winter 2010-2011
IN THIS ISSUE A Message from Our President & CEO (2)… PHMC Combats Hepatitis C Infections (3)... Q&A: PHMC Board Member Michael K. Pearson (4)... Behind the Scenes: Supporting Local Children and Families (5)... PHMC Welcomes New Affiliate (5)... Targeted Solutions (6)... HIV Timeline (8)... CHDB Report: Measuring the Correlation between Social Connectedness and Health (10)
DIRECTIONS Pioneering 20+ Years of HIV Prevention, Care and Research
F
or more than two decades, PHMC
nonprofit organizations to get involved in
national Journal for Research, Intervention and
has stood at the forefront of the bat-
HIV/AIDS prevention research,” says Lisa
Care; and Archives of Sexual Behavior. Some
tle against HIV/AIDS. Our work has
Bond, PhD, a senior researcher at PHMC
studies serve as the framework for national
sought to reduce infections, increase ac-
and part of a multidisciplinary team of re-
models, such as the Women and Infants
cess to care and address persistent dispari-
searchers whose backgrounds include psy-
Demonstration Project led by Jennifer L.
ties experienced by marginalized groups
chology, sociology and social work.
Lauby, PhD, senior research associate. The
infected with HIV—all through intensive
From a National Institute on Drug Abuse
study led to the development of one of the
research demonstration grant in 1987 fo-
CDC’s model evidence-based interventions
cusing on HIV prevention among injection
known as Real AIDS Prevention, now car-
A Tradition of Groundbreaking HIV/AIDS Research
drug users, to a Centers for Disease Control
ried out in cities across the United States.
and Prevention (CDC) project developing a
“Our HIV/AIDS research is an important
PHMC has a long-standing commitment
new intervention for bisexual men that con-
example of how our work consistently deals
to community-based HIV/AIDS research
tinues through 2012, PHMC’s studies have
with larger public health issues related to
and policy analysis. For the past 23 years,
assessed prevalence, risk behaviors and
population groups that are disproportion-
PHMC’s Research and Evaluation Group
testing factors, and they have evaluated
ately at risk for multiple health problems
has conducted and participated in a number
interventions to reduce HIV risk among
and face challenges with access to health
of HIV prevention and intervention research
high-risk populations. The results of many
care and other services,” says PHMC’s
studies that have influenced innovative out-
of these have been published in national
Lynne Kotranski, PhD, vice president of
reach and education strategies across the
journals, such as American Journal of Public
research and evaluation.
country. “In 1987, we were among the first
Health; Culture, Health & Sexuality: An Inter-
research and evidence-based initiatives.
“
continued on page 7
P HMC is unique in the world of HIV/AIDS because programs and research are housed in the same place.” a publication of
PUBLIC HEALTH
management corporation
A MESSAGE from Our President & CEO
T
he people at PHMC talk frequently
with government has brought essential
about our role as a trusted partner.
screening to nearly 1,300 Philadelphians
I use the words “partnership” and
and our capacity to leverage across PHMC
“collaboration” quite a lot. But sometimes
spurs a key annual outreach event. Plus we
it can be hard to make the creative leap
work with a variety of community partners to
from the concept to what it means in prac-
ensure access to hepatitis C education in set-
tice. In this issue of DIRECTIONS, we
tings from homeless shelters to primary care.
take that leap with you.
