Out of the Box (OTB) comprises a diverse array of programs crafted to enlighten, empower, and motivate individuals to prioritize their holistic health and wellness. OTB, born from within the community, is dedicated to addressing both individual and collective holistic health needs. Each program under the OTB umbrella tackles the specific issues crucial to enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals.

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OTB programming includes:

 

OTB Discussions

This forum serves as a peer-driven platform for open discussions on various daily matters related to holistic health. It progresses through several phases: Phase 1, "Man in the Mirror"; Phase 2, "Young, Black, and Successful"; Phase 3, "Demasking"; Phase 4, "Destigmatize and Humanize"; Phase 5, "We are..."; and Phase 6, "Renaissance/Rebirth".

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OTB Health Champions

This is a peer-led project to educate young Black men in Baton Rouge about the different strategies used to prevent HIV-specifically PrEP.

 

OTB Bayou Awareness Pageant

Which is an annual pageant held for the community to come to compete, spectate, and share talents with each other in the name of awareness. This platform enables our “community celebrities” to reach their peers with awareness information regarding their holistic health needs.

 

OTB Safe Space

This was a pilot to understand how to create safe spaces for the community to retreat to escape certain realities of life, to recharge, and to be among peers all while getting valuable information and services.

 

OTB Mentors of Color

Originally conceived as an advisory board of peers, the initiative has since transformed into a platform where peers acquire certifications in clinical interventions identical to those of healthcare providers and advocates. This equips peers with profound insights, enabling them to effectively disseminate crucial information among their peers, bridging potential gaps in communication between public health authorities. Moreover, participants undergo state-sponsored testing and counseling training to further enhance their skill set in this domain.

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OTB Social Media Campaign

This allows individuals to personalize holistic health concerns in ways that directly benefit themselves to encourage others to become aware of the issues as well. Peers will share materials, educate themselves and seek assistance when necessary more often when their friends are a part of the messaging.

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OTB Retreat

The retreat functions as a condensed version of the curriculum covered in the monthly sessions, providing an opportunity for individuals who may have missed sessions or wish to delve deeper with their peers. It offers a chance to momentarily escape the demands of daily life, fostering unity and awareness over a weekend. Additionally, it serves as a means of recharging and realignment. Participants are offered accommodations and meals to facilitate their attendance at the retreat.

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OTB Prevention Mixer

Which is an annual mixer that focuses on mixing and mingling with both peers and public health advocates and organizations to obtain the latest prevention strategies and practices. This allows a safe space to be created that focuses on U=U and PrEP information in a fun relaxing manner that allows peers opportunities to display their talents through art, music, and dance.

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OTB Health Screenings

It is advisable to undergo STI screenings for HIV/AIDS, HEP C, and syphilis at least once or twice a year. Upon receiving test results, we provide linkage to care and referrals for further assistance.

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OTB Research

"J-RISE” Relevant Implementation Strategies to Eliminate the social and structural barriers associated with the HIV community. Services extended to Black men who have sex with men, that seek Justice. This is a five (5) year study.

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OTB Professional Development

Professional development refers to activities or programs designed to enhance and expand the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of individuals in their respective fields or professions. These activities can include workshops, seminars, conferences, courses, on-the-job training, certifications, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Professional development aims to help individuals improve their performance, advance their careers, stay current with industry trends, and adapt to changes in their professional environment.

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OTB Personal Development

The ultimate goal of professional development is to support continuous learning, growth, and advancement within one's chosen field or profession.

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OTB Building Rental

Rental of the building is available.

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All these various interventions were birthed from having holistic health discussions and learning to not only listen to each other but to take what we heard and design programs to address and identify the specific concerns and needs. To OTB meeting the community where they are is not just a statement, it is a practice...