Pathways Autumn 2014

1 AUTUMN 2014

2 AUTUMN 2014

pathways VOLUME 18 ISSUE 2

Published by Evergreen Health Services

from the editor

3 AUTUMN 2014

____________________________________________________

PRESIDENT & CEO / Ronald T. Silverio EDITOR/ART DIRECTOR / John Carocci COPY EDITORS / Theresa Woehrel, Corey Mohr CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Carocci, Kimberly Lombard Christopher Reybrouck, Theresa Woehrel CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER John Carocci, Nanci J. Parisi ____________________________________________________

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING / 716-847-0315 FACSIMILE / 716-847-0418 E-MAIL / publications@evergreenhs.org ON THE WEB / www.evergreenhs.org _________________________________________________

Copyright 2014 by Pathways, all rights reserved. Published by Evergreen Health Services, 206 South Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14201. Pathways circulation is 5,000. Pathways is received by request by donors and supporters. Distribution is by mailing list and placement. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the publisher. Publication of any person or organization in articles, advertising or listings in Pathways is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of such person or members of such organizations. Pathways cannot acknowledge or return unsolicited manuscripts unless they are accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Pathways’ mailing list is never shared. Pathways urges readers to consult their medical practitioners about any therapies or treatment strategies in this publication. To be put on the Pathways mailing list call 847-0340 or email smalyszka@ evergreenhs.org.

_________________________________________________

inside this issue From the Editor / 3 Pathways Profile: Joan and Gary Crosby / 4 Dining Out for Life 2014 / 6 Evergreen Medical Group Word Cloud / 9 Scott Schultz: AIDS Walk Guru / 10 Does PrEP Spell the End of AIDS? / 12 Art Therapy at the Wellness Center / 16 Pride 2014 Recap / 18 Have You Seen These Faces? / 20

COME A LONG WAY TO GO When Pathways began publishing back in the mid 1990s, it was folded in half and sealed with a li le round s cker, so people wouldn't have to worry about neighbors seeing "that AIDS magazine" in their mailbox. And just in case the s cker failed and Pathways unfolded for all to see, we didn't say "HIV" or "AIDS" anywhere on the front or back. A cover image like the one we've chosen for this issue would have been unthinkable back then. Of course, as far as we've come, there's s ll a very long way to go before the s gma surrounding HIV and AIDS is eliminated completely.

AIDS s gma, shame and discrimina on s ll exist in various combina ons all over the world, and that includes Western New York. Fear of discrimina on due to HIV status, combined with the racism, homophobia and misogyny o en experienced by HIV+ individuals, or the moral baggage associated with socially unacceptable risk factors such as intravenous drug use or sex work, has a devasta ng effect on the fight against HIV and AIDS. It leads to misinforma on about personal risk, it makes people reluctant to nego ate safer op ons with sexual partners, and prevents them from ge ng tested if they've been at risk. On a larger scale it can delay or prevent governments from addressing the pandemic in a proac ve, meaningful way.

Over the years, as preven on efforts and treatments have become more effec ve, and people have become more informed about the risk of HIV and how it is transmi ed, the s gma has receded... somewhat. However, it's s ll very real and present in ways most of us don't think about: access to and quality of health care, employment, restric ons on travel, rejec on from family or friends, etcetera.

This issue of Pathways is dedicated to speaking out against the s gma that has gone on for too long. We'll talk with Sco Schultz, an HIV+ gay man who has been among the top fundraisers at the AIDS Walk for the past several years. We'll also meet Joan and Gary Crosby, Co-Chairs of Dining Out for Life 2014 who were instrumental in the founding of Benedict House and have never wavered in their support. Sco , Joan and Gary give generously of their me, energy and resources.

Just as importantly, they speak out – loudly, and without shame or fear – on the importance of figh ng HIV and AIDS in Western New York. Their voices, and ours, are the cure for s gma, shame and discrimina on. Let's use them! - John Carocci

Evergreen Association Annual Report / 20 AIDS Walk 2014 Shatters Records / 22 ON THE COVER

Does PrEP Spell the End of AIDS? See page 12.

Photo by John Carocci

Welcome New Readers! in addi on to being mailed directly to subscribers, Pathways is now available at various distribu on points around the city. Welcome, new readers! If you would like more informa on on the many programs and services offered under the umbrella of the Evergreen Associa on, please visit our website at www.evergreenhs.org. If you would like Pathways mailed to your home, e-mail smalyszka@evergreenhs.org.

