ADRLF and CLT strike a pose for a promising partnership

There are those who think that public television offers nothing but depressing news or slapstick comedy, ADRLF and CTV promises something more.  ADRLF has partnered with Callen-Lorde Television (CTV) on an exciting new venture to raise Hepatitis awareness and it promises to educate and captivate.

Last month, ADRLF entrusted CTV with a $2,500 gift to kick off this project to serve its growing joint network of friends, and reach out to even more, especially the uninsured.

CTV features mini-series, public service announcements and commercials on important public health issues such HIV, hepatitis, sexually-transmitted infection, alcohol abuse and drug use. Originally focusing solely on HIV awareness, CTV now includes topics which promote health and well-being awareness to communities across different demographics.

With so many health-related videos popping up on line, CTV captivates a large and loyal audience with its witty and innovative approach in discussing sensitive and relevant topics as well as being a concerned and honest voice of the marginalized and disenfranchised.

CTV’s wide-reaching popularity makes it especially valuable in reaching those who are at risk. ADRLF was inspired by CTV’s educational and entertaining videos. It was this success and ingenuity of this program that inspired the funding of the  video project on hepatitis and liver diseases.

With this partnership of dedication and creativity, ADRLF and CTV will be launching activities to strengthen community awareness, and ultimately encourage more people to get tested and vaccinated for hepatitis.

ADRLF and CTV will be honoring the LGBT community and celebrating Gay Pride this June by joining Callen Lorde Community Health Center as they spread the word on personal health care activism and promote screening awareness by attending the pride festivals throughout the city.

The Actors Fund Annual Health Fair was successfully held on November 8, 2011 at the Actors Equity building. The celebrated event, a highlight at the Actors Fund,  welcomed all members of the entertainment community for a vibrant day of free health services as well as nutritional information  and health education.  Sharing in the fund’s  medical and educational mission, ADRLF has built a prolific partnership with the Actors Fund.  Members of the ADRLF Board participated in the November 8th Health  Fair  with ready information on hepatitis, and on the foundation’s  free screenings and seminars.

From left to right Dr. Carlos Ortiz( ADRLF Board Member) , Janet Pearl( Health Services- The Actors Fund), Carson Kressley (ADRLF Board Member)

ADRLF Board Members Dr. Carlos Ortiz and Carson Kressley

ADRLF Board Members Dr. Carlos Ortiz, Crayton Robey and Carson Kressley

ADRLF Board Member Carson Kressley

L-R: Gracing the seminar were Janet Pearl (Actor's Fund), Crayton Robey (ADRLF), Nirah Johnson LMSW( Dept. of Health Community Projects Specialist), Graham Murray (Guest Speaker) and Cara J. Dav id (ADRLF)

A day of awareness goes a long way, especially after the success of ADRLF’s “Do You Know Your Status? A Hepatitis Awareness Training Seminar” held last Friday September 23, at The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence in New York.

Facilitating the seminar was Nirah Johnson, LMWSW, Community Projects Specialist of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Ms. Johnson kicked off the event by outlining the current state of hepatitis in the United States, where 4.4 million Americans live with the disease, making it the leading cause of liver cancer. In New York, about 108,000 persons are infected with Hepatitis B alone. While numerous efforts are made in developing vaccines and treatment, liver transplant still remains to be the best remedy. However, to date there are 17,000 people on the liver transplant waiting list, and only very few are given the opportunity to have this procedure.

Ms. Johnson gave a brief and concise overview of the liver’s function as the body’s filter and warehouse, and how it can be damaged and inflamed by toxins, fats and other stressors. She exposed a dangerous truth about our livers– that the liver, in some instances,  can take in up to 75 percent damage before showing any external symptom, such as soreness and jaundice.

While there are different types of hepatitis, Johnson explained that Hepatitis A can be prevented through vaccination. Hepatitis B and C, however, can become chronic and fatal, especially for people with weak immune systems.

Following Johnson’s informative session, volunteers shared their experiences of loss; some had lost loved ones to liver cancer. These testimonies beautifully complimented Johnson’s biological discussion, providing personal accounts of the battle against cancer.

Ms. Johnson closed the seminar by repeating the call for awareness – reminding us that the advocacy against liver cancer starts with each one of us taking the bold step to be fully informed and screened.

If you missed this seminar, make sure to stay updated with ADRLF’s upcoming events. Take on the challenge – Be informed against liver cancer. “Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t Hesitate.”

-Toni Bacala