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< Back Miosha Askin Miosha Askin Office Manager Miosha Askin, with over 14 years of invaluable management experience in healthcare management, administration, and customer service, assumes the role of Office Manager at SisterLove. Her seasoned professional history spans across various sectors including healthcare, hospice care, and pharmacy, where she served in roles closely aligning with her current position. Her responsibilities are vast and significant to the organization's smooth running, incorporating elements of administration, operations, and interaction with the public. She will support scheduling appointments for the mobile health clinic, ensuring that health services are efficiently organized. Additionally, Miosha will be responsible for scheduling meetings and appointments within the office, ensuring that our team works cohesively and communicates effectively. As an integral part of her role, she will be organizing the office layout and managing all orders for supplies and equipment for the organization. Miosha will be tasked with creating and maintaining a system to monitor inventory between both locations, guaranteeing optimal resource allocation and operational efficiency. Her duties also extend to maintaining the office condition, arranging necessary repairs for all properties, and handling telephone inquiries at the LoveHouse and from select Spectrum VOIP numbers. This ensures that the physical work environment remains conducive and that public queries are addressed promptly and professionally. Miosha will serve as the point person for the SLI intern, volunteer, and community service initiatives. As part of her early tasks, she will be organizing our intern program in anticipation of the upcoming busy summer. She will fulfill her responsibilities from the LoveHouse, which will benefit immensely from her organizational skills and management expertise. Outside her professional life, Miosha cherishes her family role as a married woman, the mother of four daughters, a bonus daughter, and a proud grandmother to one granddaughter.

< Back What’s The Difference Between A Breast Self-Exam And A Clinical Breast Exam? A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This in-office exam will most likely be completed by your family physician or gynecologist at your annual exam, whereas your breast self-exam is something every woman should do at once at month at home. A Visual Check Of Skin And Tissue During a clinical breast exam, your healthcare provider checks your breasts’ appearance. You may be asked to raise your arms over your head, let them hang by your sides, or press your hands against your hips. These postures allow your healthcare provider to look for differences in size or shape between your breasts. The skin covering your breasts is checked for any rash, dimpling, or other abnormal signs. Your nipples may be checked to see if fluid is expressed when lightly squeezed. A Manual Check for Unusual Texture or Lumps Using the pads of the fingers, your healthcare provider checks your entire breast, underarm, and collarbone area for any lumps or abnormalities. It is worth noting that some women have breast tissue that appears to be full of tiny fibrous bumps or ridges throughout the breast tissue, known as fibrocystic breasts. Overall lumpy tissue is something your provider will want to note but is unrelated to cancer. A suspicious lump –the type your physician is checking for– is generally about the size of a pea before anyone can feel it in the breast tissue. The manual exam is done on one side and then the other. Your healthcare provider will also check the lymph nodes near the breast to see if they are enlarged. An Assessment of Any Suspicious Area If a lump is discovered, your healthcare provider will note its size, shape, and texture. He or she will also check to see if the lump moves easily. Benign lumps often feel different from cancerous ones, but any lump found will likely need to be examined with further diagnostic measures. It may be helpful to know that lumps that appear soft, smooth, round, and movable are likely to be either benign tumors or cysts. A lump that is hard and oddly-shaped and feels firmly attached within the breast is more likely to be cancer, but further tests are needed to diagnose the problem. The Value of Clinical Breast Exams Clinical Breast exams are an important part of early detection. Although most lumps are discovered through breast self-exams, an experienced professional may notice a suspicious place that fails to register as a warning in the patient’s mind. Materials on this page are courtesy of National Cancer Institute Want to learn more about how to check yourself for breast cancer? Tell us where to send your guide. 1/0 Previous Next

< Back Anjettica Boatwright ​ Anjettica Boatwright is a 52-year-old mother of 5 adult children (One deceased). She is a native of Newark, New Jersey, and currently resides in Paterson, New Jersey. Anjettica was diagnosed with HIV in 1999. Understandably, when she was diagnosed, she was devastated but she decided at that moment to educate herself as well as others about HIV. She became active and very involved in the Bergen and Passaic County Ryan White Planning Counsel, and the New Jersey HIV Planning Group out of Rutgers. She currently sits on the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Consumer Advisory Board as Chairperson. She is also a keynote speaker for Free Throws for AIDS.org and frequently speaks at schools, churches, and community centers delivering powerful and informative presentations throughout New Jersey. She has participated in AIDS Watch on several occasions through the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation Leadership and Advocacy program and Anjettica has volunteered to answer the Positive Women’s Network (PWN) hotline. She continues to keep herself in a learning mode; she graduated last November with a diploma from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado. She also obtained her associate degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts with honors from the same institution.

