RaSheda Hodges has been a volunteer HIV/AIDS education instructor for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter since 2001. She is passionate about HIV/AIDS outreach and education in the St. Louis community. As a Case Manager for the Saint Louis University New Hope Clinic, Rasheda brings a wealth of professional experience to her role as a volunteer instructor for the Red Cross.

“RaSheda’s motto is ‘healing to whole,’” says Simone Phillips, HIV/AIDS specialist for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter. “She goes above and beyond on a daily basis to create opportunities for St. Louisans to get the resources they need to be whole, healthy, thriving individuals.”

Since 2003, RaSheda has educated third year medical students at Saint Louis University to enhance their knowledge of HIV facts and treatments. She uses Red Cross curriculum in her presentations.

“In order to combat HIV incidence rates, it takes a village,” RaSheda explains. “No single entity can address all the needs and intricacies of this disease.”

RaSheda sites a poster used in Red Cross education presentations as particularly inspiring. “The poster reads, ‘when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.’ HIV is the lion. When community partners work together, we can overcome this disease.

“Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to HIV and AIDS. As a healthcare provider, I understand that there is no cure for this disease and until there is a cure, we have the vehicle of education. HIV is a disease that is preventable when we change our behaviors. Red Cross HIV/AIDS education can put our community on a path towards a healthier lifestyle.”

RaSheda was recently invited to join the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter Health and Safety Committee, a panel of community leaders that advises the Chapter’s Board of Directors on health and safety related issues.

Click here for more information on the St. Louis Area Chapter's HIV/AIDs programs.

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