The Betty LaMarr Show: HIV/AIDS in the Mid-South

Left to Right: Sharron Moore-Edwards, Betty LaMarr and Dr. Marye Bernard

Show #101 Saturday, August 11, 2012

SHOW THEME: HIV/AIDS

• Guests Sharron Moore-Edwards and Dr. Marye Bernard join host Betty LaMarr for the first in a series of conversations on HIV/AIDS in the Mid-South.  This show provides background information for upcoming shows in the same series.

QUICK FACTS & NUMBERS FROM THE CDC:

African Americans, The Numbers: 

New HIV Infections

• In 2009, black men accounted for 70% of the estimated new HIV infections among all blacks. The estimated rate of new HIV infection for black men was more than six and a half times as high as that of white men, and two and a half times as high as that of Latino men or black women.
• In 2009, black men who have sex with men (MSM)¹ represented an estimated 73% of new infections among all black men, and 37% among all MSM. More new HIV infections occurred among young black MSM (aged 13–29) than any other age and racial group of MSM. In addition, new HIV infections among young black MSM increased by 48% from 2006–2009.
• In 2009, black women accounted for 30% of the estimated new HIV infections among all blacks. Most (85%) black women with HIV acquired HIV through heterosexual sex. The estimated rate of new HIV infections for black women was more than 15 times as high as the rate for white women, and more than three times as high as that of Latina women.
  

HIV among Youth, The Numbers:

New HIV Infections (Ages 13–29 Years)

• In 2009, young persons accounted for 39% of all new HIV infections in the US. For comparison's sake, persons aged 15–29 comprised 21% of the US population in 2010.
  

HIV in Correctional Settings:

Each year, an estimated 1 in 7 persons living with HIV pass through a correctional facility. Most of them acquired HIV in the community, not while they were incarcerated.

In 2007 (the most recent year for which this information is available), the rate of confirmed AIDS cases among state and federal prisoners was about 2.4 times the rate in the general US population.

RESOURCES:

• Memphis Health Center

2430 Poplar Avenue, Ste. 100, Memphis, TN 38112

901-725-1717

• Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center

892 South Cooper Street, Memphis, TN 38104

901-278-6422

• Friends for Life: http://www.friendsforlifecorp.org/

Memphis Area Ryan White Planning Council

1-877-HIV-KNOW (1-877-448-5669)

• Choices Memphis Center for Reproductive Health: www.mcrh-tn.org

1726 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104

Main: 901-274-3550, Toll Free: 800-843-9895

• National HIV and STD Testing Resources

http://hivtest.cdc.gov

• CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

HIV/AIDS Factsheets: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/

Introducing Betty Lamarr: Lights, Camera, Action!

Ms. Betty Lamarr excels in two qualities that contribute towards success in broadcasting and journalism: professionalism and charisma. This veteran TV host, producer and director has been a constant fixture in regional media since 1988, beginning with The Betty Lamarr Show on Comcast Cable 17 (formerly a Time Warner affiliate). The Betty Lamarr Show can still be seen twice weekly on Comcast Cable 17 in the Mid-South.  As an executive producer, Ms. Lamarr works in a world that inspired the catch phrase "lights, camera, action!"

Blessed to sit in the company of some of the best and brightest, Ms. Lamarr has interviewed many celebrities.  These luminaries include: Golden Globe winner Blair Underwood and Richard T. Jones of CBS’ Emmy award winning “Judging Amy” television series and acclaimed for their roles in the movie “G”; James Brown, the legendary ‘Godfather of Soul’; singer Raheem DeVaughn; Academy Award winners Three Six Mafia; Dr. Neal Bernard, noted author of the book, The Power of Your Plate.  Recently, Betty interviewed best-selling author, entrepreneur and talk show host, Mr. Tavis Smiley.  Mr. Smiley visited Memphis on March 5th as part of a speaking tour that celebrates his 20 years in the broadcast industry.  For this special occasion, Mr. Smiley takes a break from his usual role of interviewer and becomes the interviewee.  No matter who or what the subject, Betty inevitably finds something unique and positive to share with her viewers and readers.

Why does Betty maintain such a strong focus on the positive?  In today's world, where adversarial and negative interviews have become standard fare, Betty always approaches her interview subject with the utmost respect and regard.  Betty's remarkable personal perspective and journalistic integrity have opened doors for her to speak with celebrities and noteworthy individuals in our society.  She never takes for granted the pleasure and privilege she enjoys as an interviewer.
 
In the course of her life, Ms.  Lamarr has exhibited that rare ability to create opportunity where little or none seems to exist.  She founded her own clothing and fashion business which she operated successfully for 10 years.  Later, at the time when her production company and other media projects began to require more attention, she sold her business.  In whatever situation she faces, Betty believes strongly that God has blessed her with the tools she needs in her life.  She has an infectious intensity and passion for life.  Betty brings that intensity and passion to her productions and projects.  Ms. Lamarr has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States and has a deep appreciation for culture and the arts. In addition to producing, writing and directing The Betty Lamarr Show, fashion extravaganzas, and other special media projects.  Ms. Lamarr’s main objective is to inspire, entertain and enlighten others.  Betty currently host her own radio talk show on KWAM990 (the new voice of Memphis) Saturday's at 11AM - 12 Noon.  Watch and listen live online KWAM990.com

Betty believes in living her philosophy of “There’s nothing like hard work to make your dreams come true.”

For further information:
E-Mail: thebettylamarrshow@gmail.com
Mail Address:
Betty Lamarr
1910 Madison Avenue, No. 619
Memphis, Tennessee  38104