Dealing with the DIS-EASE

June 18, 2012—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Forum 35 presents Dealing with the DIS-EASE!  A discussion on AIDS/HIV in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La—Forum 35, a community of engaged young men and women dedicated to improving and shaping Baton Rouge, will host Dealing with the DIS-EASE.  The expert panel will address why Baton Rouge has the nation's highest rates of new HIV cases and what we can do to decrease these alarming rates. The event will take place at The Baton Rouge Gallery, 1515 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, at 6:30 p.m.

The purpose of the cultural diversity initiative is to help build a Forum 35 that represents the community we live in. This is done by promoting dialogue, discussion, and activities that expose our current membership to Baton Rouge's rich and diverse culture. With our enthusiasm and support we hope to also encourage those we meet to join us in our journey towards a Baton Rouge that embraces difference.

Our expert panel includes:

Lila Arnaud is a Community Outreach Specialist at Mary Amelia Douglas-Whited Women's Health Education Center.  

Russell Brewer accepted the position of the Director of HIV, STI’s and Reproductive Health at the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) August of 2011.  Among his many responsibilities, he also serves as Program Director for the Louisiana Community AIDS Partnership, which is housed within (LPHI).  Brewer has been working with Pennington, BRAF and other BR community partners to leverage resources and build our capacity to address HIV/AIDS in this community.

Twanda Lewis is a Senior Program Officer with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) with over 20 years of experience working in the area of human services in Louisiana and overseas. As a program officer with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Lewis manages several Baton Rouge Area Foundation donor advised grant funds and participates in collaboratives to advise donors and staff as well as inform BRAF initiatives. She also works with nonprofits in the community to advise them on developing transformative sustainable programs.

If you are interested in Forum 35 or need for information visit forum35.org or contact Melissa Parmelee, Vice President of Communications, at Melissa@forum35.org.