Some of our least visible relationships
Consider our cover story that—in
are the ones that touch people at the most
addition to saluting World AIDS Day on
basic levels. It may be hard to imagine the
December 1—explores the nearly 25 years
effect of managing funds on behalf of city
of PHMC’s engagement in critical HIV/
government, but as you’ll read it’s much
value—know that we put the same require-
AIDS work. At every turn, that effort has
more than bookkeeping. It’s how parents
ment on ourselves at PHMC. We partner to
been the result of key partnerships at lo-
get the beds they need in order to reunite
add value. Because doing business this way
cal to national levels. Those collaborations
with their children.
is how we most effectively carry out our mis-
have yielded results where they matter— in
In our Targeted Solutions feature, you’ll
the lives of at-risk or infected individuals:
learn that when we deliver consulting ser-
prevention interventions across the US;
vices we view it not as a transaction but as
social marketing that brings direct, effective,
a collaboration that helps our client serve
community-level safe sex messages to high-
their clients better.
sion to improve the health of the community. Yours in public health,
risk populations; and primary care for infect-
So it’s true that my PHMC colleagues and
ed patients, integrated with direct access
I use the word “partnership” a lot. That’s
to a substance abuse treatment program.
because we know it means so much. As
Richard J. Cohen, PhD, FACHE
As you read the story on our hepatitis C
you read Michael Pearson’s rule for board
President and CEO of PHMC
work, you’ll find that our ability to partner
involvement—to be sure you’re adding
Help protect and improve the health of those most in need. Give a gift of PHMC this holiday season with a tribute donation at phmc.org/donatE.
PHMC Combats Hepatitis C Infections
W
PHMC briefs
hat disease has infected an esti-
screening through events sponsored by
mated 200 million people world-
city-funded substance abuse treatment
New Grants and Contracts
wide—many of whom remain
facilities and community events including
In July, PHMC began serving as the new
completely unaware of their infection? If
an annual fair hosted by P-HOP in col-
Southeast Regional Key (SERK) for the
you answered hepatitis C, you are right.
laboration with PHMC’s New Pathways
Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality
Often referred to as a “silent killer,” the
for Women. On average, in one screening
program. An initiative of the Pennsylvania
symptoms of hepatitis C can remain dor-
event P-HOP staff counsel and screen as
Department of Public Welfare’s Office of
mant for years. “You could get infected to-
many as 150 people for hepatitis C.
Child Development and Early Learning,
day and not develop symptoms for 20 years
In addition to offering screenings in
the program provides services to childcare
or so,” says Teresa Lamore, associate
city-funded substance abuse treatment
providers statewide and implements a
program director of PHMC’s Philadelphia
facilities, P-HOP educates Philadelphia
system of program quality improvements
Hepatitis Outreach Project (P-HOP). “All
residents about hepatitis C and links in-
and professional development supports for
the while, your liver may be adversely af-
fected patients to care. P-HOP works with
early childhood education. As one of six
fected.” Spread by blood-to-blood contact,
a number of local community partners,
regional keys, PHMC provides technical
hepatitis C slowly deteriorates the liver
such as the Philadelphia Housing Author-
assistance and professional development to
of 85% of those infected, sometimes lead-
ity and the Office of Supportive Housing,
childcare providers and evaluates providers
ing to liver cancer. “The number of people
to provide education to people in the city’s
to assess their quality levels based on the Keystone STARS system.
“ It’s our challenge to communicate the message that Hepatitis c can affect everyone.”
infected versus the number of people who
shelter system, and with the PHMC Care
know they are infected is very dispropor-
Clinic, to link clients to care (See story
tionate,” says Lamore. According to the
on page 9). Experts estimate that 35%
PHMC affiliate Best Nest received a $30,000
Centers for Disease Control and Preven-
of HIV-infected patients have hepatitis C.
grant from Philadelphia Foundation’s Edward
tion, an estimated 4.1 million Americans
The two diseases, both blood-borne, often
M. Story Memorial Fund and Norman P.
have hepatitis C and an additional 19,000
go hand-in-hand.
