| Welcome to the fourth edition of Capacity Connection, the monthly e-Newsletter from the Effi Barry Training Institute (EBTI). This platform provides updates on training opportunities through EBTI and offers valuable information for the HIV prevention community in and around Washington, DC. Each issue of Capacity Connection features local events, key webinars, podcasts, and resources to help build your organization’s capacity. Additionally, we shine a spotlight on the impactful work and diverse perspectives of your colleagues throughout the District. We welcome your feedback as we continue to grow and refine Capacity Connection into a meaningful resource for the community. In this issue: - Community and Conversations
- On-Demand Webinars and Trainings
- Podcasts
- Featured Resources
- Spotlight on Black Clinicians
- Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
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Community and Conversations |
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| As we get ready to celebrate Black History Month in February (for more information visit: asalh.org, #BlackHistoryMonth), we would like to highlight several additional awareness days: - February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which promotes HIV education, prevention, and treatment in Black communities (for more information visit: nbhaad.org, #NBHAAD), and
- February 28 is HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day, which focuses on ending HIV criminalization and promoting justice for people living with HIV (for more information visit: seroproject.com, #HIV Is Not A Crime Awareness Day, #Criminalization).
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| Black Women-Led Organization Spotlight |
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At Voices for a Second Chance (VSC), the mission is to provide essential support and services that empower formerly incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives. VSC collaborates with clients to strengthen their connections to family and community, fostering resilience and renewal. Guided by compassion and empathy, VSC helps clients build the capacity and courage to transform their lives—no matter their past choices, present challenges, or future hurdles. |
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| VSC’s approach is rooted in tailoring services to each client’s unique needs, risks, and strengths. VSC prioritizes evidence-based, culturally responsive, family-focused, and trauma-informed programs, recognizing these as vital to fostering meaningful and sustainable change. |
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| Paula Thompson, Executive Director of Voices for a Second Chance (VSC), brings over 20 years of experience as a social impact leader, championing justice-involved and returning citizens. Under her visionary leadership, VSC has implemented gender-specific, trauma-informed programs, pre-and-post-release counseling, reentry and family reunification services, and specialized support for children of incarcerated parents. |
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| As the Founder and Co-Chair of the DC Reentry Action Network (RAN), a coalition of 30 reentry service providers, Ms. Thompson has elevated advocacy for returning citizens, influencing policy and funding through public-private partnerships. Her career spans federal lobbying, securing over $35 million in funding, and leadership roles in public policy, community organizing, and nonprofit management. Ms. Thompson holds a BS in Public Affairs-Political Science from The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and she has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 Nonprofit HR Social Impact Women to Watch Finalist. |
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On-Demand Webinars and Trainings |
| Webinars Supporting Healthcare Access for Black Communities |
| Building Bridges: A Multi-Layered Approach to Addressing Sex Education in Faith Communities The Building Bridges: A Multi-Layered Approach to Addressing Sex Education in Faith Communities webinar will explore effective strategies for addressing sex education in faith communities. Experts will discuss integrating modern sex education principles, strategies for engaging with diverse age groups, and methods for fostering open, supportive dialogues. - Faculty: Mauda Monger, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Panelists: Tyriney Marshall, Katina Washington, RN
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| | Roots of Racism in Healthcare Webinar: Creating a Climate for Culturally-Responsive Care Racism in healthcare didn’t start or end with the Tuskegee Experiment. From HIV prognosis to maternal morbidity, Black people and other racial minorities experience poorer health outcomes as compared to non-minority communities. These health disparities are a direct result of long-standing environmental conditions and systemic barriers. This must-see webinar explores the concepts of race and health inequities; outlines the history of scientific racism; and reveals its influence on the modern medical establishment’s values, beliefs, and practices towards BIPOC communities. |
| | | Earn CEU Credits With Our New E-Learning Module:
Re-Envisioning Sexual History Taking Gathering a patient’s sexual history is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare, as it allows providers to assess and screen for a variety of sexual health concerns. Taking a comprehensive sexual history should be part of routine care and is particularly important when symptoms or physical exam findings suggest potential issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This self-paced learning module will focus on the application of the 6 P’s of sexual history taking, identify strategies to overcome barriers to comprehensive history gathering, and emphasize the importance of cultural awareness and humility in ensuring an inclusive approach for all patients. CEU Credits Available for completing this module: AAPA, ACE, ACPE, CNE, IPCE, ASWB, APA, CEP UAN#: JA4008162-9999-25-064-H02-P |
| | |  | Podcasts That Address Black Health Disparities |
| "Rooted in Wellness" is a podcast mini-series from the Effi Barry Training Institute that is dedicated to exploring holistic approaches to health and well-being. Join us as we delve into topics such as trauma, HIV, mental wellness, and the social determinants of health, all with the goal of helping you cultivate a balanced and thriving life. Tune in to "Rooted in Wellness" and embark on a journey of personal growth. |
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|  | This episode examines the profound impact that trauma has on health outcomes across diverse populations. Listeners will explore the connection between trauma and health disparities, learning to identify common indicators of trauma and understanding how these indicators contribute to unequal health outcomes. The episode will also equip listeners with the knowledge and tools to address and mitigate the effects of trauma in their communities and professional practices. - Co-Host: Leisha McKinley-Beach, M.S.