4 AUTUMN 2014

PATHWAYS PROFILE

BY JOHN CAROCCI PORTRAIT COURTESY OF NANCY J. PARISI

THE

struggles of the blended family have been a reliable source of drama (and laughs) for centuries, from Cinderella's oppression at the hands of her jealous step-sisters to the wholesome hijinx of the Brady Bunch. While we might never have gained instant siblings through marriage, everyone can relate to smoothing out the rough edges where two groups of people come together. When two non-profits with similar missions and objec ves decide to join forces, many of those same challenges are present, even if they're more than offset by the advantages. Rough edges can take me to wear down.

The union of the Evergreen Associa on and Benedict House created exci ng opportuni es for both organiza ons, but this blended family gets along just fine! In fact, two people who were around at Benedict House's very beginning,

Joan and Gary Crosby, are now sharing their dedica on and generosity with the Evergreen Associa on, most recently as Co-Chairs of this year's Dining Out for Life event.

It's no exaggera on to say that the Crosbys have been involved right from the start. Gary's brother is Fr. Vincent Crosby, the founder of Benedict House and current Chair of its Board of Directors. In the early 1980s, Fr. Vincent was on loan to Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora from his home monastery in Pennsylvania.

During his stay here, Fr. Vincent was asked to visit a couple whose son had just returned to Western New York. The son had AIDS and he had come home to die. His parents were desperate for emo onal support, but had so far received none. Fr. Vincent agreed to visit the family and the visit changed the course of his life.

"It affected him profoundly," recalls Joan.

5 AUTUMN 2014

JOIN THE CROSBYS AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER WESTERN NEW YORKERS AND DINE OUT FOR LIFE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7. TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE! "Vincent realized, right away, that there needed to be a place for people with AIDS to go."

Fr. Vincent turned that realiza on into ac on, refusing to be silent about what was then a very unpopular topic of conversa on. With money he raised in his art studio, Fr. Vincent was able to purchase a house on Buffalo's West Side.

It was small — and what agents cheerily call "a fixer-upper" — but Benedict House was born.

Benedict House was a family affair from the beginning. Fr. Vincent tended to the spiritual needs of the residents and their families, while Joan and the rest of the family pitched in to clean and make the place as comfortable as possible. The li le house was almost immediately overwhelmed by the need, forcing the organiza on's first move, and it has been growing ever since.

It wasn't always easy. The 1980s were a me of ignorance, fear and s gma concerning HIV and those living with it. Benedict House was o en a lightning rod for those ways of thinking.

"It was a mixed bag," says Joan. "Benedict House received threats from the neighborhood, and the garbage collectors wouldn't touch our trash. They'd honk and the staff would have to carry the trash out and put it in the truck themselves. But at the same me (then) Mayor Masiello was very suppor ve. He helped arrange landmark status for a new building, making it possible for Vincent to purchase it for just $10."

As the need con nued to grow, Benedict House grew in response. Joan began to play a larger role in the organiza on, joining the Board of Directors in 2010 to focus on fundraising and development.

"I joined the Benedict House Board with my friend and co-worker Dr. Tamara Alsace," says Joan. "Our first task was organizing a gala for Benedict House's 25th Anniversary."

Community service and financial exper se are definitely Crosby trademarks. Gary le the private sector in 2004 to become Chief Financial Officer of the Buffalo City School District. During his five year tenure, the district went from being among the worst to one of the top three bigcity school districts in the na on for financial management. Gary is currently President and CEO of First Niagara Financial Group, parent corpora on of First Niagara Bank, and the en re organiza on's generosity and community spirit mirror those of its leader. First Niagara has been a proud supporter of a number of community organiza ons, including Benedict House, for many years.

The Crosbys are staunch supporters of Benedict House – they're a big part of its history a er all – and they are now involved with the Evergreen Associa on as well.

"I first met Joan at a Benedict House Board mee ng," says Kathy Oczek, Evergreen's Vice President for Advancement. "I asked about sponsorship opportuni es with First Niagara, but they had bigger ideas in mind." To Oczek's delight, the Crosbys not only agreed to serve as Co-Chairs for Dining Out for Life 2014, but got to work at promo ng the event right away.

"Joan brought me to First Niagara and introduced me to the people involved in their community giving," recalls Oczek. "Everyone there was enthusias c and ready to help out."

Meanwhile, Gary convinced the Larkin Square food trucks to par cipate, a first for Buffalo's Dining Out for Life. Both Gary and Joan have recruited volunteer ambassadors, and they will be hos ng a party of their own friends and family at Olivers on the night of the event.

"With the Crosbys at the helm," says Oczek, "we are confident Dining Out for Life 2014 will be a tremendous success."

