Todd Heywood

New Journalist Fellow

Todd Heywood has worked in journalism, advocacy politics, public relations, politics and even served a stint as an elected official. He currently is the Capitol correspondent for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender publication Between the Lines and its online edition, Pridesource.com. Heywood also serves as communications director for advocacy organization, Michigan Equality. He lives in Lansing, Mich. with his beloved dogs Virgil and Gypsy Rose.

Dept. of Civil Rights: Michigan’s Ban on HIV-Positive Inmates Working in Food Service Violates Law

Todd Heywood

The Michigan Department of Corrections has prevented HIV-infected prisoners from working in food service positions since at least 1999. But the Michigan Department of Civil Rights argues that the policy violates non-discrimination statutes.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to Drop Coverage for Gender Reassignment Surgery

Todd Heywood

A broad coalition of organizations are condemning a move by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to eliminate coverage for gender reassignment surgery.

Flat Funding for HIV Prevention and Treatment in 09 Budget

Todd Heywood

The Gay Men’s Health Crisis is criticizing the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill because it holds funding flat for HIV prevention efforts through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Safe Schools Advocates Say Ruling “Sends a Message”

Todd Heywood

Safe-schools activists are hailing the recent ruling in a bullying lawsuit, saying it sends a clear message to school districts in Michigan.

$400 Million to Prevent STIs – Wasteful?

Todd Heywood

House Republicans recently announced their idea of what is wasteful in the stimulus bill. On the list? A proposal for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get $400 million for STI screening and prevention.

Michigan Says Yes to $1.4 Million for Abstinence-Only

Todd Heywood

The Michigan Department of Community Health recently announced $1.4 million for abstinence-only programs, even though numerous studies have shown the abstinence-only model does not work.

Orphan’s Visit Sheds Harsh Light on US HIV/AIDS Efforts

Todd Heywood

Alan, a Ugandan orphan of the HIV/AIDS epidemic ravaging Africa, is attending school at the Nyaka AIDS Orphan School in Michigan.

AIDS and Silence: The Stigma Is Killing Us

Todd Heywood

We have a problem in the gay men’s community. Our silence about the epidemic slowly eating us away is killing us. As much as this might sound like it is some ancient diatribe written in the ’80s, it remains the reality today.

Syphilis Outbreak in Michigan County Claims More Patients

Todd Heywood

In Genessee County, Michigan, an outbreak of the sexually transmitted bacterial infection syphilis continues to claim more patients.

New Obama Appointee Understands Connections Between Health and Economy

Todd Heywood

By appointing policy leaders like Melody Barnes, President-Elect Obama appears to have pulled together an economic team that understands the connections between health and the economy.

Todd Heywood

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