AHF Farmer Tends the Lifeline to Care
|
 |
Food for Health volunteers help Lao Gao (right) harvest produce like carrots, corn, and cabbage.
|
Through AHF China's Food for Health (FFH) program, client Lao Gao launched an organic vegetable farm that supports his and several community members' journeys of living with HIV, staying on treatment with the help of homegrown, nutritious food.
With help from FFH volunteers, Gao celebrated the first successful harvest, which nourished him and benefited nearly 50 other clients by sharing the abundance with others in need. His commitment extended beyond generosity—selling the surplus produce and earning more than $700, which he reinvested to sustain and prepare for future harvests.
|
|
|
"After participating in the FFH project, I learned how to grow various vegetables
and fruits, which not only provided me with a healthy source of food, but also made me realize my own value," said Gao. "I want to share these healthy foods with other clients, so that they can also feel the beauty of life. Looking at these bountiful vegetables and fruits, my heart is filled with gratitude. I believe that as long as we unite as one and work together, we will be able to overcome the disease and live a better life."
|
|
 |
Tianjin Red Ribbon Love Home launched the project, expanding its care model to include food security.
|
|
|
|
Learn more about Gao and his journey with Food for Health in the video above.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tammy Kinney: A Personal Testament to 340B’s Importance in Rural America
|
 |
As an AHF mobilizer, Tammy works on key advocacy campaigns, raising awareness around vital health and human rights issues, driving positive change through education and outreach.
|
Anyone who knows Winder, Georgia resident Tammy Kinney recognizes that she is an outgoing and passionate advocate for people living with and affected by HIV. Hers is an amazing story of triumph and recovery that she brings to her work every day.
|
|
|
Tammy’s father served in the U.S. Air Force, so she traveled a lot growing up.
Eventually she came ‘home’ to Winder, a rural community, where she serves as forensic case manager for Advantage Behavioral Health. She also works as a community mobilizer for AIDS Healthcare Foundation. At AHF she’s a reliable champion in its work advocating for the end of the HIV epidemic. Tammy is a natural leader in her community. She’s often attending protests and rallies for AHF, bringing with her a network of volunteers and allies.
|
|
 |
Tammy protests at COVID-19 vaccine maker Moderna's headquarters on Nov. 18, 2021 over its pandemic profiteering.
|
|
|
“I am the founder and executive director of an organization called Rural Women in Action. I’m a woman proudly living with advanced HIV having been diagnosed in 1987," said Tammy. "I’m in long term recovery for
14 years. I have learned to live my life unapologetically, proudly and bravely. And I am a proud great-grandmother of Haven, who also lives close by. Having been addicted to drugs, I always dreamed to have a better and different life that was meant for me.”
|
 |
"I’m fighting for someone else who can’t fight for themselves, for thousands and thousands of people living with HIV," said Tammy.
|
| Read More About Tammy
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strengthening HIV Care: AHF Estonia Trains Professionals in Trauma Support
|
 |
Attendees gained trauma-informed skills to help clients overcome stigma and health challenges, supporting mental health and treatment adherence.
|
AHF Estonia empowered 75 professionals from 11 organizations serving people living with HIV with vital psychological trauma-management skills in a series of training sessions over three months. Among the attendees were peer counselors, social and harm reduction workers, nurses, therapists, and counselors.
"For people living with HIV, addressing trauma is as crucial as medical care, as it builds trust and improves quality of life," said crisis and trauma management expert Julia Vinckler-Nannatu. "These trainings help professionals understand the impact of trauma and equip them with tools for compassionate and supportive work."
|
|
|
 |
These trainings build collaboration across organizations, creating a support network for HIV, substance use, and mental health challenges.
|
|
Led by Vinckler-Nannatu, the sessions at Linda Clinic facilities in May, Sept., and Nov. focused on understanding trauma and providing practical self-care and client support techniques. Health professionals gained essential skills to recognize trauma's impact and apply effective coping strategies, fostering a more sensitive approach to HIV care.
|
|
|
“Learning trauma-informed techniques has been like therapy for us as caregivers,” added Margarita Kangas, a nurse at the Methadone Maintenance
Therapy Center. “Understanding trauma allows us to connect with clients, respond to their needs with empathy, and help them feel truly supported on their journey.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Girls Act Members Chart Their Futures
|
 |
Participants stepped behind the mic at Diamond FM radio station to talk on air about the Girls Act program.
|
Ten Girls Act Zimbabwe members recently explored diverse career paths through hands-on learning by shadowing professionals in the arts and social sciences fields. Their day began with a visit to Diamond FM radio station, where the girls shadowed DJs, sound engineers, graphic designers, and news anchors.
At the Manica Post, the girls met editors, learned about journalism, and joined a talk show to discuss the power of girls and the challenges they face. They then toured the Women’s University in Africa, engaging with lecturers and students, and visited the Mutasa District Magistrate Court to observe proceedings and interact with legal professionals.
|
 |
Shadowing professionals inspired the girls to pursue their ambitions, highlighting the importance of education in achieving their goals.
|
“This experience was an eye opener. I want to thank AHF for the opportunity to explore what we want to do," said one Girls Act member. "I hope other girls in Marange get the same opportunity.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHECK OUT THE LATEST FROM US ON FACEBOOK
|
|
Click on the post to see more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click to follow us on social media.
|
|
|
|
|