So, what drives the Crosbys to give so much of their me and energy?

"Of course at first, our mo va on was Vincent," says Joan. "We have always been suppor ve of his involvement in the fight against AIDS, for over thirty years now. The fact that the AIDS crisis has improved, with advances in medica on and its general acceptance as an important worldwide health issue has been very gra fying to see. And now that Benedict House has come under the Evergreen Associa on umbrella, our every need has been addressed!

We now have air condi oning, a new structural founda on, elevator repairs, and on and on. Ron [Evergreen Associa on President Ron Silverio] and his team make sure that our needs are taken care of immediately. Evergreen saved us from closing our doors due to lack of funds."

Joan and Gary's commitment to Benedict House, and now the Evergreen Associa on, has been very personal, but its impact has been far reaching and much appreciated.

"The passion and care that Joan brings to the Evergreen Family is inspira onal – and contagious," states Ray Ganoe, Evergreen CEO. "Joan has been a member of the Board for several years and has been a strong force in our financial development since her arrival," says James Sheehan, Benedict House's Senior Director. "Since the incep on of the House at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Joan and Gary have both understood the need for our work in the community and have been a consistent source of encouragement and support for staff and residents. Around the holidays, especially, Joan and Gary have generously provided gi s for each resident, knowing that so many have no family or friends to support and cheer them.

Whenever there has been a need at the House, they have been there to help."

P

6 AUTUMN 2014

7 AUTUMN 2014

This is the twelfth time I've sat down to write a Dining Out for Life (DOFL) preview for Pathways, and — to be honest — I don't know what more there is to say. The DOFL concept is just as simple as ever: pick a participating restaurant from the list, enjoy a delicious meal, pay the bill and leave. A minimum of 25% of your food bill, and in some cases more, will be donated to Evergreen Health Services and Benedict House. That's it. You don't have to register, collect donations or pay an admission fee. Just show up, eat and leave. It really is that easy. In fact, some people do it by accident!

Buffalo is a food town, so it's no surprise that our community has embraced an event that allows you to help others by eating.

Dining Out for Life has been one of Evergreen Health Services' most successful fund-raisers right from the start. One reason DOFL is so popular is that everyone wins. Diners enjoy a fine meal at one of Western New York's many great restaurants and restaurants get to show off their food to new customers who just might become regulars. The clients of Evergreen Health Services and Benedict House win too, as funds raised on October 7 will help support the vast array of programs and services that they and their families depend on every day. Dining Out for Life is an international event held each year in 50+ cities around the world, but every cent raised in Western New York stays right here in Western New York.

Volunteer Ambassadors play a big part in the success of Dining Out for Life. Ambassadors welcome patrons to the restaurant, explain the DOFL concept and answer any questions about the event or the agencies involved. It's a great chance to make a direct connection with members of the community, to thank them for their support or introduce ourselves if they don't know who we are and what we do.

The job of the Ambassadors sounds simple, but it's important. They are representing Evergreen Health Services and Benedict House to the thousands of Western New Yorkers who dine out for life.

The public faces of Dining Out for Life are Co-Chairs Joan and Gary Crosby (see previous page for a profile of the Crosbys), who have been working hard to make sure Buffalo's DOFL continues to grow.

With participating restaurants in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties, there will be choices for nearly any location, palate or budget. For an up-to-date list of this year's participating restaurants, visit the DOFL website at www.diningoutforlife.com/ wny. Please note: participating restaurants will often be much busier than normal for a Tuesday, so reservations are highly recommended.

Call today to reserve your place at the table and join Evergreen Health Services, Benedict House and our generous restaurant community in the fight against HIV and AIDS here in Western New York. Oh, and be sure to save some room for dessert! - John Carocci

8 AUTUMN 2014

9 AUTUMN 2014

The Healthcare Stories Project, done at Evergreen Medical Group, is a quality care campaign of the New York State Department of Health AIDS Ins tute. The project encourages people living with HIV to share their experiences and ideas about healthcare and gathers insights for the medical prac ce. Over 100 pa ents of Evergreen Medical Group contributed three words each to describe quality health care. Others provided stories or pictures. The Evergreen team (a phlebotomist, administra ve assistant, three pa ents and director) compiled the words and messages into a list and created this word cloud depic ng the responses (the more o en a word was men oned, the larger it appears in the word cloud). Pa ents expressed fear of s gma and past nega ve experiences, however, we learned that pa ents do feel cared about at Evergreen Medical Group. To these pa ents, rela onships with providers were the most important part of healthcare. The Healthcare Stories Project will con nue, with more feedback to come! - Kimberly Lombard

10 AUTUMN 2014

The name Sco Schultz is familiar to anyone connected with AIDS Walk Buffalo. Not only is Sco a perennial fixture on the list of the Walk's top fundraisers, but he gives generously of his me and energy for months in advance, promo ng the Walk. This year, Sco was featured in a powerful online tes monial video that went viral, bringing awareness of the AIDS Walk to people that we would never have been able to reach with tradi onal marke ng. Pathways decided we need to find out more about this Sco Schultz character. Here’s what we learned: Pathways: Ok, Sco , let's start with the basics.