< Back Exploring the Prevalence of TNBC in Black Women in Atlanta & Louisiana Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is known for being more aggressive and difficult to treat. In recent years, research has shed light on the disproportionate incidence of TNBC in Black women, particularly in certain regions of the United States. This blog post aims to delve into the prevalence of TNBC in Black women residing in Atlanta and Louisiana and explore the regional factors that may contribute to this disparity. By understanding the underlying causes, we can work towards addressing and reducing the incidence of TNBC in these communities. Understanding TNBC Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by the lack of three specific hormone receptors - estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This subtype accounts for around 15% of all breast cancers and has a higher chance of recurrence after treatment. TNBC also tends to occur at younger ages, affecting a higher proportion of premenopausal Black women. Disproportionate Incidence in Black Women Numerous studies have reported a significantly higher prevalence of TNBC in Black women compared to other racial and ethnic groups. In Atlanta and Louisiana, this disparity is even more pronounced. In fact, the incidence rate of TNBC among Black women in Atlanta is one of the highest in the country. The reasons behind this higher prevalence can be attributed to various societal and biological factors. Socioeconomic Factors Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in the prevalence of TNBC in Black women. In both Atlanta and Louisiana, there are higher rates of poverty and limited access to healthcare among communities predominantly inhabited by Black residents. Lack of health insurance, limited resources for health education, and transportation barriers further contribute to the disparities in cancer detection and treatment. Addressing these socioeconomic factors is vital to promote better health outcomes for Black women. Healthcare Disparities Unequal access to quality healthcare plays a significant role in the prevalence of TNBC among Black women in Atlanta and Louisiana. The lack of healthcare infrastructure and fewer doctors in underserved areas can lead to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment options. Raising awareness about the importance of regular screenings, improving access to affordable healthcare, and increasing the number of healthcare professionals in these regions can help bridge the gap in healthcare disparities. Environmental Factors Environmental factors, including exposure to toxins and pollutants, have been suggested as potential contributors to the higher incidence of TNBC in certain regions. Industrial pollution, proximity to hazardous waste sites, and poor air quality may have detrimental effects on breast health. Conducting further research into the environmental factors specific to Atlanta and Louisiana can provide valuable insights and aid in developing strategies to minimize exposure and reduce breast cancer incidence. Genetic Determinants While socioeconomic factors and healthcare disparities significantly contribute to the higher prevalence of TNBC in Black women, genetic factors also play a role. A higher frequency of specific gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, has been observed in Black women. These mutations increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including the TNBC subtype. Genetic counseling and testing can help identify individuals at higher risk and guide them towards appropriate screenings and preventive measures. Conclusion The prevalence of TNBC in Black women residing in Atlanta and Louisiana is a pressing issue that demands attention. By examining the regional factors contributing to this disparity, we can work towards implementing targeted interventions and policies to mitigate the burden of TNBC in these communities. Addressing socioeconomic inequalities, improving healthcare access, investigating environmental influences, and integrating genetic counseling services are crucial steps in reducing the incidence of TNBC and ensuring better health outcomes for Black women in these regions. 1/0 Previous Next

< Back Janice Linda Free ​ Janice Linda Free is a native of Paterson, New Jersey where she currently resides, and is a proud mother of two adult children. Janice is a peer navigator for Hyacinth AIDS Foundation and takes pride not only in her professional role but in telling her story to people living with HIV to help them better understand their diagnosis and take proactive steps to maintain and improve their quality of life. She has been a public speaker on related topics for several years where she delivers her message to churches, hospitals, community organizations, and substance abuse programs. Her passion and compassion for helping others to prevent them from contracting HIV and helping those with the diagnosis live healthier lives is apparent in everything she does both professionally and personally.

< Back Will Settle, MEd Will Settle, MEd Development Consultant William is the Development Consultant and Board Training Specialist at SisterLove Inc. In this role, William provides guidance on fund development and assists SLI leadership in the selection and development of new and existing board members. William served as a member of the City’s Economic Development Team responsible for the growth, retention, and recruitment of Businesses in Stonecrest Georgia. William created and managed successful diversity and community programs for Delta Air Lines, Inc., the world’s largest airline. For seven years, he managed The Delta Foundation, the fourth-largest corporate foundation in Georgia. Prior to joining Delta, Settle served for 14 years as Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs at historic Morris Brown College in the Atlanta University Center where he helped to increase enrollment retention and grant writing.

