Episode 7: Having the HIV Conversation

Faith Against Stigma Episode 7In Episode Seven of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, physician Dr. Tracei Ball and Rev. Dr. Jovon McPerry, discuss how HIV stigma manifests in individuals, communities, and healthcare settings, and how it requires ongoing education and empathy.  Rev. Dr. McPerry shares his personal story when testing positive  for HIV and the importance of having the HIV conversation with those in your immediate community.  Our featured guests also discuss medical mistrust and how medical providers can inadvertently perpetuate stigma against marginalized groups. Faith leaders can be advocates and help build trust related to medical care and engagement by helping to combat stigma. Featured Guests:DR. TRACEI BALL is an internal medicine specialist and Chief Medical Officer for OnCall Medical and Wellness.  She is also a Collaborative Physician with Old North State Medical Society. OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness, PLLC is a mobile medical practice servicing the Charlotte, N.C. metro area that offers total medical and wellness solutions at patient’s convenience, right at their front doors. Providing personalized and confidential care, OnCall Mobile Medical and Wellness is available for house calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, after hours, weekends, and holidays by special appointment.JOVON MCPERRY is Pastor of A Place Called Hope Church. He is affectionately known to most people as Pastor J or Dr. J. He is one that is known to worship and give God praise. Dr. J currently holds an earned Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, GA. Also, a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a Master's Degree in Divinity are both from Family Bible College of Fayetteville, NC. 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.