From the Executive Director & Board President
Andrea Vaioli, Board President & John Barry LMSW, Executive Director
2018 was another year of growth, change and adaptation here at the Southern Tier AIDS Program and Southern Tier Care Coordination. As healthcare policy shifts to recognize the critical part that factors such as poverty, race, gender and sexual orientation play in helping people remain healthy, we find ourselves being increasingly consulted on how healthcare can be more responsive to the “social determinants of health.� This concept is nothing new to us. In fact, it is the reason this organization exists. AIDS was difficult to treat when it emerged, but it was not only the lack of medical technology that complicated that treatment.
t The medical system (and the larger culture) struggled with responding effectively to those groups most heavily impacted; gay men, injection drug users and communities of color. Had those systems responded in a culturally competent manner to these social determinants of health, we would not exist. Period. Full stop.
And it is a good thing that we do exist, because once again we find ourselves in a place where the systems of care designed to address a public health problem are inadequate. The increased use of opiates and heroin and the concomitant increase in overdose deaths has laid bare the weak places in our systems of care for substance users. New approaches are required. Harm Reduction interventions such as syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, suboxone prescribing, drug user health hubs and drug testing have presented new possibilities to keep people alive, assist them with entering treatment and prevent communicable diseases. New challenges require new fresh problem solving and just as in the 1980s at the advent of AIDS we are here with bold, innovative approaches. We are not scared to try interventions to see if they are effective or if they fail. We understand from our history that sometimes you need to act before all the data is in, sift the results and continue on with the good parts that work. You need to follow the data and research where it takes you even when or perhaps especially when the conclusions make people uncomfortable. You need to listen to those who have been affected and build your interventions on the basis of what they tell you. These two ideas are the bedrock of our continued growth and success. We can hardly wait to see what 2019 brings, but we know it will be remarkable!
For our 20th anniversary year, hundreds of cyclists joined together riding as many as 102 miles through cities, towns and villages around Cayuga Lake. Diverse abilities, skills, and reasons to ride were varied. The miles have a distinct meaning for each cyclist. Some rode for the sense of community, the physical fitness, the challenge, the fabulous event dinner and the personal satisfaction of supporting a very worthy cause! We remain humbled by the devotion and allegiance of our many Community Partner Sponsors and our nearly 300 volunteers. The importance of STAP’s mission is loud and clear. Over $255,000 was raised in 2018 with a 20 year total of over $4,060,000! Our highest fundraiser was Richard Schapiro with $9,500 and the highest team total was Team Outspokin’ with $26,542!
2018 was packed full of events. Hundreds came out to enjoy our runway hair competition, Hair Warz. Sarah Carey took home the title of Hair Warz champion and won bragging rights with her amazing Disco Ball entry. The 5th annual Mud Gauntlet was a huge success. Participants made their way around 40 acres of natural terrain with over 30 natural and man-made obstacles. Our tiny spectators were thrilled with the addition of the Kids Gauntlet. 2018 was the Year of the Dog. Our 4-legged friends were treated to a special day all about them while they raised funds for our PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) Program. Remlik’s was the place to be on April 29th. STAP’s RockStar Celebrity Bartending Bash was an absolute blast. Over $12,000 in tips in 3 hours
Meet Anthony Nicholas
“I have really liked working with STAP, and they have helped me in many ways throughout the years. I have received help with scheduling and getting transportation to all of the appointments that I need to get to. I also recently had help getting my own new apartment, which I hope to keep for a long time. I would recommend STAP to anyone because I am thankful for all they have done for me. My new Care Manager is great, and even comes with me to some of my appointments. I enjoy the things that STAP does around the holidays, especially the Thanksgiving dinner that they do for us. I thank God for STAP!� -Anthony Nicholas
Financia . Program and Support Services
2017
2018
2018 Breakdown
Client Services
2,753,527
2,653,646
44%
Education/ Prevention Services
1,715,057
1,853,425
31%
Volunteers & Other Services
76,396
79,690
1%
Direct Financial Assistance to Clients
537,129
509,619
8%
Administration/ General Operations
711,122
716,654
12%
Development
253,310
225,998
4%
Total Expenses
6,046,541
6,039,032
100%
al Report Program and Support Services 2018
Grants and Program Service Revenue 2018
Grants and Program Service Revenue
2017
2018
2018 Breakdown
NYS AIDS Institute
2,365,079
2,467,462
39%
NYS Department of Health
406,598
351,047
6%
Ryan White Title II
487,742
481,515
8%
Research Foundation of Mental Hygiene
——
239,810
4%
Housing Opportunities/ People with AID’s
175,106
173,377
3%
Broome County Mental Health
151,040
118,381
2%
Comprehensive Medicaid Case Management
2,174,647
2,010,859
31%
Other Grants or Revenue
173,764
63,512
1%
Total Grants Public Support
Total Support & Revenue
5,933,976 5,905,963 404,578
378,481
6,338,554 6,284,444
94% 6%
100%