Where are you from, what do you do, what are your hobbies? ScoƩ Schultz: I was born and raised here in Buffalo. I le for college at 18 and swore I would never come back. I spent 20+ years playing the french horn in symphony orchestras in North and South America before deciding to give a new career a try. I moved back to Buffalo in 2001 and was surprised to find I really loved living here, so here I stayed. I live in Allentown now, and split my me between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, Ontario,

where my amazing partner of three years lives.

I’ve worked for 13 years in the health insurance and electronic medical records fields, and one day I hope to find a posi on where my efforts are directed toward helping those with HIV/AIDS and other LGBT related health issues live be er, healthier, more rewarding lives. In my spare me I enjoy cycling around Buffalo and taking in all the historic architecture and parks. To be able to live surrounded by the works of Louis Sullivan, H.H. Richardson, Frank Lloyd Wright and Frederick Law

Olmsted, among others, is an experience unique to Buffalo. So is our proximity to natural wonders and great ci es all within a day's drive. Pathways: How did you get involved with AIDS Walk? ScoƩ: Chris Reybrouck, the Founda on Coordinator at Evergreen Health Services, encouraged me to get involved. I had been looking for new volunteer opportuni es, and when Chris suggested I do the Walk it seemed like a perfect fit. I had done volunteer work for Evergreen in the past, pu ng s ckers on condoms and selling ribbons, but had been wan ng to do something bigger. Doing AIDS Walk provided me an opportunity to give back a small por on of the support I’ve go en, via health care and counseling, over the years at Evergreen. Pathways: You’re obviously very passionate about the cause, but so are a lot of people. What’s your secret for staying mo vated, and turning your mo va on into ac on? ScoƩ: Living with HIV, I count my blessings every day. I have a good job and access to health insurance, which, sadly, is not the case for many others living with the disease. I feel it is my moral responsibility to help those less fortunate than I have access to health care, nutri onal assistance, mental health counseling and housing. The fact that so many others don’t have the same advantages I do keeps me going. Pathways: How has the world of HIV/AIDS changed since your first AIDS Walk? ScoƩ: The world is a very different place for people living with HIV/AIDS than it once was. Today we talk about long term disease management, and that's enormous progress. But what is more important is what hasn't changed; the s gma associated with HIV/AIDS. I read that HIV+ people repor ng high levels of s gma were more than four mes more likely to report poor access to health care. We are making huge strides in treatment op ons, but discrimina on s ll stands in the way of real and las ng progress.

Fear of s gma and discrimina on are o en cited as the main reason why people are reluctant to be tested, to disclose their HIV status or to take an retroviral drugs, and these factors contribute to the expansion of the epidemic and a higher number of AIDS-related deaths.

An unwillingness to be tested for HIV means delayed diagnoses, when the virus may have already progressed to AIDS, making treatment less effec ve and causing an early death which was preventable. It also means people are more likely to unknowingly infect others. This simply has to change. Pathways: As the unofficial AIDS Walk Guru, what advice would you give someone who is thinking about doing the Walk for the first me? ScoƩ: Aim higher than you think is possible when se ng a goal. I thought if I could convince 25 people to give $10 each, I’d be amazed. I never dreamed I would raise my goal from $250 to $1000, then $2000, and then $3000. Raising

$4000 never seemed possible when I started this year, but I did it and then some. The generosity of my friends and family was amazing. Have a social media presence and thank everyone who gives with a personalized message, no ma er the amount. Every dona on ma ers and builds momentum as your friends see others pitching in and helping out. It's also important to stay on message. You can’t just go online and beg for money every day. Have a message and use the opportunity to educate people. I was able to educate people about the cost associated with trea ng HIV, which is a mystery to a lot of people. I was also able to talk about s gma and why it's important to break down barriers in talking about HIV. It made my pitch about more than just raising money, which I think helped, and made the experience a lot more rewarding to me personally. Another piece of advice: start early!

