own dorm, your apartment. All you have to do is literally come by, pick one up and drop it off. We also have campus ambassadors on campus, so that's an opportunity for students to get involved. We'll talk about later. But they can also get a kit from a campus ambassador as well. [00:26:34] Speaker A: I mean, like every time you answer, I'm like, tell me more. But then I'm like, oh, snap, we gotta take a break because some of the things that you just mentioned I want to go back to in this next segment. But we're going to take a quick break, you guys. You are listening to Fit to Be Tagged with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the Capstone. WVUAFM, Tuscaloosa. [00:27:04] Speaker C: Hey, listeners, you are listening to Fit to Be Tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the capstone. [00:27:10] Speaker A: Yes. And we. Oh my goodness, we have had the best show so far today. If you are just now hopping on, please, please go back and listen to our previous segments. We have had the honor and pleasure of having Ms. Iyana Diaz, who is the Director of Outreach for Five Horizons Health Services. She has really been enlightening us on the services that are provided to not only the West Alabama area, but also letting us know that they've expanded to Mississippi and have some reach in Starkville. And so we have just been so amazed by what they offer. And so I think, you know, kind of continuing within that vein, I'm curious, Iyana, do you collaborate frequently with colleges and what do these partnerships look like? I know that you go into the classroom and, you know, there's those presentations that are done. Are there any other types of collaborations that happen within the higher ed space? [00:28:03] Speaker B: Absolutely. So we really try to take as many opportunities as possible because in being that I hadn't graduated too far too long ago, I remembered what I enjoyed. So I know I didn't enjoy necessarily. I wanted a fun aspect. So, so something that we've done specifically with UA Public health, we did a bingo night to where some students also were or professors were able to partner. And students who did attend, they were able to get a chance at winning some extra credit slip. Right. Dang. Some nice. Right, Right. Some nice prizes. We've done Jeopardy. Before, Sexual Health Jeopardy, where we talk about HIV, STI 101. And then the questions are based on the presentation. And we also try to have like really good gifts or prizes for that. So we've done gift cards, PlayStation, Xbox cards, food gift cards, gas cards, Publix, Target, Starbucks. We try to make it worthwhile and engaging as well. But to answer the other question, we do partner with a plethora of campuses or colleges around, of course, University of Alabama being one. We also work with the University of West Alabama, Shelton State Community College, as Stillman College as well. And then our southern region in Montgomery. We partner with Alabama State University, Tuskegee University a lot, and then Mississippi State University too. So we really try to hit every college that's in our service areas. We try to form partnerships and we've been pretty successful with it thus far. But yeah, those are some of the events that we do. We really try to make it engaging. It doesn't always have to be forum focused or HIV STI101, like I said before, we can talk about relationship building, coping skills, self worth, self esteem, how that relates to sexual health and how you make your choices related to sexual health. We've even talked about social media and how it plays a part in sexual health and things like that. So it's really whatever our audience wants it to be and we can tweak it according to that. And we always try to incorporate something fun. We also do testing events to where you could all, you could have either HIV only where it's just an oral swab or you can have HIV and STIs with the urine sample, oral swab portion. We've had food trucks come and you can get a meal off the food truck if you get tested. You can get a gift card if you get tested. We really try to offer as many or as much incentives as possible as well to make it engaging. But it's really whatever the organization makes it and we try to just brainstorm along with it to see what else we could add to make it more engaging for the population. [00:30:41] Speaker C: So for our listeners out there, like you say, maybe in the Deep south, and they don't really realize that there are some alarming statistics out there. You know, there are different thoughts out there of. Well, not in my backyard. Maybe in your backyard, you got some stats that you'd like to hit our listeners with about, you know, things that is public health statistics. [00:31:11] Speaker B: Absolutely. Specifically regarding or surrounding hiv. I think one, one of the first ones that to put everything kind of in perspective for people living with HIV. As of 2022, there are 1,107,597 people currently living with HIV. And it's actually interesting that the southern United States. So us in the Deep south, even though we only Approximately account for 38% of the entire US population, we account for 52% of all the new HIV diagnosis in 2022. So even though we're a kind of a small part, technically not even or a little over a quarter, we take up more than half of the new diagnosis of hiv. So I think it's. Yeah, it puts it in perspective. It puts it in perspective. [00:31:59] Speaker C: And that the numbers don't lie. [00:32:01] Speaker B: The numbers don't lie. And with Increasing prevalence in your. Your zip code, that makes you more likely to contract it just because there are more people around you