MR. & MISS PEAS
Ashton & Dakota
Like peas in a Pod, we're in this together
LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer
Partnership to End AIDS Status, Inc. (PEAS) is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service. Founded in 2009, PEAS aims to optimize service resources to ensure physical, mental, and social equality for all residents of the Memphis Transitional Grant Area. The organization equips individuals with preventive tools to facilitate healthier decision-making and specializes in outreach initiatives.
The mission of PEAS Inc. is to provide vital services including comprehensive HIV/HCV testing and education, to the most affected communities during critical hours and in non-traditional environments. To date, PEAS Inc. has assisted over 10,000 residents in the Memphis and Shelby County area. LaRonia holds certification from the Centers for Disease Control, enabling her to facilitate impactful interventions such as SISTA/TWISTA, ANEA, HepConnect, COMPASS, PrEP/Prevention, ARTAS, and a Certified Syringe Supply/Exchange Program.
Addressing Disparities
PEAS Inc. was established on November 1, 9, by LaRonia Hurd-Sawyer, RN, MSN-CNL, MPH, along with a group of dedicated female health professionals and public health advocates focused on eliminating HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in the Mid-S communities. The Board of Directors brings over 30 years of combined multidisciplinary experience. The staff ofAS Inc. works at the community level to identify service gaps, assess needs, and resource allocation for individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and other STI disparities in minority communities.
Additionally, the team is actively involved in evaluating service delivery for effective behavioral interventions aimed at those at risk for HIV/HCV exposure. PEAS Inc. is committed to addressing the needs of community members, with a major goal of providing comprehensive services, such as HIV/HCV education and needle exchange, during "vulnerable hours," after business hours and on weekends.
The majority of PEAS Inc.'s service recipients are approximately 90% African American or Hispanic, primarily from the Memphis and Shelby County area, and speak both English and Spanish. Around 80% of those served include Cisgender women and men, Transgender women and men, and individuals from the LGBTQIA community, largely due to prevalence of single-parent or women-headed households in the Memphis TGA area.
The southern states face various challenges that contribute to unhealthy living conditions, including poverty, lack of quality jobs, low educational attainment, high crime rates, and low median household income. Since 1992, epidemiological data indicates that African American females of childbearing age have significantly influenced the high number of reported HIV/AIDS in the Memphis TGA area. This trend continues into the 21st century, with Memphis/Shelby County Health Department reporting that, although African Americans represent 16% of the population, they account for approximately 54% of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Tennessee.
Located on the Mississippi River in Shelby, TN, the City of Memphis serves as the region's urban hub, with over half the population being African American or minority individuals. The area faces high poverty rates, particularly within the African American and Hispanic communities, stemming from low educational levels, underemployment, and low-wage service jobs. Education levels significantly impact individuals' ability to understand and act on health care information, contributing to the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic influenced by socioeconomic and cultural conditions.
LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer, RN, MSN-CNL, MPH
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Est. 2009
Mrs. LaRonia D. Hurd-Sawyer is a passionate advocate for public health, holding a Master's of Public Health from the University of Memphis (2009) and a Master of Nursing with a focus on Clinical Nurse Leader from UT (2015). Her impactful graduate thesis delved into the critical issues surrounding the incarcerated male population and HIV/AIDS in the South. Currently, she is making waves as a Psych RN specializing in Infectious Disease!
Mrs. Hurd-Sawyer's impressive journey includes a graduate internship at the Memphis Shelby County Health Department, where she skillfully researched and compiled the 2008 Syphilis Rapid Ethnographic Community Assessment for the area. She has shared her groundbreaking research at numerous HIV/AIDS and mental health conferences across the Southern states. As the Executive Director and one of the founders of Partnership To End AIDS Status Inc. (PEAS Inc), established on November 1, 2009, LaRonia is dedicated to eliminating HIV/AIDS and other health disparities within Memphis communities!
PEAS, Inc Board
Martha Ballard, DNP
President
Dr. Ballard serves as the Medical Director at PEAS, Inc. With over 20 years of medical experience, she plays a vital role in the healthcare system by offering outstanding medical guidance to her patients.
