2019 Fall Newsletter by AIDS Services of Austin

summer/fall 2019 newsletter

September 21, 2019

Why we Step to Zero to end the HIV epidemic Each year people fill the “why I walk” board with messages of love and support

pg. 4

Honorary Chair & Performer

BIG FREEDIA AIDSWALKAUSTIN.ORG

contents mission

Meet our 2020 Building Healthy Futures Luncheon Chairs PG. 9

The mission of AIDS Services of Austin is to enhance the health and well-being of the community and people affected by HIV and AIDS.

vision

Aisha White, MD

AIDS Services of Austin envisions an empowered community committed to healthier lives, free from stigma, for people affected by HIV and AIDS.

Matt Smith

core values Adaptability • Collaboration • Diversity • Integrity • Respect

what’s inside

Matthew Redden

Leadership Letter

AIDS Walk Austin

4-5

Moody Milestone

Program Highlights

Events Calendar

Removing Barriers to Dental Care

CDC Director visits ASA

leadership letter

Getting to Zero Together

In 2018 AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) and our community partners began taking steps to zero new HIV cases in Austin, an ambitious but achievable goal. We implemented innovative solutions to common barriers Central Texans face in accessing HIV related care and support. With the opening of ASA’s Moody Medical Clinic, we delivered on our plans to expand access to medical care for people impacted by HIV. We expanded our reach and launched housing assistance and mental health services to individuals at high risk of contracting HIV. We refocused and rebranded our prevention efforts, moving “Health Promotion” into east Austin to better serve traditionally marginalized communities. Every decision and expansion we made was focused on helping more people access quality care, promoting sexual wellness, and reducing HIV transmissions. ASA’s Moody Medical Clinic allows us to fully integrate life-affirming medical care with existing support services to provide a patient-centered environment that addresses any and all barriers to care. In addition to HIV and primary care, the clinic offers same-day PrEP and PEP prescriptions, pharmacy referrals, HIV/STI testing and treatment, and behavioral health services. Moving our Health Promotion team into east Austin allowed us to locate prevention services at the intersection of two of Austin’s highest-risk zip codes for HIV infections, and to better reach communities of color, especially Latinx individuals. Having identified transportation as a significant barrier to accessing care, we are continuing to reposition or mobilize services to meet those in need exactly where they are located in the community. The Q Austin not only moved east with Health Promotion, but launched “La Q,” a completely Spanish language version of The Q, to remove the language barrier of monolingual Spanish speakers. These physical and programmatic shifts mean ASA’s free testing services, condom distribution network, early intervention services, and multiple community support groups are more accessible than ever before. Both the opening of our Moody Medical Clinic and the move into east Austin reflects ASA’s commitment to our new Fast-Track City goals of more people knowing their status, receiving timely access to care and sustained treatment. ASA also joined local stakeholders, politicians, and public officials (Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt) in committing to the Paris Declaration to end the AIDS epidemic. By signing the declaration and becoming

a “Fast-Track City,” Austin joins other world class US communities like Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco at the forefront of ending the epidemic. The signing marks ASA’s commitment to helping our community achieve the 90/90/90 goals: 90% of people that are positive knowing their status, 90% of those that know their status receiving sustained medical care, and 90% of those in medical care achieving viral suppression. By adopting these ambitious (yet achievable) goals and strategies, we are on a path to zero new HIV cases in Central Texas. ASA is fully committed and actively investing in the FastTrack City goals with staff engaged at every stage of the planning and implementation processes. ASA is achieving these goals through innovative solutions that build overall health in our community and optimize health outcomes for people impacted by HIV like “John.” John tested positive with our testing team on a Thursday evening and was linked into care at the ASA Moody Medical Clinic the very next day for an appointment with Dr. Wright. “John” had completed his first doctor’s office visit and left with a prescription for life-saving medication - all within 24 hours! He told us that the support he received from ASA took a lot of fear out of a situation that could have been terrifying. Helping people like John overcome barriers to care has always been and will remain at the heart of our work. We have expanded our continuum of care to optimize the health outcomes of people impacted by HIV. We have adapted to the shifting landscape and emerging trends of HIV care. We work every day to end stigma and discrimination that still acts as a barrier to care for far too many. And we continue to build upon our 32 years of success to ensure that in the decade ahead we truly and finally end the HIV epidemic. Our life-affirming and truly comprehensive approach to care is what makes ASA so unique. The unparalleled passion and dedication of our staff and supporters, like you, is what makes ASA so impactful. In combination, they are what makes ASA a leader in improving our community’s health. Thank you for supporting AIDS Services of Austin and thank you for investing in taking steps to zero new HIV infections! We will get to zero together!

