STAP Newsletter Fall 2014

positive focus Fall 2014

www.stapinc.org

Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties

A LETTER FROM

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE END OF AIDS? This year at Gay Pride events in New York City, Governor Cuomo

equipment. And that’s 3%-4% of a rapidly decreasing number of

announced that we would reach the end of AIDS in New York State

infections, it should be noted. Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been

by 2020. Shocking to contemplate, isn’t it? And what exactly did

added to the arsenal of prevention tools. HIV- individuals who are

the Governor mean? There is no cure or a vaccine on the horizon.

at risk of becoming HIV+ can be prescribed and take a once a day medication, which if taken as prescribed, is highly effective in

There are, however, several interventions that have successfully

preventing HIV transmission.

decreased the number of new infections every year in New York State to the point that by 2020, AIDS could no longer infect enough

As you read this newsletter, we are recruiting physicians, physician’s

people to be considered an epidemic anymore. We don’t talk about

assistants and nurse practitioners to learn about PrEP and offer it

our successes in public health enough. People are often left with

to their patients who are at risk of acquiring HIV. We are continuing

the impression that problems are intractable and that it doesn’t

to focus our efforts on helping those who are HIV+ to seek medical

matter how much money you “throw at a problem,” it won’t help

care, see their physicians regularly and take prescribed treatments

and nothing will change. In the world of HIV/AIDS, the resources

as prescribed. We now know that HIV+ individuals who comply with

have helped avert tremendous human suffering and millions of

treatment recommendations and whose viral load is undetectable

dollars have been saved. We need only look at the raging HIV

are highly unlikely to transmit HIV. We are also expanding our HIV

epidemic in the southern states to justify New York’s investment.

& Hepatitis C testing efforts and have begun to look at how we can offer sexually transmitted disease testing.

How did this happen? Let me share some examples. From 2002 to 2010, newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS in New York State

We are grateful for the Governor’s support and vision. We are

fell by 37%. In the 1980s, infants born to HIV+ mothers had a

grateful that he understands that despite our successes, now is

25%-33% chance of becoming HIV+ themselves. Prenatal medical

not the time to pull resources from HIV service programs. It is

interventions with HIV+ pregnant women have brought us to a place

an exciting time to be doing this work and to see the successes

where last year only three to four children were HIV+ as a result of

that the work of decades has brought. Keep on doing your part to

maternal transmission. In the early days of the epidemic, 45-50% of

support us, we will persevere and someday, my friends, we will

new infections were a result of shared injection equipment. The

reach the end of AIDS.

23 syringe exchange programs funded by the NYS Department of Health’s AIDS Institute have decreased that number so that now only 3%-4% of new HIV infections are due to the sharing of injection 2

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John

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM

Hotline (800) 333-0892

22 Riverside Drive

Phone (607) 798-1706

Binghamton, NY 13905

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADMINISTRATION

Jerry Halbert President Jamie Cornell Vice President Anthony Fiala, Jr. Treasurer Larry Bailey Secretary Joyce Allen Tina Chronopoulos Angelo Fiori Melissa Klinko Jorge Masdeu Erin McElroy Scott Rosman Christopher Waters Andrea Vaioli

John Barry Executive Director Michelle McElroy Director of Programs Julie Kerr Director of Finance Joseph Caminiti Director of Information Systems Mary Kaminsky Director of Development Jackie Centerwall Director of Operations Candace Phelan Volunteer Coordinator Cynthia Rotella Special Events Coordinator Kim Conrad Temporary Program Assistant Liana Hefley Receptionist Addie Deacon Human Resources/Administrative Assistant Jeffrey Pryor Prison Reentry Coordinator Simone Cornelius Women’s Program Data Assistant

CLIENT SERVICES

PREVENTION SERVICES

Stacy Nickerson Assistant Director Client Services Andrea Berthelette Assistant Director Client Services, Housing Jennifer McKenzie Housing Specialist Autumn Cook Treatment Adherence Coordinator Kristina Hagen Client Services Data Specialist Gry Bente-Johansen Senior Care Manager, Chemung Elke Meyer Care Manager, Chemung Michele Rosplok Care Manager, Chemung Jessica Thurston Senior Care Manager, Broome Jesse Natishak Care Manager, Broome Debbie Kane Care Manager, Broome Stacey Wright Outreach Intake Care Manager Beth Pittman Care Manager, Tompkins Stephanie Flash Care Manager, Tompkins Tatiana Gundlach Care Manager, Tompkins Eric Krohn Nutrition Health Education Specialist Kate Murray Nutrition Health Education Specialist Lynna Theophanis Behavioral Health Education Coordinator Percy Blank Behavioral Health Education Accompaniment Coordinator

Eleni Murdough Criminal Justice Initiative Coordinator Cathy Sostre Assistant Director of Prevention Services Melanie Le May LGBT Program Coordinator Charity Corman LGBT Youth Specialist Noah Cooper Mpowerment Specialist Stephen Gleason Mpowerment Specialist Elisa Harris Substance Use Outreach Coordinator Andrew Taylor Substance Use Outreach Specialist Kernalia Andrews Womens’ Services Coordinator Tamika Davis Womens’ Services Specialist Lillian Fan Harm Reduction Coordinator Thomas Womelsdorf Harm Reduction Specialist Jessie Bonney-Burrill Harm Reduction Specialist Cory Cochrane Harm Reduction Specialist Emily England Harm Reduction Technician

www.stapinc.org

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recent events

$255,267 total raised this year

16TH ANNUAL

AIDS Ride For Life 2014 RAIN OR SHINE

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller 4

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The spirit of our Riders, even in a rain storm, only strengthened our commitment to HIV/AIDS services and prevention. The forecast assured us there would be rain, yet hundreds of Riders and volunteers showed up at Ithaca’s Stewart Park.

