New York
Post date: Aug 26, 2014 7:55:11 PM
Coordination/Community Planning
- New York State AIDS Advisory Council (AAC)
- New York State Interagency Task Force on HIV/AIDS
- Community Development Initiative (CDI)
- New York State HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG)
- Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium
- Faith Communities Project
New York State AIDS Advisory Council
The New York State AIDS Advisory Council (AAC) was created in 1983 by Public Health Law, Article 27-E. The AAC is responsible for advising the Commissioner of Health and the AIDS Institute and for making recommendations regarding the State’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
There are seventeen appointed Council members whose affiliations include educational and medical institutions; local health departments; nonprofit organizations, including the advocacy and service communities; legislators; and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The Governor designates the Chairperson of the AAC. No terms of office are specified in the authorizing legislation. AAC members receive no compensation for their services.
Council meetings are mandated to be held at least quarterly; currently the Council meets at least four times per year. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairperson. All meetings of the Council are open to the public.
The Council’s accomplishments include the development and evaluation of the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP); the recommendation for formation of the Interagency Task Force on HIV/AIDS which was created through an Executive Order in 1997; and the many reports developed and circulated including “Principles on HIV Testing of Defendants in Certain Crimes” (1996); “Report on Needle Exchange Programs and Deregulation of Needles and Syringes” (1996); “Report of the Ethical Issues in Access to HIV Treatment Workgroup” (1998); “Findings of the HIV Surveillance Workgroup” (1998); “Report on HIV/AIDS Services in New York State Correctional Facilities” (1999); “Communities at Risk: HIV/AIDS in Communities of Color” (2001); “Report on Syringe Access in New York State” (2005); and “Women in Peril, HIV & AIDS, The Rising Toll on Women of Color” (2005).
Contact:
Johanne Morne
Director, Office of Planning and Policy
Executive Office
(518) 473-2903
New York State Interagency Task Force on HIV/AIDS
The Interagency Task Force on HIV/AIDS is a multi-state agency task force dedicated to the prevention of HIV and to the care of persons living with HIV/AIDS in New York State. The Task Force provides an effective platform for networking and for sharing information to ensure that necessary services for persons affected by and living with HIV/AIDS are available within state agencies’ service areas and regulatory jurisdictions.
The Task Force was originally created by an Executive Order in 1983 to coordinate AIDS-related policies and activities among New York State agencies and to establish a working relationship with the New York State AIDS Advisory Council. Later, the Task Force was charged with several responsibilities, including identifying areas of service duplication, fragmentation, shortages and disparities, and with identifying and addressing emerging problem areas and for promoting efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Today, the Task Force has several goals, including promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness through cross-agency collaboration projects by sharing resources to enhance and create new HIV-related services. In addition, the Task Force keeps members updated on HIV/AIDS-related issues and new state and national policies related to HIV and aging, disability, education, housing, health, mental health, developmental disabilities, employment, substance use, corrections and human rights.
The Task Force meets biannually and is chaired by the Director of the AIDS Institute/New York State Department of Health. Membership includes the commissioners and directors, or their designees, of all state agencies that serve individuals or groups at risk for HIV/AIDS:
- NYS Office for the Aging (NYSOFA)
- NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)
- NYS Division of the Budget (DOB)
- NYS Council on Children and Families (CCF)
- NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
- NYS Commission of Correction (SCOC)
- NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)
- NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (OPCA)
- NYS Department of Education (SED)
- NYS Governor’s Office of Employee Relations (GOER)
- NYS Homes & Community Renewal (HCR)
- NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)
- NYS Division of Human Rights (DHR)
- NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS)
- NYS Department of Labor (DOL)
- NYS Department of Law (OAG)
- NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH)
- NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)
- NYS Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQC)
- NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
- NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- NYS Office of Victims’ Services (OVS)
Current collaborative activities include projects to increase employment for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); training and planning activities to address service needs of the increasing population of PLWHA over age 50; and the implementation of a New York State Public Health Law requiring NYS DOH to conduct annual reviews of policies and practices regarding HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among inmates at correctional facilities and jails.
Other examples of areas addressed by the Task Force include the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS); implications of Federal Health Care Reform for New York State; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for HIV Treatment; Transformation of Medicaid in New York State; enactment of recent New York State Laws: Chapter 284 of the Laws of 2010 “Relates to Hypodermic Syringes and the Lawful Possession of Syringes” and Chapter 308 of the Laws 2010 “Relates to HIV Testing;” updates on state and federal funding; New York State’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program; HIV/AIDS-related social marketing campaigns; and, HIV/AIDS and aging in New York State.
Contact:
Mary Ellen Mancinelli
Office of Planning and Policy
Executive Office
(518) 473-2903
Community Development (Mobilization) Initiative
The Community Development (Mobilization) Initiative (CDI) raises HIV/STD and hepatitis awareness and supports communities of color in addressing related issues.