Ceo

Piper S Nelson

Board Chair

AIDS walk austin PRESENTED BY:

Since 1987, AIDS Walk Austin has brought together

Providing life-affirming comprehensive care optimizes

thousands of people from the community to benefit 10

health outcomes for our patients. We also understand

AIDS Service Organizations in Central Texas. Each year

that Latinx and Black persons are disproportionately

walkers, sponsors, and supporters join together to create

impacted by HIV. We see rising numbers of new

awareness, fight stigma, and raise much-needed funds for

infections in young Latinx and Black men who have sex

HIV prevention and care services.

with men and that Black women and Trans individuals

In 2018, our goal was to raise $225,000 for Central Texans impacted by HIV/AIDS. This year, we’re going bigger and setting a goal of raising $240,000. Austin has always been an ambitious city

continue to be underserved and underrepresented. To reach zero new HIV infections, we must engage every community and make sure that no one feels separate. We must invite everyone to be a part of ending the epidemic together.

and leader in the fight

That is why we are so excited to have Big Freedia join

against HIV which is why

AIDS Walk Austin as the Honorary Chair and first

last summer Austin joined

ever headlining performer. Big Freedia, known as the

96 other cities globally

Queen of Bounce, is a New Orleans based rapper and

in signing the Paris

ambassador of Bounce music. Music brings people

Declaration to become a Fast-Track City and have zero new HIV infections by 2030. Every dollar raised goes directly to

together, celebrating brings people together, and we think that Big Freedia will bring Austin together at the AIDS Walk. Like Big Freedia’s music, HIV transcends age, gender, sexual orientation, and race. Her

the goal of zero new HIV infections by 2030. AIDS Walk

performance is a step to increasing engagement with

Austin’s ten beneficiary organizations and community

communities of color and creating a culturally diverse

partners will build on this initiative and continue to

audience. Big Freedia is a step to reaching younger

provide the life-affirming care that Central Texans

populations (since 65% of new HIV infections were

impacted by HIV/AIDS deserve.

in people 18-35). Big Freedia is also a step to zero new infections in Austin and Central Texas.

AIDS walk austin cont. At its core, AIDS Walk Austin is a place for everyone to come together with one purpose. Each year people fill the “Why I Walk” board with messages of love and support. Whether you’ve been walking for all 32 years or supporting AIDS Walk Austin for the first time ever, in support of someone living with HIV, or in memory of someone you’ve lost, every step you take with us supports life-affirming care for Central Texans impacted by HIV. We know the board will be filled with incredible words again this year.

Sign up for this year’s AIDS Walk Austin and tell us why you walk. Register to walk or donate at AIDSWALKAUSTIN.ORG and come out on September 21 to Republic Square from 9am-1pm.

90/90/90 90% of people living with HIV with know their status, 90% of all people with a diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained treatment, 90% of all people receiving treatment will have an undetectable viral load.

Fast-Track City Goals 5

asa moody medical clinic Moody’s 1st Anniversary: September of 2019 will mark a full year of operations for ASA’s Moody Medical Clinic. To date, our medical team has offered life-affirming and comprehensive HIV and primary care to 138 HIV positive patients, 87 PrEP patients, 88 patients seeking STI care, and launched behavioral health as part of our full continuum of care for those impacted by HIV. Offering timely access to medical care for people impacted by HIV was a core motivation for opening the clinic. We are proud to report that we are providing appointments within 24-72 hours for newly diagnosed persons. The clinic takes pride in offering a patient-centered and embracing environment that makes patients feel welcome at every step of the way. The clinic has been so successful that clients that have moved out of Austin still seek care with the ASA Moody Medical Clinic. Michael began as a PrEP patient with ASA last year before relocating to Dallas for his job. He was so thrilled with the care he received that he still makes the three hour drive to Austin every few months to continue his care with ASA.

