January 2024 Newsletter

January 2024

accttexas.org

JANUARY M O N T H L Y

N E W S L E T T E R

January & July Birthdays It's time to update!

Be on the lookout for your letters.

A supporter statement and documentation list will be included. Give us a call to schedule your appointment. Failure to update by the end of January will affect the services you receive from us.

A Grateful Farewell: Celebrating the Board of Directors’ Successful Tenure We would like to express our deepest gratitude for your dedicated service during your term. Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable to our organization.

We appreciate the time, effort, and commitment you have put into your roles.

Thank you for your contributions and for making a significant difference in our journey.

Pamela ‘Pam’ Froeschner Christy Benson Robert Evans

Nutrition Classes

ACCT will be partnering with Galveston County Food Bank to offer a 4-week cooking and nutrition class titled Eat Smart, Live Strong. This class is offered free of charge to up to 25 participants for a one day per week course beginning on February 13. Participants will receive a meal kit from GCHD upon completion of the course. If you’d like to participate in this 4-week course, please contact Travis Newman at 409-763-2437 or tnewman@accttexas.org

New Talents, New Horizons: Meet Our Latest Additions

Dr. Laura Kicklighter

Jane Ponte

Angela Villarreal

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (CDO), DIRECTOR OF ETHICS

CLIENT SERVICES ADVOCATE

OFFICE ASSISTANT - BILINGUAL

ACCT Board of Directors

ACCT Board of Directors

CLIENT SERVICES ADVOCATE - BILINGUAL

Dr. Marcus Benoit, PhD, MSW Director at Large

Dr. J. Patrik Hornak, MD Director at Large

ACCT Board of Directors

ACCT Board of Directors

Rabbi Dr. Peter Kessler, DD Director at Large

Dr. Emma Tumilty, PhD Director At Large

Sharon “Che” LaRoche

Advance Directives Lesley sat down with Jeff Farroni, Director of the Institutional Ethics Program at UTMB to learn more about advance care planning and advance directives and how they can help ACCT’s clients. This is what he learned: Lesley: Good morning, Jeff—thank you for joining me today!

Reminders

Jeff: Thanks, happy to chat with you!

Lesley: In last month's newsletter, there was information about advance care planning and directives. Could you explain the difference between advance care planning and advance directives?

Jeff: Advance care planning involves discussing and preparing for future decisions about your medical care in case you cannot communicate your wishes and values or become seriously ill. It’s important to note that advance care planning isn’t just for end-of-life care. It’s for any time you may be incapacitated in the hospital. The important point is that you want to be sure that the person you want is the one making important medical decisions on your behalf. Advanced directives are simply the legal documents that put your preferences into writing to inform your family, friends, and healthcare team of who should receive information about your condition, who should make treatment decisions on your behalf, and which medical treatments you would and would not want if you cannot make decisions for yourself.

Lesley: If you have advance care planning conversations, do you need advance directives?

Jeff: Great question—advance care planning conversations are a great starting point. Still, many situations arise in the hospital where advance directives best respect patients' preferences. For example, suppose a patient has not disclosed their HIV status to their family and would not want family members making medical decisions on their behalf or learning of their HIV status. In that case, advance directives are a great way to indicate who should make treatment decisions on the patient’s behalf if they cannot.

Lesley: What happens if a patient does not have an advance directive in a case like that?

Jeff: Every case is different, so there is no way to say for sure. However, suppose the above patient did not request the healthcare team keep their HIV status confidential from family. Without an advance directive, the healthcare team typically seeks a family member. Texas law states that if you don’t have an advance directive, then medical decisions are made in the following order, if available: the patient's spouse, adult children, parents, or nearest living relative.

Perhaps this hierarchy works for some patients, however, the law does not recognize fiancés, long-term partners, or friends, even though these relationships can be excellent options as medical decision makers. Advance directives are the best way to ensure that not only the person you want is making medical decisions on your behalf but also that they are making the decisions you wish.

Lesley: Thank you for sharing this is helpful information to know. Where can clients go if they want to take the next steps in learning more about advance directives?

Jeff: We will be hosting an Advanced Directive Workshop at ACCT in early Spring 2024 with more information, resources for completing advance directives, and assistance with uploading the advance directives into medical records.

ACA: November 1st - January 15th This is the only time period during the year other than a special enrollment period- that Americans can sign up for a plan or switch to a different health plan.

Any client making $13,550 or above per year and doesn't have health insurance provided by their employer is eligible for premium, copay, and medication assistance from ACCT. Contact Pride Life at 713-804-1939 to get enrolled.