Sharon Ward, DNP
Co-Chair
Dr. Ward is the Mental Health Director at PEAS, Inc. With more than years of experience in both Medical and Mental Health practice Sharon brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Nikia Grayson, RN, MSN,MA, DNP
Co-Chair
Dr. Grayson is the Reproductive Director at PEAS, Inc. Nikia possesses a Master's in Public Health and serves as a Women's Reproductive Advocate, bringing over years of experience in the fields of medicine and midwifery.
Ronda Hughey
Chief Financial Officer
Hughey’s Debits & Credits, LLC (HDC) is dedicated to fostering the growth of small organizations and guiding them toward financial success. Ronda manages, reviews, and supervises all accounts, recognizing that a strong team is to business success. With extensive experience across various industries, including creative design, food service, higher education, and nonprofit, Ronda is well-equipped to assist her clients. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting, making her a valuable asset for her clients' success.
In Memory of
Brooke Askew-Morgan, MPH
Secretary
Brooke earned a Master's degree in Public Health and has been a professional partner with PEAS, Inc. since its inception. She contributed numerous innovative ideas that greatly aided the growth of PEAS, Inc.
Henry Jay Johnson
Treasurer
Henry has a Bachelor of Science degree and has been a member of the PEAS team and board since the inception of PEAS, Inc.
Ayeisha Cole, MPH
Data Assistant
Ayeisha has a Master's degree in Public Health and has been collaborating with PEAS, Inc. since its inception.
Monica Lusk
Executive Assistant/Office Supervisor/Loving Her
Rosa R. Barber, Ph.D. candidate, MPH, BSc Health
Science,
Epidemiology/Biostatistics,
CPhT
Chief Operating Officer
Rosa earned her of Science in Health Science, focusing on Epidemiology and Biostatistics, along with a minor in Social Work from The University of Memphis. She is currently pursuing her Graduate Degree in Population Health at the same institution. Additionally, she certified in Suicide Prevention and Harm Reduction, with training in Narcan administration, and holds a certification as a Pharmacy Technician.
​Laterica Porter
Intervention Supervisor/ Outreach Specialist/Loving Her/TWISTA
Lala is a passionate advocate and renowned outreach specialist known for her big heart and warm spirit. Her ability to connect with the community through her friendly demeanor and creative strategies drives her goals, as she aims to uplift and support those around her.
David Stark
Outreach Specialist/Acceleration of Men
David serves as an Outreach Specialist for PEAS and is certified in HIV and Hep C testing. He is committed to helping others.
​Erica Wallace
Outreach Specialist/​Loving Her
Erica Wallace is an Outreach Liaison and Loving Her facilitator for PEAS. She is certified in HIV and Hep testing, as well as Harm Reduction. This work holds deep significance for me, as I have family members who have been impacted by HIV and Hep C.
Precious Jones​
Outreach Specialist/​Loving Her
Precious is an Outreach Specialist and the instructor of the Loving Her Trans Class. She actively advocates for trans rights and support
Alanna Johnson
Outreach Specialist/​Loving Her
​Stephanie Hererra
Outreach Specialist/​TWISTA Latinx
​Jeremiah Harris
Outreach Specialist/​AOM
Jeremiah Harris, also known as Mariah Dagoat, is a proud native of Memphis, Tennessee. As an outreach specialist and versatile entertainer, he is dedicated to youth prevention efforts in his community His mission is to entertain, uplift, and help eliminate stigma, all while striving to make his community thrive once more.
Stephanie is an outreach and TWISTA Latinx specialist who educates, teaches, and serves the Hispanic/Latino community. Her role involves implementing public health initiatives and addressing community needs.
Core Values
PEAS Inc.’s core values and principles of operation include but are not limited to providing equal access to services and resources to all clients, operating a client-centered organization, providing a safe haven for all clients, employing staff who commit to remaining non-judgmental and professional, and assuring the confidentiality of all clients.