ASA Moody Medical Clinic Staff

Led by Director of Clinical Services, Ana M. Herrera, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

The ASA Moody Medical Clinic not only serves as an entry point for patients seeking medical care, but as a door into all of ASA’s existing support services a patient may need; case management, food, housing, insurance assistance, social support, oral health and so much more. We are so grateful for the incredible community support that made the clinic possible, and for our dedicated and incredible clinic staff. As we enter year two of clinic operations we look to build upon all we have learned since opening our doors to ensure that anyone impacted by HIV has access to timely and compassionate care that addresses all barriers to health.

program highlights Pillow Talk Pillow Talk is a group for individuals in the sex industry to receive sexual health services and community support in a welcoming, stigma free environment. Each session provides members of Pillow Talk with a nutritious meal, full panel STI screening, hygiene/harm reduction supplies and opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue and connect with peers. Pillow Talk encourages members to come as they are, and welcomes any individual who identifies as a sex worker, including trans/femme/non-conforming individuals. Pillow Talk is designed to empower individuals of the sex industry and allow them to connect with peers – the service is for those who engage in the acts of sex work themselves, and not a space for intermediaries in positions of power such as pimps, venue owners or “bouncers.” As a way to protect our members safety and privacy, location is shared to community members via telephone. Please contact us at (512) 600 – 8378 for location information.

La Q Austin The Q Austin has been serving Austin’s community for 20 years now. In an effort to reach Latinx individuals, The Q Austin launched it’s counterpart, La Q Austin, in March of this year. La Q Austin aims to focus on the community where the most new HIV infections are found in Austin: Latinos, Latinas, and Latinx persons. By intentionally having Spanish programming, Spanish campaigns, and culturally relevant events and content, La Q hopes to engage with a demographic that historically is underserved. The first of its kind in Austin, La Q will continue to provide HIV and sexual awareness services and programs to Austin’s growing Latinx community. In its first 6 months, La Q has launched a PrEP campaign, hosted a Second Chance Quince, and facilitated conversations around HIV and sexual health in Spanish. As La Q continues to gain momentum, The Q Austin staff look forward to engaging with more communities of color and Latinx persons in ways it hasn’t in years past.

upcoming events september 7th

Freddie for a Day

17th

16th

South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse: 5B Documentary Screening at 7:30 PM

18th

Red Ribbon Dinner National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

27th

st @ Republic Square

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

october 3rd

Star Partner Party

december 1st

7th

The Red Party

2020 Luncheon Table Captain Recruitment Party

21st Red Ribbon Dinner

february 21st

2020 Building Healthy Futures Luncheon

Celebrate the ASA Moody Medical Clinic’s First Year of Life-Affirming Care Join us in October as we celebrate 1 year of life-affirming medical care for Central Texans Impacted by HIV. Hear about what’s next for the clinic, and how we are positioning our services to end the HIV epidemic in the decade ahead. Date: Email to come with more details

save the dates Invest in Building Healthy Futures AIDS Services of Austin is excited to announce our 2020 Building Healthy Futures Tri-Chairs: Dr. Aisha White, Matthew Redden, and Matt Smith. The annual fundraising luncheon, taking place on February 21, 2020, raises critical funding for ASA’s lifeaffirming programs and services, and connects 400 community changemakers who are committed to supporting programs that serve Central Texans impacted by HIV. “Clarity. Efficiency. Effectiveness. The Building Healthy Futures Luncheon that benefits AIDS Services of Austin glorifies these virtues. Every nonprofit that gives a charity luncheon should make this event a case study in cogency.” ¬Michael Barnes, The Austin American Statesman. There is no ticket price to attend the luncheon. Table Captains and community leaders help fill the room with guests that are ready to invest in ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. If you are interested in serving as a Table Captain, sponsor opportunities, or for more information on the Building Healthy Futures Luncheon, please contact Associate Director of Development, Lane Strickland at lane.strickland@asaustin.org. Luncheon guests (L-R) Nico Ramsey, Erin Gurak, Liz Baskin,

First Date

2020 Luncheon Chair Matt Smith, Christina Hernandez, Angela De La Rosa, Sam Slate, Earlest Small, and Taylor Stockett

Swipe right on ASA! You like to get to know a person before you make a big commitment. Your relationship with a cause or charity should work the same way. That’s why we are introducing First Dates with ASA! Come learn about ASA with no expectation of commitment or donation. Learn about:

•Our history and impact •Sexual wellness and health •Life-affirming programs and services •Volunteer opportunities •ASA Events •And more…

