Rockhopper TV - BBC World News Series "Love in a Time of HIV: Ep. 2 I Love New York" has been nominated for the prestigious Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) award. The nominees will be honored at a gala event in London on November 4.

This New York-based film features Christina Rodriguez, a founding member of the SMART Youth program and her mother, Susan Rodriguez, Founding Director of SMART.  Christina talks openly about living in New York City with HIV in this moving, sensitive and personal account of the bond between a mother and daughter and how both are dealing with being HIV positive.

Upon learning of the nomination Susan Rodriguez responded, “With over 200 documentary submissions for this year’s award, receiving an AIB nomination with other amazing international documentaries is an enormous honor.”

Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment’s (SMART)

Founded in 1998 to provide treatment and prevention education and support for all women living with HIV/AIDS in order to increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, SMART expanded its mission in 2005 to include serving youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

SMART serves high-risk heterosexual women and youth of color from New York City’s highest incidence areas. Over the last 11 years, SMART’s priority is to serve all women and youth of color who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and seeks to: 1) create successful linkages to medical care or re-engage the out-of-care, 2) deliver culturally competent, evidence-based treatment education and prevention services, and 3) reduce the disparities, stigma and discrimination in access to prevention and care services that are experienced by women of color.

Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment (SMART) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to empowering women and youth. Our mission is: (1) support and expand our synergistic programs for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS; (2) provide the necessary space for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City; and (3) create positive change in each of our participant’s lives so they may receive optimal treatment access and care. For more information, please visit www.smartuniversity.org and www.smartyouthnyc.org

To purchase SMART shirt: click HERE

To make a donation, please visit: SMART

Thursday, July 30th, I arrived at Haven to support and champion a program that I hold close to my heart. I was escorted up the stairs along with my girl Jenny, to meet the wonderful all female staff of SMART (Sisterhood Mobilized for HIV/AIDS Research and Treatment), the board members, and a several of the generous Glitz & Glam attendees.

After circumnavigating the deliciously decorated top floor, all the introductions were made. I was then led to the open bar sponsored by Prairie Organic Vodka, by the dashing and delightful- Jean-Luc Quevauvilliers.

Jean-Luc began as a volunteer three years ago for the SMART youth program, and has since become a member of the SMART Board of Directors. Jean-Luc disclosed to me that there have been several gala benefits, however, Glitz & Glam was the first cocktail fundraiser they have ever thrown for SMART.  Very smart. Accessible to everyone, and a great opportunity to acquaint people with the organization.

Founded in 1998 to provide treatment and prevention education and support for all women living with HIV/AIDS in order to increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, SMART expanded its mission in 2005 to include serving youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

Clarissa Silva, MSW, Executive Director, and Susan Rodriguez, Founding Director, both addressed the magnificently receptive guests, to thank them for their support and give a little SMART background.

Ms. Silva is the newest addition to the SMART Team. She joins Ms. Rodriguez, Sam Clare, and Yolanda Diaz. Together, they work tirelessly to implement the agency’s new direction:

1. Create infrastructure for evidence-based knowledge and practice
   
2. Maximize capacity in training, research and evaluation
   
3. Collaborate with stakeholders to make women and youth health matter across NYC.

But that wasn't all... they had a surprise in store for us...

Jean-Luc introduced not one, but two Burlesque Dancers to perform: Kiki Valentine and Misty Lux. Fantastic and so very Glam.

After the titillating performances, I found Ms. Silva, to get a better understanding of how exactly the new direction can materialize through the program... she proudly explained;

Through our holistic treatment education approach we are able to address and reduce the gaps that exist for women and youth in receiving the optimal standard of treatment and care. Therefore, reduce disparities in access to prevention services prevalent amongst women and youth of color living with HIV and assist them in overcoming barriers that affect their access through support and community building. This actually empowers them to engage in health care decisions for themselves and their families.

I also found out that, in addition to these accomplishments, Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a special proclamation on June 18, 2009 declaring June 18 as National Reproductive Health Awareness Day, sponsored by SMART.

In a released statement, Mayor Bloomberg shared;

Outreach, education and support are important tools in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and I commend SMART’s efforts in providing a safe haven for women and youths affected by the epidemic... Women now constitute a third of new AIDS cases, so this work is more important than ever.

I was honored to be a part of a truly amazing amazing cause with amazing people on an amazing night: simply smart.

For more exclusive picts by Marc Stamas, please visit the sBs Glitz & Glam gallery.

*Photo 1 by Marc Stamas: Clarissa Silva and America's Next Top Model- Celia Ammerman

*Photo 2 by Marc Stamas: Kiki Valentine

*Photo 3 by Marc Stamas