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Provide equality of service resources for all clients
- Operate a client-centered organization
- Transparency to all we serve
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Provide a safe haven for all clients/ non-judgmental
- Confidentiality of all clients
The Partnership to End AIDS Status (PEAS Inc.) is a nonprofit public charity committed to optimizing service resources to foster physical, mental, and social equality for all individuals residing in the Memphis Transitional Grant Area (TGA). This area encompasses Fayette, Shelby, and Tipton counties in Tennessee, along with DeSoto, Tate, Tunica, and Marshall counties in Mississippi, and Crittenden in Arkansas.
PEAS Inc. offers a diverse array of interdisciplinary programs targeting populations experiencing health disparities, including men who have sex with men, African American women of childbearing age, individuals of transgender experience, and others affected by chronic illnesses. The organization designs its initiatives to effect behavioral changes within communities of color, irrespective of age or gender, particularly for those who have faced trauma or engage in high-risk behaviors within the affected HIV community.
PEAS Inc. is supported by a trained and certified interdisciplinary staff that proposes a range of HIV/AIDS prevention interventions.
- PrEP and Prevention
- ARTAS
- SISTA - Targeting African American Women of Childbearing Age
- TWISTA - Targeting Transgender Males-to-Female Community Members
- HepConnect educates African American individuals about drug and needle use
- COMPASS Initiative
- ANEA (Act Now: End AIDS)
- Syringe Supply/Exchange Program
Project SISTA
The SISTA (Sisters Informing Sisters about Topics on AIDS) was recognized by CDC as an intervention that is effective in reducing the HIV risk of African American women. The goal of SISTA is to reduce sexual risk behavior among heterosexually active women of color. SISTA consists of a five-session curriculum. Session topics include Ethnic/Gender Pride, HIV/AIDS Education, Assertiveness Skills Training, Behavioral Self-Management, and Coping Skills. The SISTA intervention will be conducted by Mrs. Rosa Rebecca Barber, BSc Health Science, and Mrs. LaRonia Dhasha Hurd-Sawyer B.S., MPH. Mrs. Hurd-Sawyer and are fully certified to conduct this intervention.
Project TWISTA
The TWISTA (Transgender Women being Informed by Sisters about Topics on AIDS) Project is recognized by CDC as an intervention that is effective in reducing the HIV risk of African American women. TWISTA is the modification of the SISTA intervention framed for Transgender Male-to-Female individuals. The goal of TWISTA is to reduce sexual risk behavior among heterosexually active women of color. TWISTA consists of a five-session curriculum. Session topics include Ethnic/Gender Pride, HIV/AIDS Education, Assertiveness Skills Training, Behavioral Self-Management, and Coping Skills. The TWISTA intervention will be conducted by Mrs. LaRonia Hurd-Sawyer who is fully certified to conduct this intervention with Ms. Laterica Porter as her peer.
Project JoAnn
This project is named after a Pastor in Jackson, MS who died of a massive heart attack in 2008. This program will target participants with heart disease and prevention of pre-heart problems by implementing healthy eating and exercise. Danielle Edwards, a certified personal trainer will implement this program.
Project So'Longe
This project is named after PEAS Inc. Executive Director whom first-born (So’longe M. Sawyer) died in 2008 due to pre-term birth. This program focuses on the infant mortality initiative, educating mothers on infant mortality. Dr. Nikia Grayson spearheads this program.
HepConnect
Providing Harm Reduction in partnership with National Harm Reduction Coalition to increased risk individuals- Hepatitis C, needle and drug education; in turn, lowering drug overdose in Shelby County and surrounding areas. With leadership from Dr. Martha Ballard with peer Mrs. Rosa Barber. PEAS, Inc. is also a certified SSP (Syringe Supply/Exchange Program).
COMPASS
Selected Cohorts granted by the University of Houston which educates TransWomen of color, Same-Gender loving men, and/or Women of Masculine experience learn job skills, financial and life skills, resume building, dress to impress, etc. to live healthy and productive lives.
ANEA: Act Now: End AIDS
&
Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE)
Under the Leadership of Mrs. Rosa Barber PEAS, Inc. gathers a counsel of our Trans peers to go in-depth and find solutions to ways to lower HIV/AIDS infection in the LGBTQ+ community, in Partnership with St. Jude Children's Hospital Ending HIV Epidemic (EHE) planning.
For more information click the link below:
For General Information​