Hutson Fund to support its communication
people are infected each year. Although
In the coming year, P-HOP hopes to
marketing plan and activities. Best Nest
treatable through a 48- to 52-week drug
expand services to target Latino, African
provides foster care, adoption and in-home
regimen, many hepatitis C infected pa-
immigrant and Caribbean communities
protective services for medically fragile chil-
tients remain unaware of their need for
and teens. To support these goals, P-HOP
dren, as well as parenting education.
treatment until their health deteriorates.
worked with PHMC affiliate Health Pro-
In 2007, Pennsylvania Department of
motion Council in 2010 to offer hepatitis
In September, PHMC’s Research and
Health’s Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Pro-
C education to the Mexican Consulate of
Evaluation Group received a nearly $1.5
grams developed P-HOP in collaboration
Philadelphia. P-HOP staff also continues to
million, three-year grant from the US
with PHMC with the goal of screening the
develop techniques to reach younger popu-
Department of Health and Human Services
Philadelphia area for undiagnosed hepati-
lations. “We are always looking for ways to
Agency for Healthcare Research and
tis C infections. “There’s a stigma attached
connect to teens,” says Lamore. “Tattooing
Quality to undertake a study to be led by
to hepatitis C,” says Lamore. “There’s a
among teens is growing in this area and it’s
senior research associate Jennifer Lauby,
perception that it only happens to drug us-
a mode of transmission.”
PhD, titled “Adapting Hypertension and Diabetes Guides for Hard-to-Reach
ers. It’s our challenge to communicate the message that it can affect everyone.” The program reached close to 1,300 clients in fiscal year 2007, when it began actively
For more information on hepatitis C or P-HOP events, please contact Teresa Lamore at 215.731.2174 or tlamore@phmc.org.
African-American Men.”
DIRECTIONS WINTER 2010-2011 page 3
From the Board Room: Q&A with PHMC Board Member Michael K. Pearson DIRECTIONS editorial staff recently interviewed Michael K. Pearson, a board member of PHMC and of its newest affiliate Philadelphia Health Care Trust, to discuss the importance of effective board members and learn why he chose to sit on PHMC’s boards. Pearson is founder and president of Union Packaging, LLC, a Yeadon, PA-based paperboard packaging manufacturer that makes food containers for McDonald's Corporation, Burger King Corporation and Wendy's International, Inc. He participates in many civic and business associations throughout the region and nation. In August, Philadelphia Business Journal named Pearson one of its 2010 Minority Business Leaders.
Q A
Who inspires your
sible team driven by our desire to see our
mission in the wake of diminishing fi-
decision to give back?
clients receive the best and most fiscally
nancial resources. Larger organizations,
My parents remain my most important
responsible service.
like PHMC, also have different challeng-
influence. Despite their humble middleclass standing and five children, Mom and Dad miraculously found time to volunteer and money to donate. While working at Pfizer, I learned that world-
What convinced you
managing growth and being nimble in
to join PHMC’s board?
a changing environment. A struggling,
Board service at PHMC allows me to
small nonprofit usually can’t afford out-
continue a family tradition of influen-
side consultants or training for staff, and
tial social stewardship. When I was ap-
often lacks the network to access funds
cash giving and encourage employees
proached, we reviewed PHMC’s scope of
to carry out its mission. PHMC has the
to donate time.
services and how important the health
resources—even in this current environ-
services are for more than 100,000 cli-
ment—to partner with smaller organiza-
As a successful entrepreneur,
ents. PHMC manages to employ fiscal
tions that share its public health mission.
what qualities do you bring to the
controls similar in spirit to those adopted
board of a nonprofit?
by my business, but without compro-
In business, the most effective entre-
mising its nonprofit mission. The board
preneurs manage with a laser focus on
focuses on the big picture, which has
goals. The best nonprofits work in much
helped us tackle problems in a very dif-
the same way. I have been blessed to be
ficult economy. Board priorities remain
part of successful leadership teams in
clearly established and we do not spend
and the committees associated with the
both worlds. As a businessman, I make
time on trivial concerns.
