A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 45: The Importance of Family Health History in Managing Our Own Health

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 45: The Importance of Family Health History in Managing Our Own Health

Family health history plays a major role in our own personal health. Understanding our family history can help identify our predispositions to chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more. Having this knowledge allows both women living with HIV and their healthcare providers to advocate for personalized care by starting preventive screenings early and adopting targeted lifestyle changes. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, cohosts Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown, MS, HS-BCP, and Oni Blackstock, MD, MHS, explored the vital connection between family history and proactive health management, discussing the importance of recognizing hereditary conditions, the role of genetics in our well-being, and practical steps to take charge of our health based on our family history. Whether you're looking to uncover hidden health risks or simply want to be more proactive in your health journey, this episode is for you!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 44: Aging Positively: Planning for a Fulfilling Future

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, we held episode 44 of A Girl Like Me LIVE! This interactive conversation features cohosts and The Well Project staffers Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, as they discuss planning for a vibrant and fulfilling future! In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey of aging positively and explore essential topics such as preparing for assisted living, maintaining independence, and fostering a supportive community as we navigate the later stages of life. Viewers will leave the discussion empowered with practical insights and strategies to embrace the aging process with grace and confidence. This is a chat you will not want to miss!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 43: Finding Reliable Information Online in the Age of Misinformation

The Well Project is committed to supporting agency and health literacy among women living with HIV. An important way we achieve this goal is by developing and providing access to HIV information that is culturally responsive, scientifically accurate, and women-focused. This is not always the case with information found online. On Thursday, May 21, 2026, we held the 43rd episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE! Co-hosts Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, and Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown discussed the critical issue of finding reliable HIV-related information on the internet, covering the varying types of misinformation (malinformation, misinformation, and disinformation) and their impacts on societal HIV-related stigma. They also explored the growing role of AI, as well as effective strategies to help sift through the noise and enhance information literacy. Let this important conversation be a tool in your toolkit for navigating the ever-shifting landscape of online health media.

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 42: Episode 42: Managing and Connecting Around Other Health Conditions: What to Learn from HIV

As women age with HIV or grapple with a new HIV diagnosis at any age, overall health matters. Understanding overall health means identifying conditions that can affect how we feel and take care of ourselves. Things like cardiac health, bone density, kidney disease, and diabetes directly impact our health, and women can benefit from understanding the relationship between HIV and co-occurring conditions. In episode 42 of A Girl Like Me LIVE, Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and our very own community advisory board member Robin Barkins explore various aspects of managing multiple health conditions, practical strategies to reduce contributing factors, and ways we can support each other as a community aging with HIV in a healthy manner. Check it out!

A Girl Like Me LIVE Episode 41: Exploring Critical Findings from Our Community-Based Survey on Language, Stigma, and Healthcare

In our latest language survey, The Well Project, along with a group of expert advisors, sought to understand the extent to which women and nonbinary adults living with HIV experience stigmatizing language; its impact on the individual; and potential effects on engagement in the healthcare system. On Thursday, March 26, 2026, cohosts Olivia G. Ford and Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, discussed critical findings from our community-based survey on this crucial topic, recently released in a report titled "Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare Settings: Results from The Well Project's Research Among Women and Nonbinary Adults Living with HIV." They also explored how involving women living with HIV in the development and implementation of community-based research adds to the value of its outcomes. Be sure to check out this lively, interactive conversation about what we learned from our survey!