ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Serving Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga & Tompkins Counties www.stapinc.org
22 Riverside Drive • Binghamton, NY 13905 • Hotline: (800) 333-0892 • Phone: (607) 798-1706
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Table of Contents
From the Board President & Executive Director
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Meet the Board
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Client Story
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Development & Events
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Bridges to Wellness
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Health Homes Housing Project
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Substance Abuse Outreach Initiative
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Volunteers
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Financial Report
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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From the Board President & Executive Director
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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2015 was another year of growth and expansion for the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Our staff grew by 35% in one year, mostly due to the Medicaid Health Home care management program for those living with chronic illnesses, including AIDS. This growth was most pronounced in Tompkins County and led us to acquiring the old Planned Parenthood building on west State Street in Ithaca. The building required some renovations and we anticipate moving in early 2016. Stay tuned for an open house in early summer. These same trend lines also led to the opening of an office in Chenango County, specifically Norwich, in 2015. With offices in 5 of our 8 counties, STAP is truly a regional provider of services. At the state level, there continues to be major changes in the way healthcare is delivered that focus on reducing Medicaid expenditures, while keeping those with Medicaid healthy, out of the (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
WE REMAIN STAUNCHLY COMMITTED TO ASSURING THAT HEALTH SYSTEMS ARE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY, INCLUDING YOUTH, COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, INJECTION DRUG USERS, SUBSTANCE USERS, FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS LIVING IN POVERTY
emergency room and hospital. This has always been a goal throughout STAP’s 30+ year history. We remain staunchly committed to assuring that health systems are responsive to the needs of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, including youth, communities of color, injection drug users, substance users, formerly incarcerated people and people with chronic illness living in poverty. The mandate to reduce Medicaid expenditures will require timely and culturally competent preventative care in the community for everyone. STAP is ideally suited for this task. At the request of our prevention services consumers, we have added sexually transmitted disease testing to our array of services. Free of charge, you may now be tested for HIV, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Gonorrhea & Chlamydia. As always, you may count on being tested by a STAP staff member who is competent, kind, culturally sensitive and more often than not, humorous. We were pleased to receive a new grant this year to provide transportation services and to have our Ryan White case management and health literacy grant renewed by the New York State AIDS Institute.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Anyone paying attention to the media recently will have heard of the “new” heroin epidemic. Heroin and injection drug use has been an issue of concern in our world since the 1980s as a transmission risk for HIV. Our first syringe exchange program was opened in 2002 and continues to prevent disease, steer people into substance use treatment and prevent overdoses every day. We have expanded these programs to meet the increased need and to provide another creative solution to a difficult social problem. Our staff have taken a leading role in convening and leading the Ithaca community in the creation of the mayor’s municipal drug policy recommendations. So much so, that the Drug Policy Alliance, a national advocacy group provided us with a small grant to facilitate this work. Thank you for your continued support. The unflagging support of the communities we serve has brought us to this good place and will continue to sustain us. — Jerry Halbert & John Barry
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32 years Of serving our community and more to come
10 offices Serving all eight counties in the Southern Tier of New York
35% Staff growth over the past year
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Meet the Board
SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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TOP ROW Jerry Halbert, President Scott Rosman Chris Waters Larry Bailey, Secretary
MIDDLE ROW Marsha Stock Andrea Vaioli, Vice President Angelo Fiori
BOTTOM ROW Joyce Allen Tina Chronopoulos
NOT PICTURED Anthony Fiala, Treasurer Erin Donnelly Melissa Klinko Logan Robinson Jeffrey Steber
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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Chatesha Wright’s Story: A Beacon of Light
I can tell you a story about trauma, and a pain so great it still stops the breath in my lungs. I can tell you a story about grief and loss so dark it would seem no light could exist. I can tell a story about what it feels like to sleep on the concrete because heroin was more important than a bed. I can tell you what it feels like to stand drenched on the corner holding a cardboard sign while people, living happily, pass me by. I can tell you what it feels like to have nothing to live for but addiction. But, as of today that is only the beginning of my story. In April of 2015 I became a member of the Syringe Exchange Program, and I received vital supplies and education that kept me safe while my addiction pulled me toward death. In December I reached out to the ECHO project to help me find my way through the complicated and overwhelming process of receiving treatment.
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Today I have abstained from heroin for 73 days, and I can now see the shoots of new growth signaling the winter of my life has given way to a hopeful spring. Everything looks different to me now, and everyone sees me as a different person today— but not STAP. The people at the syringe exchange and the ECHO project have always seen what others would not. I am much more than my disease; I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, and most of all, I am a person who deserves respect. Today I walk over the places I once slept on my way to my recovery groups, and I still remember that cardboard sign, and how it read “anything helps”. Today I have been given the opportunity to fly a new sign, you can see it in my eyes, my smile, my walk… I survived, and you can too! Recovery is more than just a word, it is a beacon of light in the darkness for others to follow. — Chatesha Wright
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THE PEOPLE AT THE SYRINGE EXCHANGE AND THE ECHO PROJECT HAVE ALWAYS SEEN WHAT OTHERS WOULD NOT. I AM MUCH MORE THAN MY DISEASE; I AM A MOTHER, A DAUGHTER, A SISTER, AND MOST OF ALL, I AM A PERSON WHO DESERVES RESPECT.