It’s the no strings attached way to find out if we are the long term match for your philanthropic love. For more details visit asaustin.org/events

jack sansing dental clinic affected by HIV, language is often still a barrier at all levels of care. Recently, Ben met with a client whose first language was “what we call Swahili, but there are a lot of names for Swahili that break down into dialect bands.” The patient brought her teenage son to translate. ASA often has to ask about someone’s sexuality for the purpose of making sure we meet the needs of a client. “When we are asking about the diversity of someone’s sexual experience it can be awkward to have your teen son translate that for you.” As Ben walked the patient through the intake process he discovered she was from an African country with historical French influence. Both Ben and the patient spoke French as a second language. He was now able to directly communicate with the patient, making the intake process more comfortable, and removing language as a barrier to her seeking care. For more than 27 years ASA’s Jack Sansing Dental Clinic (JSDC) has provided first class oral health and dental care for HIV+ Central Texans. ASA’s new Director of Dental Services, Antonio Menchaca, DMD, is excited to lead the

Ben demonstrates the commitment that ASA staff has to ensuring clients navigate a system of care in a compassionate and streamlined process. “It’s softening the blow of a system that was not designed for people and making it as patient-

program noting, “This is the perfect platform to utilize my

centered as possible.” says Ben.

clinical knowledge to improve the oral health of an entire

As ASA continues to evolve, we will build a system of care that

community, rather than on a single patient basis.” The

works for everyone. Regardless of someone’s first language,

JSDC staff understand how critical oral health can be to

immigration status, or country of origin, ASA is a space

a person’s overall health and quality of life, they strive to

where anyone can receive the care they need. Dr. Menchaca

create a patient-centered environment that feels inclusive

reminds his staff every day about the importance of that

and welcoming, and that often starts with ASA Patient

approach to care, “Our hope is

Navigator Ben Steele. Ben is often the first interaction a

that we can continue to help

client has with ASA, especially if they enter care through

remove barriers to dental

the Dental Clinic.

care while fostering

“We are the only HIV centered dental provider in Austin,

an environment that

specializing in HIV care, it is critical that we address and remove any barriers to care faced by clients of the Jack

“We get people from all over the language spectrum, income spectrum, and a lot of refugees and undocumented folks.” Ben adds. For traditionally marginalized populations

provides positive experiences for its patients. “

Sansing Dental Clinic.

education, and

area,” Ben notes. As the only dental provider in Austin

focuses on prevention,

A v D er D A ir e S l c nt a t on or of Dent , D M io M a ench ac

and the only ones offering this style of care in a ten-county

cdc director visits asa ASA’s commitment to providing innovative, life-affirming programs and services gained the attention of the Centers for Disease Control, prompting a visit from Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC. ASA leadership showcased our work and comprehensive model of care as Dr. Redfield toured ASA’s Health Promotion space in East Austin. The CDC is focusing on an end to the epidemic, setting a goal to cut HIV infections by 75% in the next five years, and by 90% in the decade ahead. Dr. Redfield emphasized that the disruptive innovation on display at ASA is critical to achieving the goals of an HIV free generation.

“We’ve got the mileage out of the [current] system,” he said. “In the absence of doing anything [different], we’d anticipate nationally another 400,000 people in the next decade will acquire HIV.” Dr. Redfield also emphasized that the rate of infection in black and latinx MSM has increased 60 to 70 percent over the last eight years. ASA is addressing those vulnerable populations by reaching out to people where they are in the community, and designing programs that address obstacles to care such as cultural stigma and language barriers. ASA’s internal and community goals align with those of the CDC, to end HIV transmissions in the decade ahead and normalize the conversation around sexual wellness. “We are working really hard to normalize the conversation around sexual health and we believe people should think of sexual health as just their health,” Alberto Barragan, Director of Health Promotion.

asa value proposition Our decision and commitment to deliver a specific combination of end-result benefits to a group of under-served clients at the highest level of service in the community.

Clients: ASA serves individuals in Central Texas at risk for or living with HIV, with professional staff trained in providing integrated, life-affirming care to traditionally marginalized populations. Services/Deliverables: ASA produces higher quality outcomes for clients due to our ability to meet the holistic needs of clients and provide exceptionally high quality, tailored programming. Core Competencies: ASA demonstrates consistent competencies and capacity to meet the comprehensive and evolving needs of clients through tailored services and programs while responding to increased regulations and administrative requirements. Program Focus: ASA is the only HIV Service Organization with fully integrated services delivered in a welcoming and inclusive environment. ASA will continue to grow our capacity to mobilize services and rapidly respond to the comprehensive needs of clients being pushed out of the urban core. Competitive Anchors: ASA remains a leader in our field through our ability to offer fully integrated services that meet the comprehensive and complex needs of our clients and by strategically adapting to the changing needs of clients and the community.

Thanks to our major 2020 annual sponsors