ACCT Holiday Hours CLOSED: January 1, 2024 January 15, 2024

World AIDS Day 2023

ACCT staff pays tribute to those we’ve lost this year. We express our heartfelt condolences and share a few words of kindness. As a symbol of our respect and memory, we place stones on the Wall of Remembrance.

World AIDS Day, commemorated every year on December 1st, is a vital global observance aimed at raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV. It serves as a platform for education, dispelling myths, and reducing stigma associated with people living with HIV/AIDS. The day also honors the lives lost, advocates for investment in prevention, treatment, and care services, and fosters solidarity with those affected by HIV/AIDS. Observing World AIDS Day is a significant step towards a world free from the burden of HIV/AIDS.

Client Lunch January 4: ACCT

January 11: Jim Butts & Jackie McCaffery January 18: GOFM January 25: Richard & Woody

*Subject to change ACCT is always looking for volunteers to sponsor a Client Lunch. If you would like to help with the Food Pantry, and for all other volunteer opportunities please contact Travis Newman at (409)763.2437, or by e-mail tnewman@accttexas.org

Do you attend our weekly lunches and have special dietary needs?

Contact Travis Newman at 409.763.2437 to discuss any special dietary accommodations.

Pantry Dates

Celebrating a Decade of Dedication: Wishing Donna a Joyous Retirement We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your dedicated service and unwavering commitment over the past 10 years. Your contributions have played a significant role in our success, and your presence will be greatly missed.

As you embark on this new journey of retirement, we wish you happiness, health, and relaxation. May this next chapter of life bring you endless time to do the things you love.

Transportation Appointments Please have your appointment details available when contacting the agency to request transportation. We are unable to schedule transportation services without an copy of your appointment details. A 48-hour advance notice is required for all requests. Our staff understands that life can present unexpected challenges from time to time, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Pantry Delivery Program We are accepting applications for the Pantry Delivery Program! This program was created to provide access to pantry services to our clients with significant barriers to access ACCT for monthly pantry services. Pick up an application at our campus or follow the link below.

The full Pantry Delivery Program launched in November, serving nearly 30 clients. .

In December we will continue to service the first round of accepted clients. A waitlist of eligible clients will be maintained.

We offer FREE confidential HIV and Syphilis Testing Monday 9am-7pm Tues-Thursday 9am-5pm Friday 9am-Noon

(409) 763-2437

Walk-in or schedule an appointment.

Do you want to get on PrEP? PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medicine taken to prevent acquiring HIV. Most insurance plans and Medicaid programs cover the cost of PrEP. If you are uninsured, we can help you get on PrEP for Free/Low Cost.

Are you in need of Diapers or incontinence products?

The Galveston Diaper Bank distributes on a biweekly basis.

If you or your child are in need, please contact Christin Roe at 409-763-2437 and have your sizes handy!

Trans Support Galveston

If you are interested in attending a meeting, please email us at

transgalveston@gmail.com

20TH ANNUAL 340B COALITION WINTER CONFERENCE This conference is the premier event for all 340B stakeholders – covered entities, pharmacies, service providers, drug companies, government officials, and all those committed to care for patients in need.

The importance of 340B to the patient care mission has never been greater. At the same time, the challenges facing 340B providers have never been more intense. Restrictions on access to 340B savings have worsened, leading to financial losses to the health care safety net and harm to patients who rely on it. Lawmakers, health policy influencers, and media outlets have increased scrutiny of 340B and the ways that covered entities use their savings. These developments provide new and expanded opportunities for education and advocacy by members of the 340B community.

ACCT ATTENDEES:

Lesley Sommer CEO

Thomasyna Sweed Director of 340B Programs

Stephen Starkey CPO

New Year Black-Eyed Peas 1 pound dry black-eyed peas 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth 8 cups water 1 pound smoked ham hocks 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes 5 pepperoncini peppers 1 bay leaf ½ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon ground thyme salt and pepper to taste Directions 1.Place black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let soak at room temperature, 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse; set aside.

2.Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in broth and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Stir in black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3.Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and broth is thickened, about 3 hours.

s e p i c Re Southern Fried Cabbage

Ingredients 1 large head of cabbage roughly chopped 8 slices thick cut bacon diced 1 yellow onion {I like Vidalia} diced 2 tbsp butter optional salt and black pepper to taste Instructions Add diced bacon to a large saute pan and cook over medium heat until crispy. Do not drain.

Add onions and cook until softened and browned, about 5 minutes.

Add cabbage, half at a time if you need to, and mix with the bacon and onions. Cook until it is softened.

If you want to add even more flavor add a couple tablespoons of butter and stir until combined.

Season with salt and black pepper.

Serve warm with Hoppin' John Black Eyed Peas and Broccoli Cornbread.