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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What an Eventful Year!
ROCKSTAR CELEBRITY BARTENDING BASH The 2015 STAP Celebrity Bartending Bash was held at Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar on March 29th. Our “Startenders” went above and beyond to raise a record breaking $19,583! Las Vegas trips, guitars, a day of pampering, a basket of high-end hair products, and gift certificates galore made this year’s raffle baskets a huge success. Remlik’s was jampacked from beginning to end. We are so thankful for the support of our Startenders and all of you who came out to tip them.
MUD GAUNTLET Over $40,000 was raised at the 2nd annual Mud Gauntlet, which was held on April 19th. The sun was shining and it was a crisp 60 degrees outside. We had 359 registered runners. We were delighted to have Walter F. Hendrick (Sandy) from MudRunGuide.com attend and review the event. He gave the Mud Gauntlet 5 out of 5 stars!
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
SUPERSTAR BARTENDING BASH ON THE LAKE On June 7th, on the beautiful inlet of Cayuga Lake at the spectacular Boatyard Grill restaurant in Ithaca, the Superstar Bartending Bash on the Lake starred Local Celebrities, Business People and Community Do Gooders. Each served fun summer libations competing for tips! James Dean from the Ithaca Coffee Company was crowned with an AIDS Ride For Life bicycle helmet as the winner for the 2nd year in a row earning $1010 in tips! Dave Archer,
head coach of Cornell Football came in 2nd with $889. And Joanne Taormina, owner of MBSR brought in over $1600 tips combined! The total amount raised for STAP was $9,321!
DOGGONE FUN ON THE RUN Over 800 paws hit the ground for us on July 18th. It was a beautiful sunny day and fun was had by all. The 2015 Doggone Fun on the Run raised $17,943. For the second year in a row, Sumo landed the Top Dog spot!
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE On August 7th we held our annual Open House. We unveiled our beautiful memorial garden and recognized our outstanding community partners. The 2015 Outstanding Community Partners are Patrick J. Cleary and Cayuga Ski & Cyclery.
AIDS RIDE FOR LIFE As the years roll on, the STAP staff and AIDS Ride for Life team continue to be grateful and humbled by the allegiance, dedication and perseverance of our Riders and volunteers. One of the most consistent components of the Ride is this spirit! Everyone who participates seems to know that every minute of their time and every dollar donated lightens the load of our clients, offers us hope and in some way heals
our community. The 2015 ARFL raised $210,713 with a 17 year event total of over $3,400,000! 2015 Top Fundraiser is Rider Elizabeth Bixler, who raised $9,065, and top team was Team Outspokin’ who raised $18,152.
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
HAIR WARZ Now in its 5th year, Hair Warz has become a much anticipated event. Once again, the show was sold-out. Fifteen salons went above and beyond to bring us the best show yet. The 2015 Hair Warz show raised a record-breaking $28,300! Ozi Award: Patrick J Cleary Salon People’s Choice Award: Rainbow Tron, Elegance by Leigh Guyette
Salon Choice Award: Sexagon, Hair Studio 307 3rd Place: Majestic Dimensions, Patty Ann’s Hair Design 2nd Place: Rainbow Tron, Elegance by Leigh Guyette
Winner: Let Them Eat Cake, The Elizabeth Hair Company
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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Bridges to Wellness: Transportation Service BY PROVIDING PLWHA RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS, INDIVIDUALS CAN BETTER MAINTAIN THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH HEALTHCARE AND SERVICE PROVIDERS AND GREATLY IMPROVE THEIR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS
With Governor Cuomo’s 2014 announcement of a state-wide blueprint to eradicate the AIDS epidemic in New York State, numerous new programs have been launched to help achieve this admirable goal. One of these new programs created by Southern Tier Care Coordination (STCC) is our Bridges to Wellness Transportation Service. This much needed program offers free and confidential access to transportation resources for PLWHA to and from essential appointments including doctor and dental visits, case management, and more. It is now universally accepted that the treatment adherence of PLWHA is an extremely effective tool in decreasing the likelihood of viral transmission to others in our community. One of the most challenging hurdles to treatment adherence are the barriers individuals often encounter regarding access to reliable transportation services. By providing PLWHA reliable transportation options, individuals can
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Stephen Gleason Transportation Accompaniment Specialist​
Aaron Berthelette Transportation Coordinator
better maintain their relationships with healthcare and service providers and greatly improve their overall health and wellness.
assist with the transportation needs of over fifty individuals and provide the means for over two hundred and fifty one-way trips to access much needed services.