board. Going forward, I hope to con-
class businesses promote corporate
Q A
Q A
es than smaller organizations, such as
sure that my teams have diverse skills that complement the areas in which I may not be as proficient. The teams that I work with are results-driven by bottom-line goals. The [PHMC] board works well because we aspire to be a socially respon-
Q A
Q A
What are some of your current initiatives with the PHMC board? As a less tenured member of the board, my first year has been committed to learning the inner workings of PHMC
tribute in two ways. First, align with the What, in your opinion, are some of the
committees charged with assisting PHMC
biggest challenges facing nonprofits?
meet its mission through sound fiscal
At some point every nonprofit organiza-
management. Second, help with the full
tion, and its board of directors, faces the
integration of Philadelphia Health Care
dilemma of growing or expanding its
Trust into the PHMC affiliate family.
Three things Pearson says every board member needs to successfully serve an organization: 1. A creative and inquisitive mind, particularly at committee and board meetings.
page 4 PHMC.ORG
the mission of the organization though introductions to decision makers.
2. The commitment to advance the good works of
3. The assurance that you are adding value to
the organization to friends, family and even
the organization. Constantly ask yourself
foes through “friend-raising,” devoting your
whether you are; if you're not, get active or
time and financial resources to furthering
give that seat to someone else.
Behind the Scenes: Supporting Local Children and Families
T
he mission of Philadelphia’s Depart-
coordinator of the DHS Parenting Collabora-
and subsidized legal guardianship. “We
ment of Human Services (DHS) is “to
tive. To participate in the Collaborative, par-
buy a lot of beds,” says Amy Friedlander,
provide and promote safety, perma-
ent education agencies must submit written
PHMC vice president for Management
nency, and well-being for children and youth
proposals and take part in a competitive
Services and Special Initiatives. “Lack of
at risk of abuse, neglect and delinquency.”
review process. PHMC provides a fiscal ana-
funds to purchase a bed and similar items
As a trusted intermediary, PHMC has helped
lyst and three program monitors, all master
sometimes can be the only thing standing
DHS fulfill its mission in a variety of ways.
degree level staff, to support the Collabora-
in the way of a child’s reunification with his
“One of the reasons the city turns to us as a
tive with contractual compliance and quality
or her family. We also write a lot of checks
trusted and valuable provider is that we move
assurance. “We help the parent education
for rent security deposits and utilities.”
quickly to address emerging needs,” says
agencies with the contractual, hands-on,
Tom Sheaffer, deputy director of financial
John Loeb, senior vice president of PHMC.
nuts-and-bolts part of the Collaborative in
policy for the Managing Director’s Office at
“ One of the reasons the city turns to us as a trusted and valuable provider is that we move quickly to address emerging needs.” In 2001, PHMC helped to establish
addition to programmatic issues related
DHS, serves as the DHS project manager
the DHS Parenting Collaborative with
to enrollment, retention and curriculum
for the city’s Out-of-School-Time (OST) ini-
funding from the department’s Community-
implementation,” says Ciocca. “By doing
tiative, for which PHMC began to act as in-
Based Prevention Services unit. A citywide
both, we ensure that DHS clients receive
termediary in July 2008. OST provides after-
network of 43 parent education agencies,
quality service and that public funds are
school and summer programs to more than
the DHS Parenting Collaborative seeks to
well spent.” In fiscal year 2010, the DHS
20,000 Philadelphia children. “The city
decrease the likelihood of child abuse—and
Parenting Collaborative served 7,000 par-
looks for administrative soundness, exper-
thereby the need for DHS involvement in
ents in the Philadelphia area by offering par-
tise and timeliness when it comes to finding
the home—by educating parents. The DHS
enting classes in both English and Spanish.
a good intermediary,” say Sheaffer. “In the
Parenting Collaborative addresses several
In addition to the DHS Parenting Col-
role that PHMC plays as intermediary for
objectives: raising parents’ awareness of
laborative, PHMC has administered the
us, they monitor for compliance and con-
abuse and neglect; improving their ability to
DHS Emergency Fund in collaboration
tinue to offer programmatic technical as-
manage feelings; and increasing their knowl-
with DHS and provider agencies for the
sistance.” According to Friedlander, “DHS
edge of positive, nurturing, and responsive
last nine years and created a database
shares its vision with us and we implement
parenting, as well as child development and
that supports the program. Funds can
that vision by monitoring and tracking cli-
the educational needs of their children.