in your zip code that have or that are living with hiv. And then one specifically that just to bring it home a little bit even more specifically with our young students. So age bracket of like 13 to 24, 25 to 34. So 18.7% of new HIV cases are within that 13 to 24 age bracket. [00:32:28] Speaker A: Wow. [00:32:29] Speaker B: And then 82, or excuse me, 37.3% of new diagnosis are within that 25 to 34. So I know that's a big. That's college age. [00:32:37] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:32:38] Speaker B: To be honest. And then the last thing, specifically, Tuscaloosa County. So Tuscaloosa county makes up for 59.1% of all HIV cases in our district, which is the west central Alabama district. And that accounts for 11 counties. So even though we're on the bigger end, that's why our population or our prevalence rate is high, higher. And then of course, the action that are happening. So there, there are definitely tools that we can use in order to stay safe. And again, lasting age bracket of 2020, or excuse me, 20 to 24, it makes up for 21.4% of the total new cases of HIV in Alabama, which is 374. So. And that's just from January 2024 to September 24th. [00:33:21] Speaker A: Wow. And, you know, I think, you know, just again, just as Nika said, you know, the numbers don't lie. I'm curious, when you are doing your outreach or maybe you are speaking to an organization that is hearing about you for the first time, do you ever have to focus part of the conversation on kind of correcting any misconceptions about the work of your organization? [00:33:43] Speaker B: Absolutely. So I think one of the main misconceptions about sexual health in general that I've seen the most is how I think we kind of talked about or tapped on it earlier was kind of like the superhero complex or it doesn't hit as close to home for. It doesn't hit. Or. Excuse me, it doesn't click until it hits closer to home. [00:34:04] Speaker C: Yes. [00:34:05] Speaker B: And I would rather. I don't want it to hit close to any of our homes. So to be honest. So just getting that extra education so you won't ever have to be in that predicament or even if you are in that situation, you'll know what are the next steps or what can I do next. So. And I think another main misconception is if you talk about sex, then people are going to do it more. That's far from the case. People are already engaging in it. That's why the numbers and statistics are here. So in saying all of this and in saying the 52% of all the cases just being in the south, we have some work to do. And I do think that talking about it is the first step. Nobody knows anything unless it's talked about or unless it's sought out, the information itself. So I would much rather it come from public health, like professionals and those that have received training rather than the media or however else you're more than likely to find out about it. So I definitely think talking about it, even if it does, people can say that it does bring about more sexual activity. It's more informed, even if it is partaken in. [00:35:11] Speaker C: Well, and being in public health with you as well, I have also learned that you can have the argument of I am going to abstain until I'm in a monogamous relationship. This does not apply to me. This is not going to be something I need to know. While that may be true, can you always guarantee that that person that you're in a monogamous relationship with has been completely 100% honest with you, and then now you may have, in your mind, made every decision, quote, unquote, the right way, but you can't control if another person's lying to you, and then all of a sudden, you now have a diagnosis, diagnoses. [00:35:51] Speaker B: Right? [00:35:51] Speaker C: So I always say that as my counter argument to people is that we are human beings. You know, at some point we might be in a relationship, we might get married, we might. Whatever, whatever you box you want to put yourself in. [00:36:05] Speaker B: Right. [00:36:06] Speaker C: But it's still a part of your health. It's the same way as saying, I've never smoked cigarettes, so I will never get lung cancer. You can't say that definitively because lung cancer is not always caused by cigarettes. So your sexual health, you have to know all about it. And I love that y'all are out there spitting these statistics out and doing the good work. Because like you said, the biases and the misconceptions, it's not that you're out there promoting behavior, you're out there promoting. [00:36:37] Speaker B: Health and addressing the behavior to be healthy. Absolutely, man. [00:36:41] Speaker A: I just. I don't know. I've been like, just with all of our shows this semester, I have been geeking out over the information. I know we've got to take a break, but, eon, if it's okay with you, we'd love to keep you in our last segment because I want to kind of end the show with you talking about any volunteer opportunities or even the events and fundraisers that y'all do to help support your organization. But we are going to take that break, you guys. You stick around. You are listening to fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the Capstone. WVUAFM Tuscaloosa. [00:37:24] Speaker C: Welcome back, listeners, and thanks for joining us on our last episode of the semester of fit to be tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the Capstone. And we have ended this semester, I think, with the most fabulous guests. What do you think, Sheena? [00:37:38] Speaker A: I agree, like this, I don't know. I just feel like we're so lucky with, like, what we get to do and the type of people that we, that we get to talk