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Special Guest Speaker Toni Epperson, Hosted by
Singer/Songwriter Monique TaChae
Special to The Truth
In recognition of the 12th annual observance of National
Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on March 10, 2017,
local singer and women's advocate, Monique TaChae will be
hosting an HIV/Aids event to bring women together to help
raise awareness of HIV/Aids in Women and Girls. To shed
light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls,
every year on March 10, and throughout the month of March,
national and community organizations come together to show
support for women and girls impacted by HIV and AIDS.
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According to Lucas County HIV/Aids statistics, HIV
infections among Lucas County women and girls continue to
decrease. The Toledo Health Department encourages women and
teenage girls in Toledo to learn about the risks of HIV/AIDS
and take action to protect their health, including getting
tested for HIV. Jerry Kerr, HIV/STD Prevention Coordinator
of Toledo-Lucas County Health Department said this is the
time to keep up the HIV awareness in order to continue to
have the lowest HIV infection rate for women and girls in
all of Ohio.
The NWGHAAD event program includes special guest speaker
Toni Epperson sharing her son's journey who battled with
HIV, resource information about HIV/Aids, music and
entertainment from Monique TaChae, local Saxophonist
Charlotte, Beacon Dance ministry and many other local
talents.
Other community volunteers include Young Women of Excellence
(YWOE), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Toledo Pregnancy
Center and The Kitchen Salon. The event will be held at
Beacon International Church (Time Square Dinner Theater),
1664 W. Bancroft Street on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 6
p.m. – 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event is free and
open to the public.
Today, about one in four people living with HIV in the
United States is female. Only about half of women living
with HIV are getting care, and only four in 10 of them have
the virus under control. The National Women and Girls
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) wants to empower women and
girls to make the best choices when it comes to
sex. Abstinence is the surest way to avoid HIV, but if you
decide to have sex, there are simple, effective steps to
protect yourself and others from HIV.
"Through music, my ultimate goal is to uplift and strengthen
women, young and old," said Monique TaChae. The local singer
has a fan base called BRATS which stemmed from being
constantly told that she favors the American fashion Bratz
doll that she transformed into something uniquely positive.
BRATS is the acronym for Be Real And True to Self,
encouraging confidence, integrity and truth of who you are
no matter what others think.
"If you have a friend who is sexually active, don't be
afraid to grab them and go get tested together. You truly
know yourself when you know your status," she said. Women
face unique HIV risks and challenges that can prevent them
from getting needed care and treatment. Addressing these
issues remains critical to achieving an HIV- and AIDS-free
generation.
For more information, contact event organizer Monique
TaChae,
419-215-4373,
moniquetachae@gmail.com,
https://www.facebook.com/events/264548490641929/
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