Final Farewell

So all the bags are packed and I am ready to go; but I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye to all of you beautiful people. There has been so much to be grateful for in 2009. Project FIERCE is off and running! I hope that you have all enjoyed our time together. I will miss my hometown and all my friends.

Before I leave let me leave you with the three quotes that were on my cubicle wall for the past two years. They have inspired me, and gotten me through the rough days.

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.”
~ Albert Einstein 1940

This quote has gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life. It applies so much to HIV prevention. There is so much stigma and shame in this world that we have to be courageous and honest about this disease to defeat the mediocre mind.


“No real social change has ever been brought about without a revolution... revolution is but thought carried into action.”
~Emma Goldman

Again, so true! Social Change is what my life is always about. Changing the minds and helping to change some behavior. To me a revolution does not have to be some huge uprising. You can have a personal revolution. Like Miss Goldman says, it is just a thought carried into action.
And Finally:

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
~ Dolly Parton

Who doesn’t love Dolly? Amazing talent and insight into the world; this is the most obvious and simple statement, yet, it is the one we always forget. Things will always get better! Just remember, Dolly says so.

So that is what I looked at everyday for 2 years. Those are the things that reminded me that I must continue to do what I do. I hope they inspire you all to do something extraordinary in your life.

Well, kids I am off to save the world!



XOXO,

Patricio!

Top Ten things to do in the New Year

Happy New Year! So what is your resolution this year? Are you going to finally get your house clean or run that marathon? Well here are the top ten things you should do this year, when it comes to your resolution.

1) Know your status:

Everyone has an HIV status. This is so important in the fight against the disease. Knowing your status is one of the healthiest things you can do. Find out today! In most cases it will only takes about 30 minutes to finish the test. (www.hivtest.org or text your zip code to 566948)

2) Get help for substance abuse:

That one is pretty self-explanatory. If you feel that you need help, please get help. Just remember that the people who are involved in recovery programs are there to help, not judge. (http://www.samhsa.gov/)

3) Depression and Anxiety:

Depression and Anxiety can be a serious mental illness. Both of them have distinct characteristics. Check out WebMD for more information, however, remember that nothing can replace the valuable advice of a trained medical professional. (http://www.webmd.com/)

4) Hepatitis:

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. There are five forms of Hepatitis, but you should know that you can get immunized against A & B. To get more information on Hepatitis (http://www.cdc.gov/HEPATITIS/)

5) Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Gay and Bi Men do not just get HIV. There are slues of other diseases that you can contract such as Syphilis, Chlamydia, etc. If you are sexually active you should get check for STDs. 1 out of every 2 people will contract an STD by 25. (http://www.findstdtest.org/)

6) Cancers:

Make sure get checked for Prostate, Testicular, and Colon Cancers. These tests should occur across the life span. You can do a Testicular Self Exam (http://tcrc.acor.org/tcexam.html). Check it out!

7) Alcohol:

I know we talked about substance abuse issues, but alcohol safety is key as well. Make sure that you always have a sober buddy! That way you know that you can get home safely. Try not to drink too much, and stay hydrated but drinking water between drinks. (I often finish my drink and then eat the ice, before get some water).

8) Tobacco:

You knew this was coming. If you use, try to stop. It could be the healthiest thing you do all year. 1-800-QuitNow is a great resource. They could even send you gum or patches. You can also check out http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org/.

9) Diet and Exercise.

This is everyone’s favorite resolution. “I want to lose weight!” I say great, just make sure that you are doing it in a healthy, productive way. Your doctor can help you and even refer you to a nutritionist. Make sure that you take a healthy path. I know that it is easier to do “Fad Diets” or take pills. Just be careful these things could have some serious side effects. If you feel that you may have Bulimia or Anorexia please seek help. (http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/anorexia-nervosa/default.htm)


10) Anal Papilloma:

This could be a serious problem. Anal Papilloma can lead to anal cancers in men. This is something that you talk to you doctor about. Many experts believe that you should have an anal pap smear like women have every year. (http://aids.about.com/cs/conditions/a/analpaps.htm)

So make your appointments, and make 2010 the healthiest year of your life!

(This list is adapted from the GLMA’s
“TEN THINGS GAY MEN SHOULD DISCUSS WITH THEIR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS” http://glma.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=690)

From the Desk of L. Greene

Great things can happen when a community comes together for a great cause! St. Joseph County proved that by coming together, we were able to receive funding to provide HIV Counseling & Testing in OUR community!

St. Joseph County was denied funding to provide critical HIV Prevention services in 2010. Because of the overwhelming support of the St. Joseph County community we were able to receive funding!!!

Thank you to all who were able to contact local representatives and the Indiana State Department of Health! It really made a difference. Whether your contribution was great or small it is truly appreciated!!

Thanks again and remember that St. Joseph County must come together whether for HIV/AIDS or any other issue that affects our community, we must make sure our voices are heard!

Thanks and Happy Holidays,

Latorya Greene
Director of Prevention
AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist

Sex Addiction

Addiction: The term "addiction" is used in many contexts to describe an obsession, compulsion, or excessive psychological dependence. There are many addictions out there, the most obvious ones being Alcohol and Drugs. However, addiction spans across many areas of life from credit cards to work.


