Deidra J. Coleman
We all need to put ourselves first when it comes to our health. Going to the doctor and knowing your status is one way to own your health. Today’s #FridayFeature is someone who has been a health/HIV advocate for many years. Deidra J. Coleman is an advocate for health and HIV in Marion County and is known for her fashion because she owns her owner of Denderah’s, a clothing brand. To learn all about Deidra, keep on reading.
Deidra J. Coleman has been a health educator and HIV advocate for over 20 years by working as a Community Engagement Liaison doing work where academia intersects with the community. She currently works as a Program Coordinator for Minority Health Coalition of Marion County and the Marion County Public Health Department. Something fun is that Deidra is a fashion designer and artist who has merged Fashion and HIV for 20+ years, creating standing-room-only fashion shows for HIV awareness and testing to communities that may not be at an HIV/AIDS event.
We asked Deidra what freedom means to her, and she said, “Being free to me is being calm; it is the highest achievement of the self. In the midst of all, if I can remain calm mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually then I am free and at peace. Mindfulness is freedom. Where the mind stops and allows thoughts to come and go and not grab them. Yoga and meditation help me stay or reclaim a peaceful, free state of being.” A fun fact about Deidra that we thought was worth sharing is she loves to stretch, would love to do the splits on a plane. We wish we would do the splits!
Some advice that Deidra told us about those who are afraid to get tested for STDs, and she said, “Love yourself enough to make healthy choices for you. One in seven are HIV positive because they don’t know their status. Release the fear and empower yourself with the knowledge of knowing. Most tests are painless. When you start a new relationship, come and get tested together, so you start free of STD and with peace of mind. The CDC suggests you get tested every six months or at least once a year. You are worth it!”
Currently, Deidra is working on ending the HIV epidemic in a faith-based response as the Program Coordinator for Minority Health Coalition of Marion County and Marion County Public Health Department. Deidra will be doing this by dispelling myths about HIV, and creating HIV 101 educational classes. It is a lot of work, but no one is better qualified than Deidra.