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Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) to Host Mother-Daughter Event about Overcoming Challenges Living with HIV

Congresswoman Nikema Williams will provide opening remarks for this women’s empowerment event at Morehouse School of Medicine

Black women in Georgia are nearly 12 times more likely than White women to be diagnosed with HIV. Research shows inequities drive higher rates of HIV infection, as well as worse HIV clinical outcomes among Black Americans.

Funded by Gilead Sciences, the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is partnering with the Southern AIDS Coalition to host the inaugural mother-daughter event, “Walk in Her Shoes.” This session will focus on the critical HIV-related challenges facing Black women, including panel discussions and a chance to engage with community leaders and experts.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams is providing opening remarks as an advocate for Black women and health equity. “I’m honored to stand with the countless individuals, especially Black women, living with HIV,” said Congresswoman Williams (GA-05). “In Congress, I advocate for policies ensuring equitable access to health care and robust support services. Atlanta, unfortunately, has the third highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among U.S. metro areas. Here, Black women are 16.7 times more likely to live with an HIV diagnosis than White women, and we have a higher rate of late diagnoses than the national average. Addressing this issue requires a group effort, and I have continuously prioritized this work. I am proud to collaborate with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute and other organizations to ensure people living with HIV can thrive, not merely survive.”

The moderator and panelists for the event include known HIV advocates in Georgia. “This event will address the structural barriers in HIV education and care impacting Black communities across generations in Georgia,” said Dr. Maisha Standifer, Director of Population Health at SHLI. “We hope mothers and daughters will leave enlightened and destigmatized on HIV/AIDS.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to have dinner, listen to the panelists, and engage in a conversation about Black women and HIV. For more information and to register, interested attendees can go to bit.ly/walk-in-her-shoes.