On Tuesday, December 01, 2009, the room was the Enoch Pratt Free Library Wheeler Auditorium, site for the World AIDS Day program sponsored by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration (IDEHA).

Young and old, educators and novices, infected and uninfected were treated to poetry, gospel, pop and symphonic musical acts, while receiving valuable information, free HIV testing, and a remembrance ceremony for those who have passed on from HIV/AIDS.

DHMH officials wore red clothing, as well as red ribbons – an official international symbol of AIDS awareness since 1991 – to support those living with HIV. World AIDS Day – established by the World Health Organization – has been observed since December 1, 1988.

Those who walked through the doors were afforded the opportunity to list the names of deceased loved ones. During a brief candlelight vigil in the auditorium with classical saxophone music playing in the background, approximately 80 names were read. IDEHA director Heather Hauck remarked, “This reminds us that being here is important.”

According to Surveillance and Epidemiology chief Colin Flynn, 28,000 people are currently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Maryland, with 6 to 9,000 projected to unknowingly carry the disease. “The numbers are appallingly high,” said Flynn, who said the rate in Baltimore City is two percent. “We really need to work harder to get people tested and get treated so we can prevent spreading.”

However, with the disease prevalent in different demographic areas, the approach has to be specific. In light of this, the agency launched several different initiatives, one that focuses on African American men in the criminal justice system, another that targets African American women, and yet another that deals with men having sex with men.

Intravenous drug use is also a substantial issue in Baltimore, which has a high incidence of heroin abuse prompting IDEHA to engage the city with intervention measures like needle exchange programs. “Substance abusers getting treatment also reduces HIV,” said Hauck.

Last year, the MD AIDS Administration–which preceded IDEHA–launched their faith based initiative partnering with several churches to serve as information and screening centers. “Both individuals and communities need to come together in spreading information that is factual,” said Hauck.

IDEHA was formed in July 23, 2009 from a consolidation of several agencies under the direction of DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers to address a plethora of issues such as food control, regulatory and environmental health programming, infectious disease reporting and prevention and HIV care services.

“There are so many psycho-social issues around HIV, particularly around people of color, and in urban and rural environments,” said Massey, Director of Positive Impact Ministry at New Samaritan Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

She was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1994, six months after her brother succumbed to the deadly disease. With a daughter in elementary school and a 14-year old son, she decided in 1996 to move to Philadelphia – a more proactive treatment program at that time – to fight for her life. “I wanted to live for my daughter and my son,” said Massey. Her activism took off when she landed on the community advisory board at the Greater Philadelphia Health Action Group.

Upon returning to Baltimore in 2004, Massey continued her treatment at the Maryland General Hospital Family Treatment Center, eventually joining the Baltimore Planning Council, a 40-member board that allocates funding treatment dollars into the Baltimore Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA), which includes the five surrounding counties.

The larger concern for HIV/AIDS advocates is funding, which is under federal control.  Over the last seven years HIV/AIDS funding has declined 19 percent. “It is not in the public consciousness as much,” said Hauck. “There is a decline in the attention on this domestic epidemic.”

Massey praised The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 1990 which allows community input. It has been extended to 2013, but she is concerned of its potential demise due to the health care reform legislation. “We’re going to get rolled on,” said Massey.

For the 53-year-old activist, however, the fight is not over. Massey continues to empower those so they may in turn empower themselves. “It is a helpless feeling when you don’t have information,” said Massey. “When you don’t have knowledge, you’re stuck.”

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