support one of three goals: preventing
ents, processing invoices and helping to
a child’s placement in the DHS system;
manage contracts for DHS. Adds Friedland-
to ensure that parents are getting the qual-
facilitating
er, “We make sure things are happening the
ity support they need,” says Jeanne Ciocca,
achieving permanency through adoption
“PHMC and DHS work together as a team
family
reunification;
and
way they are supposed to happen.”
PHMC Welcomes New Affiliate On July 1, 2010, Philadelphia
newly appointed board of directors consists
continue and enhance its charitable mission
Health Care Trust (the founda-
of six members whose backgrounds span
of fostering health care delivery, research
tion) joined PHMC as its new-
the areas of health care, law and business.
and education in the greater Delaware
est affiliate. The foundation's
The affiliation will enable the foundation to
Valley region since 1996.
DIRECTIONS WINTER 2010-2011 page 5
Targeted Solutions Deeper Capacity Building + Trusted, Targeted Solutions = Maximum Impact For years, PHMC’s Targeted Solutions has been a trusted partner, helping other nonprofits build their capacity to serve the community.
A
s a direct service provider with over
In 2010, Targeted Solutions:
three decades of experience tackling
A ssisted five organizations in develop-
challenges similar to those faced by
ing outcomes measurement systems,
our clients, Targeted Solutions has the unique
including training for staff, development
Engaged in individualized consulting ser-
ability to develop concrete, practical, action-
of outcomes measurement tools and rec-
vices to more than 25 nonprofit agencies.
able solutions to traditional nonprofit issues.
ommendations for information systems
We do not simply solve our clients’ problems; we increase our clients’ ability to solve the problems on their own.
tools for tracking data. Provided 10 organizations with cus-
“ This was a great service. The con-
implement concrete marketing strategies for their organizations.
The Impact*: 100% of clients reported an increase
tomized database solutions, which are
in their capacity to address the issues
currently being used to manage daily
for which they received consulting
program tracking and billing functions.
services.
Delivered specialized training in key
What Our Clients Say:
Helped five organizations develop and
88% of clients surveyed six months
consulting areas such as marketing and
after project completion reported
outcomes measurement to individuals
that the increase in capacity was sus-
from more 100 local organizations.
tained past the project period.
sultant was very understanding and flexible.” “ Somebody finally listened and understood exactly what we were trying to say… Targeted Solutions got it—and now we have a comprehensive marketing strategy to help others get it as well.”
100% of clients reported an increase in their capacity to address the issues for which they received consulting services. *Based on results of Targeted Solutions client evaluation surveys.
about
Targeted Solutions, the consulting practice of Public Health Management Corporation, helps nonprofit organizations in the region address many of the challenges of today's changing health and human services environment. From improving communications with funders and donors to carrying out mission-critical initiatives and increasing operating efficiencies, PHMC’s Targeted Solutions offers practical, strategic, proactive consulting services and products tailored to meet the needs of client organizations. For a full list of Targeted Solutions products and services, please contact Farrah Parkes at fparkes@phmc.org or 267.765.2343.