- Guest Speaker: Ashley Elliott, Psy.D.
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 | This episode delves into the unique experiences of Black, Queer, and other communities of color in the context of HIV prevention, emphasizing the complex intersections of societal norms, cultural boundaries, and identity. - Host: Leo Sheridan
- Guest Speakers: Kaniya Walker, Brandon Harrison
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| |  | | Fact Sheet: Perspectives on Faith-Based HIV Outreach and Engagement for Black Communities Faith leaders are important in addressing public health issues, including HIV prevention, treatment, and education. They are trusted, powerful influences in the community. Faith communities and faith-based organizations together can help reduce stigma by giving accurate information and supporting individuals living with HIV. This fact sheet provides tips for HIV prevention emphasizing education and communication for faith based communities. It encourages open dialogue and community support to reduce stigma and improve care access. |
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|  | Spotlight on Clinical Partners |
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|  | Dara King, MD, MBA, is the Vice Chief of Quality and Patient Safety for her Hospitalist Group and a seasoned OBGYN with over 20 years of experience. A Detroit native, she holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Yale. Passionate about maternal health equity, she founded The King Institute for Women to empower underrepresented women through health education and self-advocacy. She serves on the Health Advisory Council for SheMatters, improving maternal outcomes for minority communities, and is a Board Member for Project Scientist, supporting marginalized girls in STEAM. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she has led impactful initiatives, including COVID-19 safety efforts, earning her chapter’s Superior in Service Award. Dr. King is also a wife and mother of two, dedicated to balancing family and her mission to improve lives. |
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 | Immirne "Dr. O" Ouwinga, MD is a board-certified Family Medicine provider in Greenbelt, Prince George's County, and serves as the Program and Medical Director of Title X. With over 15 years of experience since completing her residency at Cook County-Loyola University in Chicago, she also pursued a Maternal Child Health fellowship focusing on high-risk populations, including teenage pregnancy, substance use, HIV, and limited housing. Dr. Ouwinga has participated in medical missions to Haiti and Peru, delivering babies and providing care in resource-limited settings. Passionate about holistic care, she focuses on mental health, supporting people of color, and addressing trauma. Currently working toward her HIV Specialist credentialing and continuing education in gender-affirming care, she is also fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole. |
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Capacity Building and Technical Assistance |
| The Effi Barry Training Institute provides trainings and technical assistance to support current and prospective HAHSTA grantees and community-based organizations in the Fee-for-Service business process; basic HIV service competencies; advanced skills in health care systems, data and health informatics; high-impact prevention programs, including biomedical; and emerging evidence-based or informed approaches through a series of group-level trainings, boot camps, community forums, and individual consultation. Rooted in the idea of holistic, integrated, patient-centered care, HealthHIV capacity building efforts help develop an organization’s ability to improve patient outcomes and increase efficiencies, while remaining organizationally sustainable. The agency’s unique approach involves structuring sustainable systems and services that span the HIV care continuum. To request technical assistance directly from HealthHIV’s EBTI, beyond the capacity building prescribed by your Program Officer, please submit a Technical Assistance Request form. |
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Questions? Submissions?
Please reach out to Melissa Kelley, Program Director, at Melissa@HealthHIV.org with any questions, feedback, or submissions. For general inquiries, please email info@HealthHIV.org. Visit EffiBarryInstitute.org to learn more about programs and services provided to you.
Click the button below to request technical assistance for your organization on HIV prevention-related topics. |
| | | The Effi Barry Training Institute, led by HealthHIV, provides training and technical assistance to support current and prospective HAHSTA grantees and community-based organizations in implementing fee-for-service business models; basic HIV service competencies; advanced skills in health care systems; data and health informatics; high-impact prevention programs; and emerging evidence-based or informed approaches through a series of group trainings, boot camps, community forums, and individual consultation. |
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| This project is funded wholly, or in part, by the Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA). |
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