AMSA

AMSA's Local Chapter Project Directory

PROJECT DESCRIPTION/CONTACT INFORMATION
Project title HIV/AIDS in Brooklyn Panel
Project type(s) Community Service,Speaker
Date completed 12/13/2007
Chapter SUNY Downstate Medical Center COM
Project Coordinator Tara Kamath
Summary of project For the month of World AIDS Day, we planned a series of events. First, on December 1st, medical students worked at the STAR Clinic tables around school and the hospital. The purpose was to hand out information about HIV and AIDS in the community and direct community members toward free testing at the clinic. In addition, we had a letter writing campaign to support $8 million for healthcare workers in Africa. Next to the table, we set up an 'Empty White Coats' display to draw attention to the campaign. That same weekend, a group of 3 medical students per day went to sites in the community to participate in pre- and posttest counseling to teenagers who were getting HIV tests. This involved a training session the week before. On the 13th, there was a panel consisting of three of our Downstate faculty/STAR clinic physicians and 4 of their patients with HIV/AIDS to tell students their stories and answer questions about being diagnosed, treated, and living with the disease.

Content area HIV/AIDS
Number of participants 50
Participant hours involved 170 hour(s)
PROJECT PLANNING
Coordinator roles
Coordinator hours hour(s)
FUNDING & ADVERTISING
Total project cost $470
Project funding Local chapter funds,AMSA grant
Funding breakdown of sources and/or donations:
Project advertising Flyering and emailing was effective for the panel.
PROJECT EVALUATION
Success rating
(1 = unsuccesful, 5 = very successful)		 5
Lessons/suggestions The doctors at the panel suggested that we have fewer doctors and mostly patients on the panel next year, since the focus was really on them. Also, I would advertise the panel on the media newsletter next time.