Pioneering... continued from page 1 Collaboration and community focus are
says Lauby. Several Research and Evalua-
access to health care and local laws. We
hallmarks of PHMC’s research. “A strength
tion Group staff members serve on PHMC’s
know from research that an effective ap-
of PHMC’s HIV prevention research has
Community Advisory Board (CAB) on LGBT
proach to the epidemic requires that we ad-
always been its strong ties to communities
research, which we created five years ago
dress it on multiple levels, including work-
affected by HIV and its commitment to en-
to ensure that the work of PHMC’s Re-
ing with individuals, families, communities
gaging community partners and community
search and Evaluation Group remains re-
and larger systems like health care, hous-
members in our research efforts,” says Bond.
sponsive to the needs and concerns of the
ing and corrections. When these factors get
Last year, “Black Men Who Have Sex
diverse LGBT communities of Philadelphia.
addressed, we are more likely to see a posi-
with Men and the Association of Down-
CAB provides input from community mem-
tive, sustained impact.”
Low Identity with HIV Risk Behavior,”
bers at each stage of the research process:
a study led by Bond and colleagues at
study design, recruitment, results dissemi-
PHMC, the CDC, and Hunter College of
nation and protection of study participants.
Taking It to the Streets: HIV/AIDS Outreach Work in the Community
Social Work in New York City, was pub-
“We need help from the community to plan
In the 1980s, public health officials real-
lished in the American Journal of Public
and implement our research,” says Lauby.
ized that the drug culture—with its fre-
Health and received national print and
“We partner with the community; we don’t
quent needle-sharing—was a contribut-
broadcast coverage. The groundbreaking
do our research isolated from community
ing factor to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In
study analyzed interviews with more than
involvement,” says Bond. CAB helps to
response, PHMC formed the Philadelphia
1,100 gay-, bisexual- and heterosexual-
inform researchers of local issues or con-
HIV Prevention Street Outreach Project,
identified men of color who have sex with
cerns that can affect the conduct and suc-
recruiting people to go out on the streets
men. It found that down-low identification
cessful implementation of research studies,
in pairs to engage with active drug users
does not mean greater HIV risk—men
particularly in the area of HIV prevention.
and provide counsel, education and refer-
who have sex with men and women and
Both Bond and Lauby agree that atti-
ral to services. PHMC community health
identify themselves as “on the down-low”
tudes towards HIV/AIDS remain a barrier
outreach worker Sam Tiru says, “We’re
engage in the same level of risk as men
to an understanding of the epidemic. Says
just people from the community helping
who do not identify themselves as on the
Bond, “People think that if we can get oth-
other people from the community.”
down-low—and that such labeling under-
ers to change their behavior we could end
Outreach workers meet every morning
mines prevention and research efforts.
the epidemic. But effective HIV prevention
and fill bags with HIV and HCV (hepatitis
Consistently, PHMC carries out its HIV
is about much more than changing per-
C virus) prevention materials, including
prevention research in partnership with
sonal behaviors.” Lauby agrees. “Many fac-
bleach kits and condoms, and head out
other agencies and organizations in the re-
tors influence HIV transmission,” she says,
onto the streets. Bleach kits help reduce
gion that serve HIV-affected communities.
“such as relationships, community norms,
continued on page 8
Most recently, the Research and Evaluation Group has partnered with Mazzoni Center, a local health and wellness center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and the oldest AIDS service organization in Pennsylvania. They collaborated on Get Real, a social marketing, community-level intervention program that uses the narratives of young, local men to facilitate frank discussions about safe sex, HIV/AIDS risk and general health and well-being. Get Real targets substanceusing men who have sex with men through media communications and interpersonal networking. The program seeks to change risk behavior and social norms that contribute to HIV risk. “We have a strong track record of partnering with community organizations,”
The PALMS (Preventing AIDS through Live Movement and Sound) Project, a community-based HIV prevention program, uses theater to teach young people the importance of HIV/AIDS prevention. Through multisession, group-level interventions, trained peer actors provide youth with HIV risk reduction education and strategies designed to increase their self-efficacy to practice safer sex behaviors.
