straighttalkwithcathy

Did you know every 9 1/2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV? In this podcast episode, I'm talking about World AIDS Day.  This disease is not gone.  Education and awareness are ABSOLUTELY NEEDED in our country! My World AIDS Days over the years have been filled with joy, laughter, tears, hope, sadness, every emotion you can feel,  but I have lived every one of those days.  I'm still fighting the good fight and trying to educate and advocate, but I need YOUR help!  This is not a "disease of the week."  Until there's a cure, we have a lot more educating to do! Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths. http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

You're a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend -- and you see school bullying going on.  How do YOU respond?  The school year recently started, and we're talking about this important subject.  What are the signs of bullying, and how can you take action when you see it?  There are plenty of great resources out there for everyone on this issue! Podcast Episode Web Resources -- Bullying Resources for Parents, Teachers & Students http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

Straight Talk with Cathy is tackling a tough issue this week -- sexual assault.  Representative Todd Akin's remarks about rape and "legitimate rape" are alarming.  This isn't a podcast episode about the politics of this issue.  Sexual assault affects all people -- all races, it doesn't matter what initials you have around your name, how much money you make, what language you speak.  Anyone can be a victim, including families and friends who have loved ones who have been victims.  In this episode, I'll be talking about my personal story, sharing some important national statistics, and most importantly, I'll be providing resources.  Sexual assault is a serious issue and communication around it is VERY important. http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

It's that time of the year again -- back to school!  As if you couldn't already tell with all the television commercials for notebooks, backpacks and pencils.  Don't forget the expensive graphing calculator!  Anyhoo, this episode, which starts season 4 of Straight Talk with Cathy, is all about getting ready for school.  Parents and students -- please tune in -- we're talking about starting the year with excitement and hope.  The start of school, whether elementary, middle, high school or college can be stressful.  Bullying, new locations, dorm situations, drugs/alcohol are all safety topics that must be talked about.  Having a plan for the year keeps everyone focused! http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for organ donations.  About 79 people each day receive transplants, but about 18 people each day die waiting on them.  If those numbers don't drive the point home…one organ donor can save up to 8 lives.  Those numbers are staggering!  I am a proud supporter of organ donations.  This episode is all about why donations are so important! http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

In this episode, Sheila Hollowell joins us in studio for part two of a discussion about suicide awareness and dealing with crises.  Sheila shares her story about being raped and her experience counseling victims.  How do you overcome adversity and create a better life for yourself? Sheila is the former director of community relations for Columbine High School Recovery Program, the former executive director of Crisis Service for Fairbanks, Alaska, the former executive director of Crisis to Help in Kanehoe, Hawaii, facilitator of the Surgeon General's National Strategy for Teen Suicide Prevention and facilitator for the National Suicide Help Line. http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

Season 3 of Straight Talk with Cathy is here with the New Year! In this episode, Sheila Hollowell, joins us in studio to talk about suicide awareness.  From school kids being bullied to adults in the workplace, suicide is a serious topic that needs to be talked about. Sheila has a wealth of experience in this health area.  She's the former director of community relations for Columbine High School Recovery Program, the former executive director of Crisis Service for Fairbanks, Alaska, the former executive director of Crisis to Help in Kanehoe, Hawaii, facilitator of the Surgeon General's National Strategy for Teen Suicide Prevention and facilitator for the National Suicide Help Line. http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

Perhaps the most powerful line we can put for in the description of this episode on Dec. 1st… TODAY is World AIDS Day…What are YOU doing about it tomorrow? This episode is dedicated to Debbie.  We miss you! http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

October kicks off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Guess what -- I want YOU involved! I am joined in this episode (recorded earlier in the month) with Pastor Lee Steele and with two guests who are going to talk about their coming out experiences and bullying.

Don't be silent -- take a stand!

http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod

In this episode, I am reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the first U.S. HIV/AIDS diagnosis.  Is HIV/AIDS still on the radar of Americans?  Are we making progress fighting this battle?  What ever happened to prevention?  This year marks my 27th anniversary living with AIDS, and I can say one thing with certainty.  I'm very grateful for all of the people in my life! http://straighttalkwithcathy.com http://twitter.com/straighttalkpod