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