< Back What Is A Mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue. Why Do I Need A Mammogram? Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show tiny clusters of calcium called micro-calcifications. Lumps or specks can be caused by cancer, fatty cells, or other conditions like cysts. Further tests are needed to find out if abnormal cells are present. How Do I Schedule A Mammogram? Many women encounter barriers when trying to schedule a mammogram. Often, things like concerns with cost or not knowing who to call can be discouraging when setting up an appointment. Read this article to learn the essential information you need so that you do not miss out on this important exam. Recommendations for all women: Women 40 and older should have mammograms every 1 or 2 years. Women who are younger than 40 and have risk factors for breast cancer should ask their healthcare professional whether mammograms are advisable and how often to have them. Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time. What Happens If My Mammogram Results Are Abnormal? If the mammogram shows an abnormal area of the breast, your doctor will order additional tests offering clearer, more detailed images of that area. Although lumps are usually non-cancerous, the only way to be certain is to perform additional tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI. If further tests show that the mass is solid, your radiologist may recommend a biopsy, a procedure in which cells are removed from a suspicious area to check for the presence of cancer. What Is Dense Breast Tissue? Every breast has a different mixture of breast tissue or variations of amounts of fatty and fibroglandular tissue. Broadly, breast tissue may be referred to as non-dense (more fatty) and dense (less fatty with more fibroglandular tissue). Dense breast tissue simply means there is more fibroglandular tissue, which appears white on a mammogram. When a patient has dense breasts, a mammogram will show that a greater amount of the breast is filled with dense breast tissue than fatty tissue. How Do I Know If I Have Dense Breasts? Having a mammogram is the best way to find out if dense breast tissue is present. A radiologist (doctor who views mammograms) will analyze the ratio of fatty tissue to dense tissue and determine the level of breast density. Breast density is measured and reported in a mammogram report. On a mammogram, fatty tissue appears dark, while dense breast tissue appears white. Dense breast tissue isn’t transparent like fatty tissue, often making it difficult to see through. Women with high density reported from having a mammogram may be at a slightly higher risk than women with low or normal density to get breast cancer. Additional imaging studies such as a breast MRI might be done for high density. View our list of free resources for mammograms, healthcare providers, and more 1/0 Previous Next

< Back HIV in Georgia When thinking of HIV/AIDS, many people think of the HIV/AIDS explosion on the scene on the West Coast in the 1980s and gay men contracting HIV, being treated like pariahs, and ultimately dying alone in isolated hospital rooms. ​ Previous Next

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< Back Lovetta Smith ​ Lovetta Smith was diagnosed with HIV in 2002. During that time, she was also addicted to drugs and alcohol. In 2007, she made a commitment to herself, chose her clean date, and has never turned back substance. She started her recovery journey at Straight and Narrow Inc. where she was offered education about HIV and AIDS. During her time there, she conducted numerous group information sessions on HIV 101, Substance Abuse, and Spirituality. Lovetta gives inspirational speeches at women empowerment events and is often a guest speaker at Narcotics Anonymous meetings and many area churches. During her addiction, she lost the bottom part of her arm but she never uses that as an excuse not to do anything. She currently works full-time for Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, a Wellness Navigator in New Jersey, and also as a peer recovery specialist. Moreover, Lovetta has been a Christian evangelist for 4 years, using her platform to spread love, hope, inspiration, and HIV prevention education whenever she has the opportunity to speak.

CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER MAKING AN IMPACT TOGETHER Community is everything to us , and we view our partnerships as an essential part of our strategy to achieve our mission to create safer, more equitable communities for those we serve Dr. Cedric Pulliam, Executive Board Chair of SisterLove, Inc Dr. Cedric Pulliam, Executive Board Chairman of SisterLove, Inc at the Project NANA Kickoff event in New Orleans Deirdre Johnson (right), Dr. Jallicia Jolly, Alicia Terrell, and Robynne Lucas SisterLove, Inc's WomenNOW! Institute delegates meet at the 2022 International AIDS Conference in Montreal SisterLove, Inc South Africa delivers a community education workshop Dr. Cedric Pulliam, Executive Board Chair of SisterLove, Inc Dr. Cedric Pulliam, Executive Board Chairman of SisterLove, Inc at the Project NANA Kickoff event in New Orleans 1/16 LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERS ATLANTA & SOUTHEASTERN US INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS View our Brochure