Category Archives: Whitman-Walker

Whitman-Walker urges gay men to get meningitis vaccine

Whitman-Walker Health, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Whitman-Walker Health on Friday urged gay and bisexual men to get vaccinated against bacterial meningitis.

The health service provider in their announcement referenced New York state health officials’ recommendations that any gay man or MSM (man who has sex with men) who is at least 18 years old of any HIV status who has had “intimate contact with a man” they met online, through an app or at a bar or a party since Sept. 1, 2012, or “plan on having such contact in the future” should receive the vaccine.

This announcement comes on the heels of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reporting four new cases of meningitis among MSM have been reported in the five boroughs since the beginning of the year. The agency said 22 meningitis cases – seven of them fatal – have been reported in the city since 2010.

Brett Shaad, an attorney from West Hollywood, Calif., died from the disease at a Los Angeles hospital last week.

Karen Ocamb of Frontiers noted on Wednesday that three other gay men in Los Angeles have reportedly contacted meningitis since December, including Rjay Spoon who died on Dec. 16.

Ray Martins, chief medical officer of Whitman-Walker, told the Washington Blade earlier this week headaches, fever and a stiff neck are the most common symptoms associated with meningitis. It is spread through respiratory droplets or oral secretions. And the incubation period is typically between three and seven days.

“It’s not a gay disease,” Martins said. “It just happens to be spreading in the gay community.”

Dr. Saul Levin, interim director of the D.C. Department of Health, said on March 25 that he “strongly” recommends people with HIV and those who frequently travel to the New York City area to “consult with their physician regarding a meningitis vaccination.”

While noting there has not been an increase in meningitis cases in the nation’s capital, Levin released his statement on the same day the New York State Department of Health expanded the list of those whom it said should receive the vaccine to include MSM with HIV/AIDS and those who have engaged in activities described in the New York City advisory.

Whitman-Walker said its patients can request the vaccine from their health care provider. Those who do not receive care from the organization should contact their physician to get vaccinated.

Calendar: events through Jan. 10

Let My People Go, Jewish Film Festival, gay news, Washington Blade

A scene from the French comedy ‘Let My People Go,’ which screens Jan. 10 and 12 in Washington as part of the Jewish Film Festival. Details are at wjff.org.

TODAY

Foundry Gallery (1314 18th St., NW) presents “Earth Flowing Plane” by Edward Bear Miller today and through Jan. 27. The exhibition includes new oil paintings influenced by the D.C. landscape including Rock Creek Park and the Potomac River. This exhibition is free. For more information, visit foundrygallery.org.

Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) offers free HIV testing at Anacostia Metro Station, SE today at 1:30-4 p.m. today. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

The D.C. Center (1318 U St., NW) launches a new first Friday Transgender Discussion Group tonight from 7-9 p.m. It is open to the transgender community, allies and partners. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

The Adah Rose Gallery (3766 Howard Ave.) presents the exhibition “I’m Passing Through a Phase: I’m Changing to a Word” featuring artists Heather Day, Joseph C. Parra and Theo Willis. The gallery is opened today from noon-6 p.m. For more information, visit adahrosegallery.com.

The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Dr. Who Happy Hour” tonight at 7. There will be one episode of “Dr. Who” and drink specials. Admission is free. For details, visit blackcatdc.com.

Phase 1 (528 8th St. SE) has its weekly dance party with DJ Jay Von Teese tonight starting at 7:30. Cover is $10. For more information, visit phase1dc.com.

Town (2009 8th St., N.W.) hosts Bear Happy Hour tonight from 6-11 p.m. This event is for people 21 and older. There is no cover charge. For details, visit towndc.com.

The Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., S.E.) is having its happy hour today starting at 5 p.m. All drinks are half off until 7:30 p.m. After 9 p.m., admission is $10. The dance floor opens at 11 p.m. with DJ Tim-Nice and DJ Cameron. For details, visit thebachelorsmill.com.

Saturday, Jan. 5

Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, is helping in food preparation and packing groceries for Food and Friends (219 Riggs Road, NE) this morning at 8. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.They also volunteer at the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation at the Petsmart (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church) today from 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. For details, visit burgundycrescent.com.

The Black Cat (1811 14th St., N.W.) hosts “Hellmouth Happy Hour” where attendees watch one episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” with drink specials. Cover is free and doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit blackcatdc.com.

Sunday, Jan. 6

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W.)  holds its weekly Martini Sundays and Homowood Karaoke tonight. Karaoke starts at 10 pm and there is no charge for admission. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.

Monday, Jan. 7

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It’s a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Banana Café (500 8th St., SE) has its karaoke night from 7 p.m. to closing. Admission is free. For more information, visit bananacafedc.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

D.C. Bi Women meets tonight at 7 at Dupont Italian Kitchen (1637 17th St. NW) in the upstairs room. For details, visit thedccenter.org.

Whitman-Walker (1701 14th St., NW) holds its group Starting Over for Women tonight at 7. The group is for women whose long-term relationship with another woman. Registration is required. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) hosts its Safer Sex Kit-packing program tonight from 7-10:30. The packing program is looking for more volunteers to help produce the kits because they say they are barely keeping up with demand. Admission is free and volunteers can just show up. For more information, visit thedccenter.org.

Wednesday, Jan. 9

Gallery B (7700 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda) opens its first exhibition of the new year today with an opening reception slated for Jan. 11from 6-9 p.m. The show features Patricia Affens, Ceci Cole McInturff, Alice Kresse, Maya Ormsby and Susan Tibolla Gray. For details, visit bethesda.org.

The Big Gay Book Group meets tonight at 7 p.m. at 1155 F St., NW to discuss “On Being Different: What It Means to a Homosexual.” For more information, visit biggaybookgroup.com.

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its HIV+ Newly Diagnosed Support Group tonight at 7. It is a confidential support group for anyone recently diagnosed with HIV and the group welcomes all genders and sexual orientations. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

The Lambda Bridge Club meets tonight at the Dignity Center (721 8th St., SE) at 7:30 p.m. Newcomers are welcome and no reservations are needed. For more information or if you need a partner, visit lambdabridge.com.

Thursday, Jan. 10

The Washington Jewish Film Festival screens “Let My People Go!” tonight at the Embassy of France (4101 Reservoir Road, NW) at 6:30 p.m. The film is blend of gay romantic comedy, Jewish family drama and French bedroom farce. Tickets are $11 to $15. For details, visit wjff.org.

Burgundy Crescent, a gay volunteer organization, is helping in food preparation and packing groceries for Food and Friends (219 Riggs Road, NE) this evening at 6. For more information, visit burgundycrescent.org.

Whitman-Walker Health offers free HIV testing at Bachelor’s Mill (1104 8th St., SE) tonight from 10 p.m.-12:30 am. For details, visit whitman-walker.org.

Whitman-Walker Health (1701 14th St., NW) holds its gay men over 50 support group this evening at 6:30 p.m. The group is for gay men entering a new phase of life. Registration is required to attend. For more information, visit whitman-walker.org.

Cobalt (1639 R St., N.W) is hosting its weekly Best Package Contest tonight at 9 p.m. There is a $3 cover and there are $2 vodka drinks. Participants in the contest can win $200 in cash prizes. The event is hosted by Lena Lett and music by DJ Chord, DJ Madscience, and DJ Sean Morris. For details, visit cobaltdc.com.