Episode 11: Assembling the Pieces, Collaborating to Reduce HIV Stigma

Faith Against Stigma Episode 11In final episode of season one of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Physician Assistant Lashay Shaw and Rev. Melissa McQueen Simmons,  discuss the beauty of all of humanity and how HIV still persist, though science has advanced.  Our featured guests explain strategies for collaborating to reduce HIV and stigma.  We have to encourage faith leaders and medical providers to learn the facts about ways HIV continues to be transmitted and how to protect yourself so that you are not having inflammatory conversations with limited knowledge.Featured Guests:(PATRICE) LASHAY SHAW is a physician assistant at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, specializing in skin care services, dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology. She is a MSPA graduate of Wake Forest University School of Medicine.REV. MELISSA MCQUEEN-SIMMONS is the Spiritual Director/virtual pastor for Wholy Ground Spiritual center. Melissa is ordained in the United Church of Christ and is currently pulpit supply for the Southern Conference, co-leader for the Racial Justice and Equity team and member of worship committee at Holy Covenant UCC. She is also a facilitator for Our Whole Lives: Lifespan Sexuality Education that fosters informed, responsible, and values-based decisions about sexual health and behavior. She is intentional about healthy relationships with self, others, and the Divine of our understanding. She is committed to  relationship-building within the community. Melissa also leads the LGBTQ committee for the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice.The COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center, at Wake Forest University School of Divinity, focuses on educating and preparing ministry and nonprofit leaders to address HIV and faith in the Southern US. Through the Center, the Black Faith & HIV Initiative is a signature program of the School of Divinity and works to empower faith communities to address HIV and other health disparities and promote whole-person wellbeing.