Through this initiative, providers:
- Identify priority needs of the target community/population(s) relevant to the State’s HIV/STD/hepatitis C Prevention Priorities and develop recommendations with the goal of a direct regional or population specific impact on HIV/STD/hepatitis C risk reduction and/or access to HIV/STD/hepatitis C related services.
- Develop formalized partnerships, networks, and/or groups to respond to the HIV/STD/hepatitis C related priority needs of the targeted community and create a coordinated, regional approach to address the core New York State HIV/STD/hepatitis C prevention priorities.
- Monitor and disseminate relevant HIV/STD/hepatitis C related information to regional policy makers, community leaders and the community at large to educate stakeholders, create allies, and foster localized change that supports the core New York State HIV/STD/Hepatitis C prevention priorities.
- Increase HIV/STD/hepatitis C education and awareness within communities and priority population(s) through a coordinated, regional effort which addresses one or more of the core New York State HIV/STD/hepatitis C prevention priorities.
There are twelve CDI funded agencies. These agencies have a history of serving communities of color, disease prevention expertise and a strong ability to work collaboratively with other local health and human service providers. Each CDI has developed an area of emphasis which is either geographically or population-based. CDIs also address specific emerging community issues. CDI programs currently target communities of African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. Interventions aim to reach vulnerable and high risk populations such as men of color who have sex with men, incarcerated individuals, substance users, adolescents, heterosexual men and women.
CDIs have organized coalitions, comprised of community leaders who represent priority populations and/or a geographic area. It is the responsibility of these coalitions to identify priority populations and strategies that will raise awareness and address the identified needs. CDIs also work collaboratively with other service providers to successfully implement these strategies.
CDIs closely monitor policy at the national, state, and local levels. Monitoring policy focuses on laws and regulations that impact people who are HIV infected or those at risk. CDIs provide policy recommendations and act as a source of information for their communities. CDIs continue to be actively involved in activities at the state and national levels to address the devastating impact of the HIV epidemic on communities of color.
Contact:
Bethsabet Justiniano
Director, Bureau of Community Based Services
Division of HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Prevention
(518) 486-1412
New York State HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG)
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires a Community Planning Process for states, cities and territories receiving CDC funding. In 1994, consistent with the Supplemental Guidance on HIV Prevention Community Planning and other documents issued by the CDC, the AIDS Institute established the NYS HIV Prevention Planning Group (PPG). The PPG is specifically designed to facilitate a collaborative process between the community and the New York State Department of Health. The PPG is constructed to facilitate participation by communities across the state and to provide a broad range of views to advise the AIDS Institute about programs that will be most successful in preventing HIV infection. This participatory community planning model has become an integral component of New York State's comprehensive HIV prevention program.
The PPG is an inclusive community planning group, with participation by people of varying races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and ages as well as individuals with diverse educational backgrounds and professions. Participation by representatives of populations most affected by HIV/AIDS in New York State is encouraged and supported. Members come from all regions of the state. An individual becomes a full member of the PPG through appointment by the Commissioner of Health. Other PPG participants include community advisors and state agency representatives, further broadening input and involvement.
The primary responsibilities of the PPG are to utilize HIV prevention-related needs assessments to determine HIV prevention priorities and develop an HIV Prevention Plan for the State. This plan is submitted to the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute and helps guide HIV prevention program funding and strategies.
The PPG's mission statement, as updated by the PPG in June 2012, reads as follows:
"The New York State HIV Prevention Planning Group, in partnership with the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, is dedicated to reducing the incidence of HIV; increasing access to care; and reducing health related disparities and their consequences by:
1) ensuring ongoing input from the diverse communities of NYS through the development of an engagement process that ensures a seamless approach to accessing care for those infected, affected and impacted by HIV/AIDS;
2) informing and monitoring the development and implementation of the HIV Jurisdictional Prevention Plan to ensure that the Plan reflects the most recent epidemiology and that the engagement process supports the Plan;
3) responding to a changing epidemic by identifying and continuing to meet existing and unmet needs;
4) ensuring that communities receive technical assistance and adequate resources; and
5) ensuring both primary and secondary prevention of HIV infection."
Inherent in the process of effective community planning is maintenance of linkages with other advisory bodies whose missions incorporate many issues the PPG is charged with addressing. An ongoing linkage with the New York City PPG, first established in 1994, has continued during each ensuing planning cycle. The New York State PPG also maintains linkages with the New York State AIDS Advisory Council and the Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium.
The PPG engages in numerous planning activities, including its focus on communities of color most affected by HIV/AIDS, in order to effect successful HIV prevention recommendations. It encourages community education and research, and continued knowledge translation through members’ participation in national HIV prevention-related meetings and conferences.