Although Bridges to Wellness Transportation has only been operating since July 2015, staff have been able to assist a number of PLWHA in our community to overcome barriers relating to their medical transportation needs. Through January 2016, Bridges to Wellness Transportation staff have been able to
The provision of these medical transportation services has been essential in keeping members of our community with high levels of need engaged in care and has proven to be a vital component of the governor’s goal to ending the epidemic by 2020.
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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Our New Health Homes Housing Pilot Project In January 2015, Southern Tier Care Coordination (STCC) rolled out our new Health Homes Housing Pilot Project. Over the past year, this project has served 42 clients across an eight county region in New York’s Southern Tier with transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. The project targets high cost, high need Medicaid recipients who are experiencing homelessness or chronic housing instability and works with individuals to find and assist them with maintaining permanent housing options in the community. Across all of the counties in our service region there remains a need for more supportive housing services to be made available to low income individuals and their families. This project is a start at meeting some of the unmet needs of our communities. In 2015, 83% of individuals enrolled in our pilot project have successfully acquired and maintained permanent stable housing. Additionally, 71% of project enrollees have eliminated their need to utilize emergency medical services within the year. This has allowed for a decrease in the amount of Medicaid dollars spent on these individuals while simultaneously allowing these individuals to achieve more positive medical outcomes by utilizing preventative medical services instead.
42 clients served over the course of the past year
83% of enrolled individuals have acquired stable housing
71% of project enrollees have eliminated their need to utilize emergency services
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Substance Abuse Outreach Initiative NEW EXPANDED SERVICES The Substance Use Outreach Initiative transitioned into a new contract with expanded services for active substance users and those in the early stages of recovery. Staff will be serving as care managers that assist clients with needs beyond substance use treatment. This includes accessing medical treatment, mental health care, and housing concerns. The additional services are crucial to helping clients improve their overall health and well-being.
Clients are also provided with harm reduction education, HIV/HCV testing, and information and referrals for PrEP. By minimizing some of the other concerns a person has, an opportunity to focus on substance use issues becomes available and clients are more likely to be successful in treatment as a result.
OVERDOSE TRAINING & KIT DISTRIBUTION Opioid overdose training and kit distribution continues to expand. Communities from throughout the service region have requested trainings. The agency has been a resource for emergency services/first responders, school districts, people who use drugs and their friends and family, and the community at large. Community members that request trainings often do so as a direct result of experiencing an overdose, both fatal and non-fatal, in their area.
When refills are needed, in some situations, it is an opportunity to discuss harm reduction and safer injection practices with people who inject drugs and those that may be most likely to respond to an overdose. For clients that have been revived from an overdose, this may be a point to begin talking about drug treatment or decreasing usage.Â
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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Thanks to Our Volunteers
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Great things are brought about and burdens are lightened through the efforts of many hands anxiously engaged in a good cause. – Elder M. Russel Ballard A major key to our success at Southern Tier AIDS Program is due to the 476 volunteers and interns that give their time, skill, and effort. They volunteer at every event and in all of our offices. Thank you so much. We really couldn’t do it without you!
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SOUTHERN TIER AIDS PROGRAM
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Financial Report REVENUE & PUBLIC SUPPORT
44%
NYS AIDS Institute
31%
Comprehensive Medicaid Case
Management
7%
Donations & Fundraising
6%
Ryan White Title II
4%
Other Grants or Revenue
3%
Housing Opportunities/People
with AIDS
3%
NYS Department of Health
2%
Broome County Mental Health
EXPENDITURES
39%
Client Services
32%
Education & Prevention
13%
Administration & Operations
9%
Direct Financial Assistance
5% Development
2%
Volunteers & Other Services
Grants & Program Service Revenue
2014
2015
2015 Breakdown
$2,232,068
$2,402,952
44 %
$1,082,361
$1,663,989
31 %
Ryan White Title II
$198,714
$334,127
6%
Other Grants or Revenue
$199,160
$223,201
4%
$166,694
$188,644
3%
–
$177,353
3%
$101,760
$101,760
2%
$44,699
-
-
$4,025,456
$5,092,026
93 %
$401,095
$388,727
7%
$4,426,551
$5,480,753
100 %
2014
2015
2015 Breakdown
Client Services
$1,290,292
$1,805,962
Education & Prevention Services
$1,416,463
$1,494,089
32 %
Administration & General Operations
$508,669
$583,622
13 %
Direct Financial Assistance to Clients
$337,578
$403,444
9%
Development
$234,613
$234,763
5%
$80,090
$77,416
2%
$3,867,705
$4,599,296
100 %
NYS AIDS Institute Comprehensive Medicaid Case Management
Housing Opportunities/People with AIDS NYS Department of Health Broome County Mental Health Center for Disease Control Total Grants
Public Support: Donations & Fundraising
Total Support & Revenue
Program and Support Services
Volunteers and Other Services Total Expenses
39 %
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