Rochester Victory Alliance

We couldn’t have rounded the bases on COVID without our vaccine volunteers. To celebrate, the Rochester Victory Alliance/Center for Vaccine Research is making 200 tickets to the Rochester Red Wings Pride Night game available to our COVID and HIV vaccine study participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Find our flagged table near the ticket booth the night of the game, Wednesday, July 7, starting at 5:30 pm. First pitch is at 7:30 p.m.; up to two tickets per participant. Call (585) 602-0030 or email [email protected] for more info, and learn more about our vaccine research and how to volunteer for future studies at rochestervictoryalliance.org/volunteer/.

It's never been easier to get tested. Quick, confidential, convenient. #HIVTestingDay (today!) is as good a day as any to place an order, for yourself or for somebody else. Why wait?

You're invited to a viewing of "Shoulders to Stand On," a documentary showcasing #ROC's influences on local and national LGBTQ history. The film begins with the formation of the Gay Liberation Front by a small group of University of Rochester students. The screening begins at 3 p.m. this Saturday at The Little Theatre. Admission is free, hosted by URMC School of Medicine and Dentistry Office of Equity and Inclusion. #PrideMonth2021

National HIV Testing Day is coming up soon. Every person should be tested at least once as a part of their routine health care. HIV is highly treatable now, but you can't treat what you don't know. Beat the rush - schedule an appointment or order a self-test today! https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html

It's time. Now that we’re turning the corner against COVID, we need to turn our attention back to The Other Epidemic: HIV. We’re looking for healthy, HIV-negative adults between 18-50 for upcoming HIV vaccine studies. You *cannot* get HIV from the study vaccine, and you’ll join a team committed to your health and safety. Participants may receive up to $900 for their time. https://rochestervictoryalliance.org/volunteer/

Have questions about COVID vaccination during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? Get answers at today’s virtual ROC City Baby Café conversation. The session starts at 5:30, no registration required! https://rochesterregionalbreastfeedingcoalition.com/baby-c/ {graphic: freepik/stories}

We do love us some Dolly. In a pinch, a good Dolly impersonator will do. [Fun fact: the readl Dolly funded Moderna's COVID vaccine research to the tune of $1 million. Without a doubt in my mind, her funding made the research toward the vaccine go 10 times faster than it would be without it," according to Vanderbilt Vaccine Center researcher Naji Abumrad.]

It's been quite a year. As horrifying as the coronavirus pandemic has been, it is gratifying to know the speed with which so many vaccines have appeared on a near horizon is directly due to knowledge gleaned from years of HIV vaccine research, here and across the globe. We are grateful for the continued support from you, the Rochester community, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as we work together to find vaccines against HIV and COVID-19. ... https://www.urmc.rochester.edu//18-million-grant-supports- See more

New products are regularly being added to the EPA's list of disinfectants to kill the virus that causes COVID-19. If you love the overpowering aroma of killer pine trees, you're in luck: Pine-Sol is now on the approved list. But did you know that different products have different set times to actually kill the virus? Pine-Sol: 10 minutes... Clorox bleach: 10 minutes Lysol Disinfectant Spray: 3 minutes Lysol All Purpose Cleaner: 2 minutes Zep Spirit II: 1 minute Spray Nine multipurpose disinfectant spray: 30 seconds Even Clorox’s Clean-Up Cleaner With Bleach recommends that you let it sit for 30 seconds before wiping. (fun fact: the EPA also notes These products are for use on surfaces, not humans.) Now you know. Happy sanitizing!

The technology differs, but the playbook remains the same: * minimization of the threat * claiming vaccines causes illness * conspiracy theories... * alternative "authorities" Oh, humanity, will we ever learn?

It was quite a treat when Maisie accompanied her vaccine volunteer to our clinic this week. She is a very good girl. 12/10 #ROC

It's International Pronouns Day! Here's Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, Alabama state director for the Human Rights Campaign, on the importance of acknowledging and using a person's pronouns.

Tomorrow, at 2:30 pm EDT! Join COVID in Black, Episode 3: Health Inequities and the Legacy of Mistrust in Black Communities.

In need of food or know anyone in need? Our friends at Vineyard Farm and Outdoor Center for Excellence have resources. See information attached, spread the word and help transform someone in need.

*Women’s Study in Sexual Health & Empowerment (aka WISE)* If you are an adult woman (age 18 or older), you may be eligible to participate in a paid study exploring women's attitudes, history and opinions regarding their sexual health. The study involves completing a confidential survey five times over the course of a year. Study results will help provide better sexual health services in the future to women in New York State.

ImageOut Film Festival has handled the 2020 Rona Challenge with aplomb. We're proud to have been associated with this cinematic tradition, and invite you to join us in supporting ImageOut for it's final weekend of LGBT+ digital goodness. https://imageout2020.eventive.org/welcome

Last weekend for ImageOut! What have you seen so far?

It's National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD)! The top five states with the highest number of new HIV diagnoses among the Hispanic/Latinx community are California, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and *New York*. [2018 data] Fortunately, infections among Latina women are decreasing. Find out more at http://nlaad.org!

COVID-19 vaccine trials need Americans of every race, location, and medical conditions to help in one of the most important endeavors of our lifetime. You can help us end the uncertainty. Go to covidresearch.urmc.edu to learn how to become a volunteer today.

Given past history, POC are often understandably reluctant to participate in medical trials. This is why the first vaccine study out of the gate was slowed down, to give it time to recruit more minority vaccine volunteers. All studies need to recruit a volunteer population that mirrors that of the nation, particularly since COVID is hitting minority communities the hardest.

National Coming Out Day marks courage and commitment to self-understanding and self-love. Cheers to those who've made the leap and those eyeing it - we support you and we've got your back.

ImageOut isn't letting a virus stop a fabulous film festivalinstead, it goes virtual, starting today. Indulge in ten days of interactive happy hours, Q&A sessions, and a full catalog of films and documentaries. AND, don't miss The Little Theatre's Popcorn Curbside Pickup, Friday from 57 p.m. The perfect way to start the weekend!