Sex addiction is fairly new, but has been linked to both pornography and cybersex addiction. Let me stop here and say that addiction is a disease and not just a state of mind. This article will address addiction as a disease, if you feel that you may have a problem please seek medical help. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: http://www.samhsa.gov/)

Sex Addiction
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: http://www.slaafws.org/
Sexaholics Anonymous: http://www.sa.org/index.php

The National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity has defined sexual addiction as "engaging in persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behavior acted out despite increasing negative consequences to self and others."(2) Sexual addiction is best described as a progressive intimacy disorder characterized by compulsive sexual thoughts and acts. Like all addictions, its negative impact on the addict and on family member’s increases as the disorder progresses. Over time, the addict usually has to intensify the addictive behavior to achieve the same results.(5).

I am no expert, but, I have worked with many people who have substance abuse issues. Sex addiction is often not seen as a “real” addiction, and can be very shameful for the person. Many people ask me why addicts “just don’t stop”. This is not something you can just stop doing. That would be like telling a diabetic to “just stop” having diabetes.

Addiction is a real health disorder. Nobody woke up one day and said, “I think I am gonna be an addict today”. There are often underlying issues. There are some people who we consider to be “Dual Diagnosed”. These are people who have both a mental illness and substance abuse issues.

This could be the same with sexual addiction. Sex releases brain chemicals that make us feel “Happy” or “Euphoric”. The act of sex is not what the person is addicted to; it is a combination of factors including these chemicals. There are many tests online that can help you to understand your sexual behavior. If you think you have a problem please seek help. I have provided some resources for you, and I will provide a link to the “Gay Men’s Sexual Addiction Screening Test”
http://sash.net/index.php/Gay-Men-Sexual-Addiction-Screening-Test.html
Stay Healthy and Be FIERCE!

From the Desk of P. Battani

Dear Project FIERCE Family:

This is the most difficult and saddest letter I have ever written. Over the last year, I have seen Project FIERCE grow from idea into something great. This is not to my credit but to the credit of the whole community. The support that I have received from Truman’s, Vickie’s, The Club has been amazing. I want to take this moment to thank each person who has helped achieve this goal.

Now for the hard part… I have resigned from AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist effective January 8, 2010. The many years I have spent with the organization have taught me so much. Without the AMAA, I could not go forward at this time.

I am proud of the work that I have done with AMAA and Project FIERCE. Sometimes, like any proud parent, you have to let go and let them find their own way. I know that Project FIERCE is in the best hands, I couldn’t ask for better people.

As job opportunities have arose in the past, I have politely passed. I did this because I am committed to my community and their wellbeing. South Bend is my hometown; I care deeply for all of my brothers and sisters. However, an opportunity too good to pass up came along.

This new opportunity will help me to grow and what I learn, I can share. I will be moving to Bloomington, Indiana. I have accepted a position with Bloomington Hospital’s Positive Link. This does not mean that I am abandoning Project FIERCE; it just means I will watch from afar. I will always be a phone call away if anyone needs me.

Please understand that this position will enrich all of our lives for the better. With new information and new technologies to share, we can reach more people and hopeful end this epidemic. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve my community in this capacity, I will truly miss everyone…and you scarecrow, I think I’ll miss you most of all.

Stay Health and Be FIERCE,

Patrick Battani

In My Not So Humble Opinion

It has been a year and as we head into the holiday season, I just wanted to give you all some of the insight that I have learned this year. This will be my last blog…so I am gonna make it a good one. With 2010 just around the corner, it is important that this year we make a resolution to be healthy. I don’t know what that means to you, but take care of your whole self this year mind, body and spirit. Here are my 2009 Lessons.


All that glitters isn't gold…sometimes it's just glitter.

I have learned that sometimes if it shiny and new, it isn't always right. I tried new things this year and not all of them were really worth that much other then the experience. Sometimes what you think is valuable is just cheap pieces of shiny plastic and sometimes shiny plastic is worth more then gold.



Stand strong and carry a big stick!
I really learned what it means to stand up for what you believe in this year. If they won't listen then use the stick! I am not advocating violence, but sometimes that is the only thing that people respond to. I did not get into any fights this year, but I have given some really intimidating looks.



Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.

Boy, did I learn this lesson this year. I have actually found friends in people that I would have never been friends will. I honor those relationships and learn from my mistake. Be kind to each other…the toes you step on today may be connected to the butt you have to kiss tomorrow.


Rome wasn't built in a Day!
That may be true…but someone dreamt it in one day. Follow your dreams regardless of what anyone tells you. This was a lesson that I so need to hear. I have so many dreams in this world and I know that I can make them all come true!


You can always come home!

At the end of the day I have had my fun. Made new friends, made some changes and become someone who I am much prouder of today then I was yesterday. But at the end of the day all I really need is to come home where it is warm and loving. SO here is to 2010…wasn't the greatest year…wasn’t the worst. Thanks for the memories!



In my not so humble opinion, tomorrow hopes that we have learned something from today!

Love,
Patricio

MTV's True Life: I'm Polyamorous.

So Last night I had a great discussion on Polyamorous relationship (having multiple partners at once.). This came after seeing MTV’s True Life: I’m Polyamorous.  There was a group of gay men on the show, I began to think about what the implications are in the public health world.  They all were committed to each other, and from what I saw, there was no outside sexual activity. 

Can Polyamory work, and is it safe from a HIV/STD stand point. I want to know your thoughts!  Let’s get an active health discussion going.

(This is not for you to bash someone else’s lifestyle, just a way to talk about this form of relationship.)