Profile of Members
EBONY P. JOHNSON, MHS
Ebony Johnson is a leader in the HIV and AIDS world. Her involvement has been passionate, evolving and empowering to many since 2000. Ms. Johnson is committed to GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) as outlined by the United Nations. Therefore, she acquired detailed knowledge of a broad range of scientific, medical and psycho-social issues, of importance for the care of children with HIV infection. She has consistently demonstrated her competence and commitment as Community CAB member of WIHS (Women’s Inter-Agency Health Study), as member of the PACTG Community Constituency Group and most recently as affiliate and consultant for the IMPAACT Americas ICAB which focuses on women and children and the North American Representative for ICW (International Community of Women). In addition the working at the program level; Ms. Johnson works with consumer groups to develop the skills, esteem and literacy needed for persons living with HIV/AIDS to be involved in HIV policy, resource planning, service evaluation and data collection. Ebony believes when people adopt new skills; they break barriers and become stronger for themselves and other who will model after them. Through her weekly support group, Ms Johnson provides training on public speaking, HIV prevention, patient communication, disclosure, relationships, healthy decision-making and many other topics pertinent to the growth and independence of women living with HIV/AIDS. In balance with Ms. Johnson’s involvement in research advocacy and consumer literacy; she is a dynamic speaker and champion for HIV education and empowerment for all people. Ms Johnson travels the nationally and globally to provide hope, life and new path ways for persons living with HIV who have lost hope, determination or just lost their feelings of normalcy. Ebony Johnson finds that it is imperative that providers set the stage for healthy attitudes and behaviors around sex, health and personal responsibility. Ms. Johnson provides cultural competency training and partnership building for medical and social services providers across the spectrum. She also workers with people living with HIV to be have greater involvement, investment and understanding of their health and healthcare. Ms Johnson believes the key to healthy living for those at risk for HIV as well as those living with HIV/AIDS is rapport with their providers who are often the foundation of support, guidance and proactive decision making. Key areas of focus for Ebony Johnson are:
- The intersection between HIV and Domestic Violence
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights
- Inclusive HIV prevention messaging/social marketing
- Building healthy patient and provider relationships
- GIPA (Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS)
- Responsible decision making for young persons
- Parent Empowerment – partnering with parents to build skills to have open and safe dialogues with their children around HIV and reproductive health
- Get young people involved – helping young people to be responsible
- Cultural Competency/Diversity training for providers – bridging theory with tolerance and compassion