The 2010-2015 New York State Comprehensive HIV Prevention Plan is a user-friendly document designed to assist providers in the development programs. The Plan includes information on how to use the document, HIV intervention tools, and a chapter on New York State HIV Prevention priorities as recommended by the New York State PPG. The plan is available on line.
Contact:
Wendy Shotsky
Director, HIV Prevention Planning Group
Division of HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Prevention
(518) 473-8484
Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium
The Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium (SASDC) is made up of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), HIV service providers/professionals and other interested and affected individuals from throughout New York State. SASDC is responsible for identifying service needs and emerging issues related to HIV-infected populations. SASDC provides advice to the AIDS Institute of the New York State Department of Health on policy, planning, and program development.
SASDC undertakes its responsibilities by convening five membership meetings each year and working through its three standing committees: Service Needs, Populations, and Emerging Issues.
SASDC’s goals are to:
- Assess service needs and advise the AIDS Institute on matters pertaining to service needs and emerging issues related to persons living with HIV/AIDS throughout NYS.
- Develop a statewide service delivery plan reflecting needs and issues associated with the 11 Ryan White regions.
- Identify emerging populations and populations experiencing disparities.
- Provide input to and participate in the development of the Ryan White Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need (SCSN) and Comprehensive Plan (CP).
Contact:
Wanda Jones-Robinson
Office of Planning and Policy
Executive Office
(212) 417-4507
Faith Communities Project
The Faith Communities Project was developed in recognition of the significant role faith communities play in HIV/AIDS prevention and support/care efforts. The goal of the Faith Communities Project is to advance HIV prevention efforts in communities that are hardest-hit by the HIV epidemic through information sharing, collaboration and partnerships between communities of faith and community-based organizations. This goal has been expanded to include STDs and hepatitis B and C prevention efforts as well as referrals to screening, care and treatment.
Since early in the HIV epidemic, the AIDS Institute recognized the importance of involving diverse sectors of communities in HIV/AIDS prevention and care efforts. Because prevention programs must be broad-based, faith settings are ideal for the implementation of HIV programs serving hard-to-reach populations.
Historically, the AIDS Institute has contracted with various faith-based agencies to meet the HIV prevention needs of individuals, families, and communities reflecting various racial/ethnic groups, cultures, and languages. By 2001, there were 13 faith-based organizations receiving grant funding to provide HIV prevention interventions and client services.
In November of 2001, the AIDS Institute hosted a two-day statewide forum, "Meeting on Common Ground: The Role of Faith Based Communities in HIV/AIDS," in New York City. The forum brought together representatives of faith communities; HIV/AIDS service providers and volunteers; people living with HIV/AIDS; and representatives from non-AIDS specific organizations. Participants identified specific regional needs and committees were developed to address issues and initiate planning. Regional committees developed action plans that indicate needs and specify specific tasks to be completed.
Since then, regional committees continue to design and implement activities that directly respond to regional action plans. Activities implemented include: HIV awareness events; capacity-building workshops for faith and community- based organizations, in collaboration with federal, state and local governmental agencies; community dialogues; clergy roundtable discussions; and meetings to network and to foster on-going partnerships.
In April of 2008, in collaboration with the Office of Minority Health Resources Center of the United State Department of Health and Human Services, the AIDS Institute convened the second statewide faith forum, “Responding to the Call: Faith Communities’ Response to HIV/AIDS,” in Poughkeepsie. The forum recognized faith communities’ response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic and engaged faith leaders in dialogue on issues that continue to challenge HIV prevention and health care efforts, such as the spirit of sexuality and stigma and discrimination.
During April and May 2012, a series of forums on faith and health bringing together a variety of perspectives on the ways in which individual and community health are connected to faith. The goal of the fora was to strengthen partnerships among members of faith communities, academia, clinicians, and public health practitioners.
The Faith Communities Project continues, with the guidance of community and faith representatives, to foster regional partnerships, support information sharing, identify and develop resources to further HIV/STD/HCV prevention and health care efforts in New York State.
Contact:
Carol Tyrell
Faith Communities Project Coordinator
Division of HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Prevention
(518) 473-2300
Free female condoms are available as well for organizations serving high-risk clients—organizations can emailfemalecondom@health.nyc.gov. Individuals can pick up free female condoms at any of these locations (PDF).
Eligible organizations must attend training before receiving their first supply and complete ongoing distribution reports. Individuals can pick up free female condoms at any of these locations. The female condom is also Medicaid reimbursable at local pharmacies!
Other types of male condoms (Durex® brand) are also available at select NYC Condom sites serving clients at high-risk for HIV and other STDs. Organizationswanting free Durex® condoms should emailcondoms@health.nyc.gov.