Current in News: HIV/AIDS

Here is a current topic in news.

In 1984 the National Organ Transplant Act established a system that would allow for a a fair a trustworthy source for organ donations.  Within the guidelines of NOTA, HIV/AID infected organs were not to be accepted. While this was not done out of prejudice, it was done to prevent further spreading of HIV/AID.

Today, a new push has been made to allow HIV/AID infected organs to be used for patients who have the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
In order for that to happen there would need to be a change made to NOTA.

Those supporting the change claim that it will cut the list of patients on the wait-list in half.
Others are hesitant to move too quickly. Not wanting to allow for the risk of mixing organ donations.

Below are some links to articles on the issue.
Educate yourself.

Kidney Transplants
Risk

Leaders in Service: Jessica Rodenbeck

Jessica Rodenbeck is a member of the 

ServiceCorps Scholarship Program at IUPUI

Age: 21

Major: Pre-Dental Biology

IUPUI students recognize Jags in the Streets as a resource that provides service opportunities on or around campus.  For those organizing the monthly service events being a part of the ServiceCorps program gives them another reason to delve into social issues. 

             Jessica Rodenbeck decided to educate herself and her peers within the ServiceCorps program on a social issue that has recently been brought to her attention.

            “I participated in IUPUI's World AIDS Day events and realized there was a lot I did not know about the topic,” She said in an e-mail.

This past Friday the ServiceCorps volunteered at the Damien Center, an organization whose mission is "to care for those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS." 

Traci Johnson is an AmeriCorps volunteer and the Volunteer Coordinator at the Damien Center.  She worked with Rodenbeck on coordinating the service event.

There was a library of “a bajillion books” that Johnson needed help moving from the basement to the main floor.

“They helped organize the books so we could move them upstairs,” she said. 

What Johnson enjoys most about her job is seeing people speak out about HIV prevention.  Jessica also wanted to be educated so that she could use her knowledge base to educate others.

“HIV/AIDS is considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is automatically assumed by many that one contracts it through sexual contact, even though there are many other ways for contraction, including blood donation, etc.,” Rodenbeck said.

Children can also be infected through their parents, making it a disease they contracted by no choice of their own. 

Rodenbeck: “Throughout history there have been many children kept from school…just because they were infected with HIV. Now that the virus and disease is more understood, people affected can live very close to a normal lifestyle.”

Non-Profit Indy: Big Brother, Big Sisters of Central Indiana



“I’d definitely recommend BBBSCI to others. I hope that I have made and can continue to make a positive impact on his life. And he has made a positive impact on my life as well- it’s been a very rewarding experience, and one that I’ll always remember.”

-Big Brother and former IUPUI student, Jim Wisco

Building snowmen.
Shooting hoops.
Playing playstation.

These are types of things that most kids like to do. But that’s why Big Brother (and former IUPUI student) Jim Wisco and his Little Brother Jordan work so well together—Jim likes to do those things too. They can both do “normal” things that they both enjoy doing—but now they do them together.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) currently has around 800 mentors in Central Indiana who make a huge difference every day, but the need is great. BBBSCI currently has about 40 Little Brothers and Littles Sisters around Central Indiana waiting for a mentor with over 400 in the application process.

Bigs are needed, especially Big Brothers and Big Couples. Through the program, volunteers are coached with the help of "Match Support Specialists" who are fully trained, full-time staff who give advice, help, activity suggestions and coupons to their matches. They also work with each match to emphasize:

-higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships

-educational success

-avoidance of risky behavior

According to an Harris Interactive study, 90% of former Littles stated their Big made them feel better about themselves, 81% said their Big changed their perspective on what they thought was possible in life and 46% now have a household income of $75,000 or more.

Jim has been matched with his Little Brother Jordan since 2006. Wisco said “Overall I just remember the first time I met him and he was a shy little kid. Now he's not little and he's not shy; he's become a great young man. He has become more confident and outgoing over the past couple years. I think that is due to several factors, not the least of which the great support he has from his family, but I hope I have helped some too.”

Bigs meet with their Little for roughly 4-6 hours a month, for a minimum of 12 months. Using a “design your own schedule” approach, Bigs are able to adjust their schedule and change their schedule as they go, meeting their Little in the evenings, over the weekends and even during lunch and partner schools. Wisco also stated, "Time management has been, and still is, a constant challenge. But, I've just tried to do the best I can. Even when I've had too much on my plate, it's been important to me to stick with him- he's a great young man.”

Nothing beats a smile on a child's face. And Wisco hopes more of the IUPUI staff/faculty and students get involved. Wisco said, “I'd definitely recommend BBBSCI to others. It's been a pleasure getting to know him and his family, and we've done so many fun things together that I've enjoyed just as much as him. I hope that I have made and can continue to make a positive impact on his life. And he has made a positive impact on my life as well-it's been a very rewarding experience, and one that I'll always remember.”

To find out more about how you can make an impact in and around the IUPUI campus and through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.

Interested?

Contact: Laura Halt, Director of Volunteer Engagement

Phone: (317) 472-3730

Visit their website at www.bebigforkids.org

World AIDS Day

This Thursday on IUPUI campus an informative fair in the Campus Center will help raise awareness of the various people afflicted by HIV/AIDS.  This global issue affects people from all backgrounds, beliefs, races and regions of the world.  It is not limited to one crowd or one country.

 The U.S. Center for Disease Control shares information on what populations are most significantly affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States and what can be done to prevent the spread of them.

To understand issues around the globe you can do your own research or follow this link: HIV/AIDS Report.

 U.S. National Overview

• Nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S. (an estimated 1,178,350 adults and adolescents), and one in five of those (20 percent) are unaware of their infections.
• Despite increases in the total number of people living with HIV in the U.S. in recent years, the annual number of new infections has remained relatively stable overall.
• However, HIV infections continue at far too high a level, with approximately 50,000 Americans becoming newly infected with HIV each year.
• More than 16,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the U.S.

Free Rice for Thanksgiving

It's addicting. Any game is.
Not only that, it feeds people.

Test your knowledge in languages, geography, math, literature or sciences, and feed people while you do it.

Free Rice is a wonderful way to raise money for those going hungry.

Visit the link over the Thanksgiving holiday and feed children around the world.

Who Gets Free Rice?

Who is Hungry? Who is Homeless?

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

November 14-19



Monday the H&H banner was signed to kick-off the events of this week.

Many faces hid under a bridge.

The issue they face not set in the light.

They are a faceless stereotype

A definition hard to package

Who will be the willing to face the issue?

“Hunger” and “homeless” will be defined.

The facts shared may blow the mind,

But face them they are true.

Look at the following events for the week.  How can you help? 

Non-Profit Indy: Girls Inc.

This week we're taking a closer look at a non-profit in the Indianapolis area. 

 Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis provides hands-on programs that address the challenges girls face today, like self-esteem and bullying. They want all girls to be healthy, educated and independent. Volunteers work with girls who range from 6 years old to fourteen years old once a week for 6 weeks throughout the school year.

  Strong. Smart. Bold.



To learn more and apply to be a volunteer please visit www.girlsincindy.org

or call Mollie Hicks at 317-522-2610.