A Girl Like Me LIVE

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

On Thursday February 26, 2026, we held the 40th episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE, delving into the transformative practice of mindfulness and its profound impact on women living with and vulnerable to HIV. This episode explored how mindfulness techniques can help women reclaim their power, mitigate stress, and foster a deeper connection with themselves.

In an inspiring conversation, Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and The Well Project community advisory board co-chair Louise Vallace talk about the importance of cultivating a mindful mindset in managing the emotional aspects of living with HIV.

You're not going to want to miss this discussion emphasizing the significance of self-care, mental well-being, and community support for women living with HIV. Check it out!

On January 22, 2026, we hosted a transformative episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE, hosted by Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown and community advisory board co-chair Lynette Trawick. In this powerful discussion, we confronted the societal expectation that women must always be the "strong ones," exploring the mental and emotional toll this can place on those managing an HIV diagnosis.

In this interactive session, our cohosts shared their personal journeys and strategies for self-care, community connection, and empowerment. By highlighting the often-overlooked emotional experiences of women living with HIV, we explored opportunities for women living with HIV to advocate for their own needs and well-being.

On December 17, 2025, we held another interactive live episode of A Girl Like Me LIVE. Hosted by Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN, and Dottie Rains-Dowdell, DHSc, the discussion explored the multifaceted journey of perimenopause and menopause for women living with HIV, covering symptom management, healthy coping strategies, and the power of community and storytelling in navigating this transition.

We discussed the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies perimenopause, sharing experiences and insights that resonated with many in our community. With an aim to foster a sense of sisterhood, this conversation empowered participants to build their own support networks while addressing the unique challenges they face.

Whether you're navigating this transition yourself or simply want to learn more, you're not going to want to miss this episode!

In episode 37 of A Girl Like Me LIVE, we emphasize the significance of being proactive in healthcare encounters.

Cohosts Ciarra "Ci Ci" Covin, MS, HS – BCP and Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN discuss preventative screenings and the importance of self-advocacy for women living with HIV. The conversation includes vital discussions around comorbidities like heart disease, diabetes, and bone health, equipping you with the tools to prioritize your well-being. We also introduce useful resources designed to help women living with HIV to navigate their health needs and encourage open conversations with their medical team.

Whether you're living with HIV or advocating for someone who is, this episode is filled with practical insights and empowering strategies to ensure comprehensive care.

The words people use to talk about HIV can affect the way people living with HIV feel about themselves. These words can also have an impact on how others view people living with HIV. In episode 36 of A Girl Like Me LIVE we explore the profound impact that language has on the wellness and overall health of women living with HIV. Co-hosts Ciarra "Ci Ci" Covin and Aryah Lester delve into the critical role that words play in shaping our identities and fostering connections within both personal and community contexts.

We reference our current survey, "Words Matter: Experiences of Stigmatizing Language Among Women Living with HIV" which seeks to illuminate how the language used in healthcare settings can significantly influence the lives and care experiences of women living with HIV.

Watch as we highlight the evolution of language in our communities and discuss how choosing the right words can enhance women's healthcare experiences and empower them as they navigate lives with HIV. Whether you are a provider, advocate, or simply passionate about inclusive language, this episode is for you!

Don't miss this important conversation on the importance of language and its impact on the wellness of women living with HIV.