I start fundraising in January, which gives me plenty of me to meet and exceed my goal. Find communi es of friends within your larger group of friends. I dedicated a week of fundraising to my fellow SUNY Fredonia Alumni, highligh ng the work that Evergreen does in Chautauqua County, where SUNY Fredonia is located. I did the same thing with my high school friends.

The outpouring of support floored me. Finally, exhaust every opportunity you can think of: Facebook, Twi er, e-mails, phone calls, face-toface appeals. Use them all to get your message out. Pathways: What changes would you like to see for AIDS Walk’s future? ScoƩ: I am impressed by the wonderful job done by both the walkers and the organizers every year. It takes so much work to bring this event together. While we dream of a day there is no longer a need to have an AIDS Walk in Buffalo, or anywhere, the truth is that other health issues will con nue to present challenges to the community. I would like to see more corporate sponsorship and I would also like to see AIDS Walk get much more coverage in local media. Sadly, I think the media in our area (for the most part) s ll see HIV/AIDS as a niche problem and not a community wide problem.

Pathways: Anything else you'd like to add?

ScoƩ: I was deeply honored to be asked to speak at this year’s AIDS Walk. A number of people congratulated me on my bravery in coming out as an HIV infected person during my comments at the Walk and in the online video. I have never seen this as brave. I see it as accep ng who I am and refusing to send myself nega ve messages in regard to my status. By choosing to deal with my status, in the open, I am in charge of my status instead of the other way around. I hope that message will help others in their journey as they learn to live with HIV. Pathways: Thank you, Sco , for everything you've done for AIDS Walk and Evergreen. We'll see you at AIDS Walk '15! P

11 AUTUMN 2014

12

PrEP Therapy's 90%+ Rate of HIV Preven on Has People Asking

AUTUMN 2014

Story and Photos by John Carocci

13 AUTUMN 2014

PEOPLE

who work in AIDS preven on o en talk about "the toolbox," a term that refers to the collec on of resources at our disposal in the effort to stop the spread of HIV. Tes ng is a big one, condoms are another, abs nence yet another, and so on down the line. Just like a carpenter selects the best tool for the job, preven on workers use different tools in different situa ons, depending on what will be the most effec ve.

A few years ago, a new tool was added to the toolbox with li le or no fanfare, despite having the poten al to be the closest thing to a cure for HIV we're likely to see for a long me. The tool, pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP, was shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of contrac ng HIV by more than 90%. It was also effec ve in suppressing HIV among those who are already posi ve. PrEP therapy consists of a once-a-day pill, Truvada.

The medical research community reacted with enthusiasm, but so far that enthusiasm hasn't worked its way down to the general public. People are not as informed about PrEP therapy as they are about other, more established preven on strategies, and medical providers that offer PrEP (including Evergreen Medical Group) are finding that what looks like a miracle on paper can be a surprisingly tough sell in the real world. The CDC es mates that at least 500,000 high-risk Americans qualify as good candidates for PrEP, yet only a few thousand have actually started PrEP therapy.

Part of the problem is basic human psychology. Healthy people aren't usually eager to begin an expensive preven ve drug regimen, even if it's simple and effec ve. There have also been accusa ons that the PrEP clinical trial results were rigged, the side effects are being minimized, and that the government was in collusion with Gilead (the manufacturer of Truvada) to force an unnecessary medica on on people who don't need it. Others are concerned that imperfect adherence will lead to new, stronger strains of HIV that are resistant to treatment. So far, there is li le evidence to support any of these cri cisms, (continued on next page)

14 AUTUMN 2014

"The big advantage I want to show patients is that Pr to take control of their own sexual health." Lauri but they are coming from major players in the world of HIV/AIDS care and gay health. For example, the former Editor in Chief of POZ Magazine stated that PrEP is "a profit-driven sex toy for rich Westerners," and at least one AIDS organiza on lobbied the FDA to withhold approval from PrEP en rely.

Of more concern is the worry, shared by many in the public health realm, that PrEP therapy will lead to an increase in risky behaviors (greater promiscuity or less frequent condom use) by users who think they are now immune to HIV. There is a reluctance to say or even imply that PrEP is a replacement for condom use.

However, according to Dr. Richard Grant of the Na onal Ins tute of Health, condoms don't play as large a role in the preven on of HIV as people think, mostly because studies show not enough people use them properly and consistently. The results of a recent CDC study bear this out, saying that while using a condom every me prevents approximately 70% of HIV transmissions through anal sex, only 1 in 6 gay men reported consistent condom use over the past 3 to 4 years. Unfortunately, the study also concluded that occasional condom use is of li le benefit in preven ng HIV transmission. Men who reported using condoms "some mes" were only 4.4% less likely to acquire HIV than those who reported no condom use at all.

