In 1989, Dázon Dixon Diallo recognized a growing need in the African American community for healthcare services. As HIV decimated the lives of loved ones, friends, and family, there were many who still insisted on believing that it only targeted a particular demographic. Stigma prevented people from seeking the support and treatment that they needed. In communities already denied access to affordable, quality healthcare services, the impact was even greater.
The launch of SisterLove Inc. at that critical juncture provided the resources and support for women’s HIV, sexual and reproductive justice. On Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, SisterLove gathered the community together to reflect on the more than 40.1 million people who have died from HIV/AIDS. Board president Cedric Pulliam, Ph.D., and supporter Dwight Eubanks praised the outstanding team and initiatives of SisterLove.
Nestled in the heart of southwest Atlanta, in one of the oldest Black communities in Atlanta, the Healthy Love (TM) mobile unit purchased will extend their services. Councilwoman Andrea Boone presented a proclamation from the city of Atlanta in recognition of the work SisterLove does not only for the citizens of Atlanta, but also for those impacted across the region and globally. This was also a day of celebration because a new resource for fighting HIV in Atlanta was unveiled.
“The Healthy Love (TM) Bus is a preventive mobile health unit. It is meant to meet people where they are, but also where they want to be,” shared Diallo. The vision of the Healthy Love (TM) Bus evolved over the years. During COVID, Gaea Daniel took on the challenge when she was asked to develop a project through the Direct Relief Fund for Health Equity. The bus will hit the streets during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Diallo stressed that Black Americans must not wait for others to save us, “Our own solutions, come from our own people,” she said.
Originally published by Rolling Out magazine.
.svg)
