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Name: Lily Fleenor
How did I get involved in IMPACT?
  • I was involved in First Year Forum my Freshman Year. I looked up to all of the Peer Leaders and so many of them had gone on Impact Trips. After a difficult start to my second semester, I wanted to step outside of my comfort zone and apply to go on a Spring Break trip to Charlotte, North Carolina for Education Access and Advocacy. My IMPACT trip was the most transformative experience of my college career so far. It was also my last college experience before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. I am so grateful to have had that informative, inclusive, and heartwarming experience to end my Freshman Year. I decided to go out on a limb and apply to be a site leader only a few weeks after my trip ended because I truly love this organization so much.
Why am I interested in my trip focus? 
  • As a Political Science and History double major, the way community health issues are handled and viewed is very fascinating to me. The HIV/AIDS public health crisis is one of the most prevalent examples of health issues disproportionately affecting minority groups. As someone in a very privileged position as it relates to the issue, I am very interested to learn more about the experience of groups that are disproportionately affected and talk about the ramifications of such. 
Favorite IMPACT memory?​
  • My favorite Impact memory was going to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte and playing with all the sweet kids. 
Contact info
lhf09494@uga.edu
Instagram: @lilyfleenor
She/Hers
(615) 924-1433
Picture
Contact Info: 
sm22894@uga.edu
Instagram: @suraya_mohidul
she/her/hers
(678) 900-8865
Name: Suraya Mohidul
How did I get involved in IMPACT?
  • ​I had found out about IMPACT through my friends who had gone on one a few years before! They loved their experiences so much that I had no choice but to go on one too. My first IMPACT trip was the Ageism trip in Charleston, South Carolina. Although it was not my first choice in trips, I had the best time and learned far more than I thought I ever could about ageism. I have been on 3 trips in total and my understanding of social issues and service has only gotten deeper and more meaningful. Through IMPACT, I was able to find a community of my own all while being able to serve other communities. I am so excited to help future participants experience this as well!
Why am I interested in my trip focus?
  • As someone pursuing a career in public health, community health is extremely important to me and HIV/AIDS awareness is a facet of this. Just like any aspect of community health, HIV/AIDS is something that disproportionately affects those belonging to different groups, such as minority communities or the LGBTQ+ community. There is also a lot of stigma regarding HIV/AIDS and STDs in general, especially in the South. Hopefully with this trip, some of this stigma can be reduced!
Favorite memory from an IMPACT trip?
  • Too many to count! But the best part are the games after reflection!

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ABOUT HIV/AIDS AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY 


​HIV, otherwise known as human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks cells that aid in the body’s immune defense mechanism. This causes a person to become more vulnerable to infections and diseases that they should normally be able to fight off. Within a few weeks of HIV infection, which can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids, flu-like symptoms occur. Once this is over, the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses into AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is usually the aftermath of an untreated HIV infection. AIDS is a chronic condition which allows more opportunistic infections to invade your body, potentially resulting in a life-threatening condition. 
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TERMS TO KNOW:
  • ​HIV - HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and it attacks the body’s CD4 cells, weakening one’s immune system
  • AIDS - AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This is the most severe stage of HIV where the infected individual’s immune system is weakened to the point where common infections can result in life-threatening conditions
  • ART - ART stands for antiretroviral therapy, a treatment that can dramatically slow the disease's progress, prevent secondary infections and complications, and prolong life by reducing the viral load in your blood.
  • MSM - MSM means “men who have sex with men”
  • STD vs.  STI - STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, whereas STI means sexually transmitted infection. Not all diseases begin with infections, but many do
  • CD4 cell count - The CD4 count is a measure of the condition of your immune system. When you have a CD4 count lower than 200 cell/mm3, you will receive an AIDS diagnosis.
  • PrEP - PrEP, otherwise known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a pill that is taken every day in order to prevent the transmission of HIV. Studies have shown that PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% when taken daily.
  • PEP - PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. This drug is taken within 72 hours of potentially being exposed to HIV to prevent becoming infected. 

MORE ABOUT HIV/AIDS AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY

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