People might look at these numbers

and think condoms are no longer important.

While PrEP therapy compares very favorably to condoms in terms of HIV preven on (offering 95% protec on when taken daily, with some claims going as high as 99%), it offers no protec on against other STIs or unwanted pregnancies. PrEP adds an extra layer of protec on to consistent condom use but does not replace it.

Laurie Abbatessa, a Nurse Prac oner at Evergreen Medical Group, coordinates EMG's PrEP pilot program under the supervision of the New York State Department of Health.

"PrEP therapy should be thought of as one component of a larger preven on strategy," says Abbatessa. "PrEP is not permission to skip condoms."

Let's recap: PrEP therapy can be nearly 100% effec ve in preven ng the transmission of HIV. PrEP therapy is as easy as taking a pill every day. The side effects are minor and typically disappear once the body has become acclimated to the drug. So what's the problem? Why do so few people know about PrEP therapy, and why are the ones that do know about it not jumping at the chance?

"Awareness," states Abbatessa simply.

"Not enough people know enough about PrEP." There's no big budget ad campaign for PrEP or Truvada like you see for other newly approved drugs. Word is star ng to get out among gay

men in larger ci es, but it's happening more slowly in smaller ci es like Buffalo.

Ezekiel Goodwin and Seth Girod are Sexual Health Counselors at Evergreen Health Services.

Part of their job is to administer HIV tests and they take advantage of those moments before the results come in to talk to people about how to minimize their risk for HIV and other STIs. Girod es mates that about 30% of the gay men they test are aware of PrEP, but only a small percentage of those men who are aware seem interested in pursuing it.

Some interes ng issues come up in those conversa ons. First is that, especially among young gay men of color, there is a distrust of the medical system that makes it far less likely for them to speak to a primary care provider about PrEP than, say, a white gay man. In addi on, as with nearly any area of sexual health, misconcep ons abound, and Goodwin and Girod have heard them all.

"Some men feel more comfortable going to another city and having anonymous, unprotected sex because here in Buffalo they know everyone, and they know who has what," says Girod.

Abbatessa is talking about PrEP with people who are already ge ng their health care at Evergreen Medical Group, so it's a more recep ve audience than the general public.

"I tell them the biggest issue is adherence.

15 AUTUMN 2014

Maisha Drayton Receives Business First 40 Under 40 Award

rEP allows them

ie Abbatessa, NP PrEP only oers maximum protec on if you take the pill every day," says Abbatessa. "Some mes people are honest and say they don't think they could do that."

Adherence is cri cal for PrEP therapy to be fully eec ve. Laurie notes that all of the people who became HIV+ during the PrEP clinical trials had lapsed in their adherence.

"The big advantage I want to show pa ents is that PrEP allows them to take control of their own sexual health," says Abbatessa. "They don't have to rely on their partner being honest, or nego ate with them. They are in control and protec ng themselves. That's empowering."

What if a person isn't quite ready for 100% adherence to PrEP or consistent condom use?

"There's no such thing as perfec on," Abbatessa states. "I talk to them, try to figure out where they are in their lives, and then I meet them where they are." That's the harm reduc on philosophy in a nutshell.

And what happens once someone begins PrEP therapy? Does their behavior change?

"Not that I've seen," says Abbatessa. "Over the 30+ year history of HIV and AIDS, advances in preven on or treatment haven't led to increases in risky behavior. And people seeking out PrEP are already at risk."

P If you'd like more information about PrEP therapy contact Evergreen Medical Group at 716-847-0328.

Each year, Business First's 40 Under 40 Awards honor Western New Yorkers who have shown exceptional leadership skills, community involvement and achievement in their chosen field.

Pathways is proud to congratulate Maisha Drayton, Senior Director of Staff Development at the Evergreen Association, who is a 2014 40 Under 40 honoree. Drayton celebrated 10 years with the Association earlier this year, and we have all benefitted from her dedication and passion for making the Evergreen Association a great place to work. Congratulations, Maisha!

P

16 AUTUMN 2014

Sandra is a frequent participant in Art Therapy groups at the Wellness Center. Her artwork often reflects her current life circumstances.

"Art Therapy group is an excellent group. It has helped me cope with so many feelings. I will recommend Art Therapy to any individual that is dealing with many feelings within." - Sandra

Join the Evergreen Team!