This year’s total raised (so far) is $252,523! The sixteen year event total exceeds $3,200,000! Our hope is that the hundreds of people who participated to make this year such a success truly know how much we love and appreciate every one of them.

Thank you, so very much, to our 400 wonderful, dedicated Riders, who not only rode in the rain, but spent months raising money. You made this all happen. Thank you to our highest fundraisers: Rider Elizabeth Bixler who raised $9,619 and

Save the Date!

September 12, 2015

Team Outspokin’, who’s 22 members raised $22,483! Thank you, to the 52 High Gear Club fundraisers who each raised $1000 or more with a total of $91,725!

Thank you to our many Sponsors, who so generously wrote checks to fully reimburse the Ride’s overhead expenses so that 100% of the money raised by our Riders could go directly to STAP to client services and prevention programming.

Thank you to our wonderful, cheerful hard working volunteers who were located all around Cayuga Lake. They insured our Riders were safe, well fed and hydrated, and even helped fix countless number of flat tires.

Thank you to the combined efforts of the Tompkins County Amateur Radio Association and the safety & gear motorcyclists who monitored the entire route all day long looking out for the safety of our Riders!

Thank you to our fabulous ARFL dedicated committee: Founders Jerry Dietz and Russ Traunstein, Adam Brumberg, Drew Noden, and Ben Stewart for their enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you to the focus and dedication of our STAP employees who made this event possible: Cindy Rotella, Very Proud Ride Coordinator; Mariah Noden , Assistant Ride Coordinator; Autumn Cook, Safety Coordinator; Candace Phelan, Volunteer Coordinator; Stephanie Flash, Ride Assistant; and Ginny Miller, Program Assistant.

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$18,000 was raised for the PAWS Program

Doggone Fun on the Run

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When it comes to delighting and spoiling our dogs, there is nothing better than taking them to the canine event of the year, the Doggone Fun on the Run, presented by the PETCO Foundation.

This event is focused completely around our 4-legged friends having the best day possible. The day begins with DJ Jimmy playing music specifically designed for a dog’s ear. The first one hundred participants were given a swag bag filled with treats, toys and even a coupon from Hoffman’s Car Wash that can be used for keeping your car or your dog clean. Pastor Joyce Allen provided a blessing for all of the dogs and even a few special ones for our friends who needed some extra support. The walk was kept to just a little less than one mile as it was a hot day out and we didn’t want anyone to get overheated. Excellus BCBS provided numerous water stops for the dogs and three of them were lucky enough to find the hidden bones and win a spa package. After the walk, our friends enjoyed a post party. They enjoyed ice-cream treats courtesy of Jones Humdinger. Then they played games and thanks to the Magic Paintbrush Project, they even got to show off their creative side with Doggie DaVinci’s. The biggest hit of the day was the water park, which included a few pools and a mister. Special thanks to SPEAK Animal Hospital and Dr. Stephen Metzgar for providing the first-aid station.

Our dog walkers were also treated to a great day. Thanks to the fabulous Outback Steakhouse, who, once again, generously provided lunch. We had so many walkers this year that not a single sandwich was left. Thank you to Price Chopper for providing water for all of our dog walkers. Team Frito-Lay was back again in force! Not only did they hold fundraisers to raise money for the PAWS program, they also brought delicious snacks for all of our dog walkers.

A fun time was had by all and thanks to their support and generosity over $18,000 was raised for the PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) Program.

We would like to thank our media sponsors WBNG TV-12 and 104.5 FM The Drive, for supporting this event. Special recognition and thanks go out to Mary Ellen Reid & our Top Dog, Sumo, who raised $1,745.00. Look for his photo on next year’s yard sign. We would also like to recognize our largest team, Team Petco, who raised a total of $1,720.00. www.stapinc.org

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HOT CROSS RUN On October 11th, four downtown businesses came together to bring a unique event to Binghamton, the Hot-Cross-Run. This triathlon began with participants lining up on the Washington Street Bridge and running one mile to Southern Tier CrossFit. Upon arrival at Southern Tier CrossFit, participants paired off and together completed a fifteen minute workout. They then raced around the corner to Brikam Yoga Binghamton where they completed another 15 minute workout.

You would think they would be tired, but our participants rallied on as they raced toward Galaxy Brewing Company.

Upon arrival, they were given their victory t-shirt and an ice-cold beer.

