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July brought renewed focus to the emotional and spiritual well-being of our communities. In recognition of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine continued its commitment to advancing mental health access and equity by participating in two community events. See the event recaps below.
Looking ahead, we’re deepening our reach across Georgia. In recognition of National Faith HIV Awareness Day, SHLI is collaborating with several faith-based organizations in Columbus to host the Health, Hope & Healing Community Wellness Fair. Building on the energy and momentum from our June 27 Faith Leaders Conversation, the fair is planned for August 30 at the Shirley Winston Recreation Center. It will be free and open to the public, offering screenings, wellness resources and support for the mind, body and spirit.
Together, we’re working to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote healing—especially in spaces where silence has too often taken the place of support.
As always, we invite you to actively participate — whether through volunteering at our events, joining us virtually or in person or welcoming us to your events in 2025. Your involvement is invaluable. Connect with us through our Georgia Thrives website contact form or on our social media platforms.
Let’s continue making these moments count and together we will make Georgia Thrive in 2025!
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COLUMBUS, GA, ARE YOU READY?
In effort to fulfill our mission of providing support to residents across Georgia, the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine is teaming up with Columbus faith communities, healthcare providers and community service agencies for a powerful wellness event focused on whole health—mind, body and spirit.
Save the date on your calendar and stay tuned for the official event flyer hitting your inbox soon!
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Meet Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS, MSCR
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health & Preventive Medicine
Research Associate, Satcher Health Leadership Institute
Dr. Jammie Hopkins is a health equity scientist, educator and wellness professional committed to bridging research, policy and practice to improve health outcomes among historically marginalized communities. He serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine and directs the GetFit MSM initiative at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta.
His work focuses on advancing physical activity, healthy eating and sexual health through policy, systems and environmental change strategies. Dr. Hopkins uses mixed methods, community-based approaches, citizen science and implementation science in his research and public health practice.
He holds degrees from UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton, UCLA and Morehouse School of Medicine, and completed a health policy fellowship at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute. He serves on multiple advisory boards and is an editorial board member for Ethnicity & Disease.
| | We asked Dr. Hopkins: If we peeked at your project playlist, what would be in the top three slots? | | |
Asset and Hazard Mapping
Training students, advocates, CBOs and local leaders to map community assets and hazards to identify health resources and risks. Current focus includes assessing HIV policy shifts in Georgia and Louisiana.
Visit the Asset/Hazard Mapping Landing Page
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Impulse Group Global Board
Serving on the global board of Impulse Group, a volunteer-led advocacy network that engages gay men through events, media and education on safer sex, mental health and stigma reduction. Active in 26 chapters across five continents.
Visit the Impulse Group | @impulseATL
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Teaching Public Health in the AUC
Teaching “Introduction to Public Health Sciences” at Morehouse College, using experiential learning to cover public health fundamentals and topics like HIV, ethics, leadership and wellness. Students engage with service providers and lead peer-to-peer learning projects.
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Community Coalition Tackles HIV Prevention Cuts in Georgia
MSM’s Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) team participated in a series of HIV Community Coalition Meetings this summer, held in June and July, as communities across Georgia respond to cuts in HIV prevention funding.
With recent disruptions to the Fulton County Health Department’s HIV and STI prevention efforts, partners from across the HIV Care Continuum came together to coordinate, collaborate and chart a new course forward. The meetings, led by Dr. Daniel Driffin, Leisha McKinley-Beach and Pastor William Francis, brought together health leaders, service providers and community voices in unified purpose.
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Attendees broke into focused workgroups to offer input, share lived experiences and identify solutions across key treatment and prevention areas. The energy and urgency in the room were undeniable. What emerged was not just a response to funding shifts, but a renewed commitment to community-driven action.
Together, these leaders are shaping a future where prevention is prioritized, care is accessible and new HIV diagnoses are eliminated for good.
SHLI is proud to be in the room and at the table.
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On Saturday, July 19, the SHLI team had the privilege of participating in the Fathers Matter Breakfast Club, a community event organized by the Fathers Matter Initiative (FMI).
Attendees started the day with a hearty breakfast to kickstart networking conversations with community partners. During the event, fathers connected with experts and fellow dads to share their experiences and learn from one another. Topics included:
- Legitimation: Navigating the legal landscape for fathers
- Co-parenting: Learning effective strategies for successful co-parenting
- Early Care and Education: Unlocking the keys to your child’s educational journey
- Child Support: Understanding the ins and outs of child support matters
- Housing: Exploring housing resources tailored for fathers
- Health and Wellness: Prioritizing well-being for a stronger you
- Legal System Involvement: Guidance on navigating legal matters and employment resources
Guests also received gift cards as a token of appreciation from FMI. As an event partner, SHLI was on hand to distribute educational materials on HIV and other areas of health and wellness.
Thanks to FMI for the invitation!
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From Silence to Spotlight: SHLI Partner Kayla Quimbley-Young’s HIV Advocacy Journey
Poet, public health advocate and SHLI spokesperson Kayla Quimbley-Young is using her voice to shatter stigma and fight for equity. Living with HIV since birth, the Albany native is turning her personal story into powerful change and transforming her pain into power.
Read the story captured by Justin VanNoy in the July edition of Rolling Out.
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Unfiltered and Unapologetic: Kennedi Lowman on Sex With Ashley Podcast
Award-winning sex expert Ashley Cobb talks with SHLI’s community partner Kennedi Lowman about the importance of HIV testing, particularly among Black women. In this unfiltered podcast interview, Kennedi shares her personal journey living with HIV, challenges common misconceptions and highlights the need for greater awareness. Listen here. You won’t be disappointed.
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Hot Off the Press: Dr. Standifer's Essence Feature Available Digitally
The Essence article featuring insights from Dr. Maisha Standifer is now live on the Essence digital platform. In it, she shares critical perspectives on how the ongoing HIV crisis is impacting communities—especially Black women.
It's an insightful story worth reading. Take a look!
| | | | | | Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #SHAAD | | | | | National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day #NFHAAD | | | | | Health, Hope & Healing Community Wellness Fair (Columbus) | | |
The Satcher Health Leadership Institute encourages everyone to get tested and know their status. Click here (pages 37-38) to view a listing of local area testing sites (Source: NIH-funded Center for AIDS Research at Emory University). Together, we can mark another milestone in the Black community's ever-evolving history of better tomorrows and brighter futures.
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