Evergreen Health Services is seeking qualified candidates for a variety of jobs.

Do you have a degree in Social Work, Public Health, OďŹƒce Technology, Business, Nursing, or a related field? Do you have hands on experience in Fundraising, Events Planning, Medical OďŹƒce Technology, Case Management, Community Educa on, Accoun ng, Finance, Human Resources or in a business environment? Would you enjoy working in a helping environment that touches the lives of many people? If you answered "yes" to any of these ques ons, it's the me to apply! Visit h p:// www.evergreenhs.org for a complete list of opportuni es.

17 AUTUMN 2014

18 AUTUMN 2014

19 AUTUMN 2014

Last year, looking out over a sea of happy faces cheering Latrice Royale at the Pride Fes val, I wondered to myself "how will they ever top this?" Just about a year later, I got my answer. The Buffalo Pride Week 2014 presented a full week's worth of events, all leading up to the signature Pride Parade and Pride Fes val @ Canalside. The theme was "Out Loud" and the Buffalo Pride Week delivered.

New this year was a gay pep-rally at LaSalle Park to kick off Pride Week and the Queen City So ball Season. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown joined city officials, Pride Center staff and members of the community for the annual raising of the rainbow flag at City Hall. The second annual Gay 5K was a hit, with more than 300 runners who enjoyed a 3.1 mile run in beau ful weather and an a er-party at Soho Burger Bar on Chippewa Street. Next up was the Chroma art show at Glow Gallery on Allen Street. Chroma featured music, a packed house and artwork

by Western New York's best LGBTQ ar sts.

Saturday's Dyke March and Allen Street Fes val had the streets of Allentown filled with revelers.

Sunday's Pride Parade was the best yet, with more than 100 con ngents and more spectators than ever. Then it was off to Canalside for the Pride Fes val. Hostess Bianca del Rio (winner of RuPaul's Drag Race) had the crowd in a frenzy, and there were fantas c musical performances

by Dev, the Cliks and Like A Parrot. For more photos and a recap video from the Buffalo Pride Week 2014, visit the official Pride website at www.BuffaloPrideFes val.com.

P

2013 Services Report

20 AUTUMN 2014

Medical Care .............................................. 1197 Pharmacy ......................................................550 Care Coordina on .........................................887 Mental Health/Counseling..............................23 Suboxone Counseling/Treatment ...................87 Monthly Housing Subsidies ............................63 Emergency Housing ......................................135 Transporta on Assistance .............................281 Nutri on Program .........................................128 - Meals Provided .................................. 15,600 - Food Pantry Visits ....................................474 - Pounds of Food Distributed ...............33 tons Benedict House Residents ..............................45 Preven on Counseling ....................................80 Outreach Contacts .................................. 17,000 Individuals Exchanging Syringes ............... 5,301 Syringes Exchanged............................... 414,426 Hot Lunches Served (50/Day) ................. 13,000 HIV Tests ..................................................... 2197 - Posi ve Test Results ...................................25 STI/STD Screenings .......................................836 - Posi ve Test Results ...................................59 Hepa s C Tests ............................................384 - Posi ve Test Results ...................................40 Pride Center Program Par cipants ...............889 Community Access Services Outreach ..... 3,984 Total Number of Individual Receiving At Least One Service............... 12,231 Number Living with HIV/AIDS ................... 1,126

You've probably seen these faces, looking out from billboards around town, or in the pages of local publications such as Artvoice or Loop. If you're a patient at Evergreen Medical Group (EMG), you know them as members of the EMG care team: Nurse Practitioners Laurie Abbatessa and Lynn Grucza.

In the Spring 2014 issue of Pathways, we reported on the rapid growth of Evergreen Medical Group over the past couple of years. To recap: in 2013, the number of active patients increased by 45%, to 1307. As of March of this year, that number had already grown to 1400. The number of HIV positive patients grew by 22% in 2013; the number of HIV negative and transgendered patients grew by 86% and 51% respectively during the same period. That's incredible growth for any organization, and EMG has responded by recruiting an experienced, compassionate care team to provide top quality health care to our diverse, ever-expanding patient base. Evergreen Medical Group is a professional, fully-formed medical practice that is at the cutt ing edge of medical technology and treatments, but our mission has remained the same for nearly twenty years: to provide quality, compassionate health care services to everyone, including those who, for whatever reason, may feel they've been left behind by other health care professionals.