Now, that’s the way to end a great workout! We had a blast and we are so grateful for the support and creativity of these businesses.

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TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THESE PARTICIPATING SALONS Aria on the Avenue • Diane Testani Salon • Elizabeth Hair Company • Elegance By Leigh Guyette • Hair It Is Hair Studio 307 • Nick’s Hair Design • Patrick J. Cleary Designs • Patty Ann’s Hair Design • White Rose Day Spa & Hair Design

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APRIL 19 2015 A DAY THAT WILL CHALLENGE EVERY MUSCLE IN YOUR BODY

9 AM—2 PM | 790 DUNHAM HILL RD, BINGHAMTON NY

www.stapinc.org | 11 WWW . MUDGAUNTLET. COM

client services

Hepatitis C

IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Hepatitis C is a growing concern, both in the public health world, and in our local communities. In order to help evaluate Hepatitis C infections and risks in our service region, STAP has started a survey related to the behaviors and Hepatitis C risks of injection drug users.

This survey is sponsored by the NYS Department of Health, and is being administered in conjunction with free rapid Hepatitis C testing. The Prevention Services Department has previously conducted similar surveys in both Cortland and Broome Counties. The results from these surveys yielded a great deal of useful information, both from a public health perspective and from a client education perspective.

The current survey is being administered in Chemung County, is proposed to survey 100 individuals, and will likely run through the end of the year. If you have additional questions please feel free to contact Lillian Fan, Harm Reduction Coordinator at (lfan@stapinc.org).

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Client Picnic The agency hosted its second annual Client Picnic this past June. The event was an excellent opportunity for clients to attend an outdoor summer event, bring their family members, and come together with other clients and agency staff.

Clients from across the service region spent an afternoon of good food, friends, and fun at Highland Park. The picnic was made even better this year, with the addition of the mobile Jones Humdinger Ice Cream unit!

The event was a success, despite the rainy weather, with approximately 105 clients, family members, and staff members in attendance. Annual events offer a unique experience to clients, giving them the chance to reconnect with other clients they only see a couple times a year.

In this way, it acts as a reunion, as well as a stand-alone happening.

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Identity

YOUTH CENTER

Identity Youth Center has been growing and thriving on State Street in Downtown Binghamton as word spreads that it is a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ youth and their allies, ages 14-20, to find support and be themselves. This is in large part due to generous gifts that have revitalized Identity’s space. With the help of donor support, Identity has been able to acquire new board games, video games, and movies; yoga mats and art supplies; and a new smart television able to screen slideshows, clips, and educational presentations along with movies and video games. Identity has also received a number of in-kind gifts, such as sponsored meals on programming nights and gently used clothing donations for the “Identity Closet,” bins from which youth are welcome to take clothing that either fits their gender expression or simply fills a need.

It is invaluable to know that Identity has the support of the community, and we love watching our youths’ faces light up every time they discover something new: A game or movie they love that we were able to purchase, that tonight’s dinner is lasagna with salad and garlic bread, or that they can have that skirt, if they’d like. To all our wonderful donors who bring those smiles to the faces of our youth: Thank you!

Identity is in need of meal sponsors, if you would like to help, please contact Melanie at (607) 651-9120.

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volunteer

Volunteer Here at STAP, we have the perfect opportunity for you to stand

Person-2-Person program, in our prevention or client services

out from the crowd and volunteer for an organization that

departments, or to work on committees for our amazing events.

provides services to over 400 clients who are living with HIV/ AIDS. In fact, New York State is #1 in the U.S. with HIV/AIDS cases and #2 in deaths related to AIDS in adults 25-44 years old. So STAP needs your help to use all of our resources and provide the many great programs and events to our clients.

STAP averages about 500 hours a month in volunteer hours.

As a STAP volunteer, you will participate in an orientation that includes HIV confidentiality and HIV knowledge. You will have an opportunity to volunteer in different ways, such as the

Opportunities are available to individuals and groups in the eight counties we serve; Otsego, Chenango, Cortland, Tompkins, Chemung, Tioga, Broome and Delaware. All of these opportunities are a great way to get involved. It helps spread knowledge of HIV/AIDS and prevention in the community and is a great venue to make friends all while providing service.

To apply, call Candace Phelan, Volunteer Coordinator, at 1-800333-0892 or send an e-mail to cphelan@stapinc.org. www.stapinc.org

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Southern Tier AIDS Program, Inc. 22 Riverside Drive Binghamton, New York 13905

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Albany, NY PERMIT # 197 ZIP CODE 12205

Fall 2014

STAP

is serving more men, women, and children than ever in our nearly 30 years of providing services. Say “I care” by sending your gift today. Your generosity makes a difference!

Yes! I can help the Southern Tier AIDS Program continue to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS and provide prevention services to help reduce the rate of HIV infection in the Southern Tier. Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of:

$25

$50

$100

$250

Other: $

Checks should be made payable to:

STAP, 22 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905

Please charge my donation to my:

Visa

Name

CC#

Address

Exp. Date

Mastercard

CVV Billing Zipcode

Signature

friends who care