to. And if you were just now joining us, we've had the honor and the pleasure of talking to Ms. Iana Diaz, who is the director of outreach for Five Horizons Health Services. And I know, you know, you've shared so much about statistics, you know, like all of the different things that you do, all of those different services, how cost effective it is. Now I'm kind of curious, what kind of events and fundraisers does the organization do to help support the work of Five Horizons? You know, do you have like, fundraiser, like signature events that you guys do throughout the year to really help with that? [00:38:23] Speaker B: Yeah, so absolutely. One of the main things that we do surrounding World AIDS Day happens in December. So it's actually, actually about to take place the first week of December. If you follow us on 5TheNumber5Horizons HS on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, all the above, you'll find out all that I'm talking about here, too. But with World AIDS Day, we partner with Alpha Psi Omega, the theater fraternity here on campus. And they put on an entire show called Greater Giving. So it has a different theme every year. And they all the proceeds from the tickets, they go to Five Horizons Health Services to help with the work that we do. Wow. So that's something every year that everybody can look forward to that first weekend, typically in that first weekend in December, as well as Sunset Supper. So Sunset Supper is our spring annual fundraising event. It typically takes place in May and we post it on our social media as well. So we typically have raffle items, large raffle items from your favorite locations here in town, as well as some Alabama football merch, like signed merch we've had before for portraits, paintings, a lot of different things. And then we typically have food there as well as a person living with experience, living with HIV typically serves as our spokesperson or spokesperson or excuse me, speaker for the evening. So it's a really good time. Those are our main fundraisers that we do for our northern region or like our Tuscaloosa region. But there are different things that our southern region as well as Starkville offers. So each location, they typically have an annual fundraiser. But if you're interested, Tuscaloosa for sure. Greater giving during that first weekend in December and Sunset supper every year in May, that's typically what you could for sure count on. [00:40:09] Speaker C: What about the ball mask? [00:40:11] Speaker A: So at the bana. [00:40:12] Speaker B: Yes. So that one that's typically put on by Druid City. Yes, Druid City Prize. So we have a great partnership with them as well. They are the ones typically putting on that. I want to say it's happening in February. [00:40:24] Speaker C: So it's around Mardi Gras, isn't it? [00:40:26] Speaker B: Yes, yes. [00:40:26] Speaker C: It's a fun event. [00:40:28] Speaker B: Absolutely. So if anybody's interested in attending that, please, we welcome you. We do a lot of things with Druid City pride, a whole lot. And if you attend the different things around the city, we typically try to post at least like a month in advance. One thing that we for sure have coming up is our Christmas kind of movie night that we're taking that's taking place at five Spot, our five spot location right across from Steelman. [00:40:53] Speaker C: Okay. [00:40:54] Speaker B: So It'll be happening December 13th. If anybody would like to join, it's going to be just good time, hot chocolate, you can get tested, get a free meal off the food truck and just sit and watch TV with us. [00:41:07] Speaker C: So and that's a Friday, so way to get your weekend started. [00:41:10] Speaker B: Exactly. And it's the end of finals. So if you're still in town after your finals, come treat yourself with a good little movie night. You did well on your exam. [00:41:17] Speaker A: I love that. Well, I know we have got to end the show quickly but just really curious, are there volunteer opportunities? Is that something that you all typically take on and if so, do people go to find out more information? [00:41:32] Speaker B: Yeah. So if you are interested in volunteering, one thing that you can volunteer is that Christmas movie night that I was talking about, December 13th, first and foremost. But also we do different like fall festivals. So large type festivals or excuse me, large type events, community wide events around the spring, summer and typically like fall around like holiday time. So if you are interested all you have to do is go to our website and do the content, contact us and then pick prevention and outreach. So whatever is related to outreach, whether that's testing, you want to schedule a free appointment, you could do it that way. If you want to volunteer, you can go on our website and do it that way. Or even if you're just interested in us coming to speak with your organization, you could do it that way as well. If you would like my email, My email is idiazivehorizons.org and if you have any questions, please reach out to me. Feel please feel free. Happy to help. Happy to be of service. [00:42:24] Speaker A: Well, hot dang, y'all. This has been a good show. [00:42:27] Speaker B: It has been. [00:42:27] Speaker C: Yes. [00:42:28] Speaker A: Iyana, thank you so much for joining. Nika, thank you. [00:42:31] Speaker C: Keep doing the good work that you're doing. [00:42:32] Speaker A: Yes. And listeners, we will catch you in the spring as we kick things off in January, but we hope you have a happy holiday season. And we're so grateful for you joining us on Fit to Be Tied with Sheena and Nika on 90.7 the capstone WVUAFM Tuscaloosa.