To learn more about Evergreen Medical Group and its services, visit our website at www.evergreenhs.org/emg. - John Carocci

Male .......................................................... 7,281 Female....................................................... 4,491 Transgender ..................................................168 Black .......................................................... 3,748 Hispanic ..................................................... 1,724 White......................................................... 6,492 Na ve ............................................................121 Other .............................................................547 Gay/Bisexual.............................................. 1,741 IV Drug User .............................................. 5,773 Heterosexual ............................................. 3,051 Blood ...............................................................10 0-12 Years of Age ..............................................4 13-19 .............................................................634 20-29 ......................................................... 3,150 30-39 ......................................................... 3,037 40-49 ......................................................... 2,483 50-59 ......................................................... 2,371 60-69 .............................................................299 UK/UR............................................................738

21 AUTUMN 2014

Evergreen Health Services

Evergreen Foundation

REVENUE State Grants ................................................................ $3,295,284 Federal Grants...................................................................309,303 Medical Services ...............................................................459,533 Health Home Services....................................................4,418,986 Pharmacy .................................................................... 15,074,105 Other ...................................................................................88,833 Total Revenue ...................................................... $23,646,044

REVENUE Fundraising......................................................................$133,482 Contribu ons ......................................................................12,240 Rental Income ...................................................................589,747 Marke ng Services............................................................606,000 Total Revenue ........................................................ $1,341,469

EXPENSES Program Services ...................................................... $17,893,154 Management and General.............................................2,096,447 Total Expenditures ............................................... $19,989,601

EXPENSES Fundraising......................................................................$158,537 Building Costs*...............................................................1,059,211 Management and General................................................223,381 Total Expenditures ................................................. $1,441,130

Community Access Services

Benedict House

REVENUE State Grants ....................................................................$382,797 Miscellaneous ............................................................................48 Total Revenue ........................................................... $383,845

REVENUE Grants ..............................................................................$379,332 Service Fees ......................................................................378,000 Bequest .............................................................................148,703 Fundraising..........................................................................18,000 Subsidy from Evergreen Associa on ................................356,790 Total Revenue ........................................................ $1,281,025

EXPENSES Program Services ............................................................$301,584 Management and General..................................................98,534 Total Expenditures .................................................... $400,118

EXPENSES Program Services ............................................................$853,737 Management and General................................................233,417 Fundraising..........................................................................42,500 Total Expenditures ................................................. $1,129,654

Pride Center

Overall

REVENUE State Grants ....................................................................$312,846 Pride Fes val .....................................................................127,249 Other .....................................................................................9,767 Total Revenue ........................................................... $449,862

Evergreen Health Services Profit/Loss........................ $3,656,443 Community Access Services Profit/Loss ...........................$16,273 Pride Center Profit/Loss ....................................................$31,636 Evergreen Founda on Profit/Loss ....................................$99,661 Benedict House Profit/Loss ..............................................$151,30 Total 2013 Profit/Loss ............................................ $3,660,253

EXPENSES Program Services ............................................................$316,523 Pride Fes val .....................................................................121,404 Management and General..................................................43,571 Total Expenditures .................................................... $481,498

Total Fund Balance (All CorporaĆ&#x;ons) .................. $12,512,521

* the Founda on owns and maintains all six of the Associa on's proper es

22 AUTUMN 2014

If you happened to be near Delaware Park on May 10, you'd have seen hundreds of people gathered at the edge of Hoyt Lake, and heard them break into a cheer at the news that AIDS Walk 2014 raised a total of $96,522. Not only is this figure well above the goal, it's the highest amount AIDS Walk has raised in its 20+ year history. The past few years have seen a resurgence in energy surrounding AIDS Walk, from the planning committee to the volunteers to the walkers themselves. Social media and online tools have made it easier to register, solicit donations, and spread the word (our Facebook page was buzzing for weeks before the Walk). But as wonderful as these tools are, they're still only tools. The real work is done by the people who come together to make a difference in our community. Thank you, each and every one of you! Special thanks go out to the AIDS Walk Five Hundred Club, whose members each raised a minimum of... wait for it... $500. We hope to add to the Five Hundred Club's membership list in 2015! For more photographs from AIDS Walk, visit us online at www. facebook.com/aidswalkbuffalo.

P

The AIDS Walk Five Hundred Club says "cheese!" at a thank you dinner at Salvatore's Italian Gardens.

Each Five Hundred Club member raised a minimum of $500.

23 AUTUMN 2014

Non-Profit Org.

24

US Postage PAID

AUTUMN 2014

pathways

Buffalo, NY Permit No. 57

MAGAZINE

206 South Elmwood Avenue Buffalo, New York 14201-2313 publications@evergreenhs.org help us prevent waste ~ notify us of any duplication!