DIRECTIONS WINTER 2010-2011 page 7
Developing a Uniform Case Management System Model of HIV/AIDS Patients PHMC’s role as a pioneer in providing servic-
and New Jersey. As lead agency for the project,
area. Through a data management information
es for those with HIV/AIDS was established
PHMC maintained a county-based, central-
system and data collection instruments de-
through the development of a uniform case
ized, coordinated case management system
veloped by PHMC, providers were able to track
management system. From 1988 to 1991,
designed to improve the access of persons
services for individual clients and document
PHMC served as the lead agency for the AIDS
infected by HIV to an appropriate continuum
any barriers to care. Later, this system was in-
Services Demonstration Project, funded by the
of services. PHMC worked alongside case man-
corporated into the regional Ryan White AIDS
Health Resources and Services Administration,
agement providers, early intervention coun-
services plan, which coordinated a five-county
which served the eight-county Philadelphia
seling agencies and medical and social service
regional AIDS case management system ad-
Metropolitan Statistical Area in Pennsylvania
providers throughout the entire eight-county
ministered from 1991 to 1994.
Pioneering... continued from page 7 the risk of HIV transmission by cleaning
ered taboo. Many people still don’t want to
PHMC’s New Pathways and New Path-
needles. “We’re not about promoting drug
get tested. But rapid testing helps. Back in
ways for Women projects also serve active
use,” says Tiru, “but there can be as many
the day, it would take three to six weeks to
substance users in the Philadelphia commu-
as 10 to 15 people in a shooting gallery us-
get results back. Now it’s a lot faster.”
nity, in part through HIV/AIDS awareness,
ing the same syringe.”
Part of Tiru’s passion for outreach comes
education and prevention resources. “It’s re-
For the past 21 years, Tiru has walked
from seeing the affect of the epidemic first-
ally important that an outreach program cater
the city’s streets educating intravenous
hand. “I never thought when I got into
to the whole person,” says Eugenia Argires,
drug users on the ways they can reduce
this field that someone I knew would be
program director with PHMC’s Health Pro-
their risk of HIV transmission. He says
infected,” he recalls. Then a family friend,
motion and Service Systems component.
the challenges of HIV/AIDS outreach have
a Vietnam War veteran who was also an ac-
“We are working to expand our programs to
changed over the years. “A lot more people
tive drug user, was diagnosed with AIDS.
be more holistic, including embedding HIV/
nowadays are educated about HIV/AIDS,
“We brought him home to die,” says Tiru.
AIDS prevention into a larger framework of
but back then people were scared of dying.
“It took six months.” Today, Tiru contin-
project services promoting wellness.” New
Back then, HIV/AIDS was a death sentence.
ues to fight against HIV/AIDS despite the
Pathways for Women responds to a growing
Now people say, ‘Well, there are pills’ and
risks of getting in the middle of a drug raid,
need. “The face of the epidemic is changing,
continue to engage in risky behavior.” How-
shootout or fight. “Now drugs are more
with HIV/AIDS now the third leading cause of
ever, Tiru notes that other advancements in
recreational,” says Tiru. “Drug culture has
death among African-American women ages
technology have helped move outreach work
changed and gone underground. But the
25 to 44,” says Argires. “The epidemic has
forward. “Having HIV/AIDS is still consid-
need for direct outreach remains.”
shifted, and we’re here to meet that need.”
1987
HIV Timeline
PHMC becomes one of the first organizations in Philadelphia involved in HIV/AIDS research, receiving a research demonstration grant from the
believe to be the earliest form of AIDS.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. The FDA approves the first
PHMC coordinates development of an
for “acquired
HIV antibody test that
eight-county AIDS case management sys-
immune deficiency
screens for HIV. The first
tem and initiates HIV prevention services
syndrome,” is used
International Conference
targeting drug users in North Philadelphia.
for the first time.
on AIDS is held in Atlanta. Popular film star Rock Hudson dies of AIDS.
1988
page 8 PHMC.ORG
The term AIDS,
1985
and travelers from entering the country.
Scientists discover what later researchers
1982
1959
View the expanded timeline at PHMC.org/directions.
The United States prohibits HIV-infected immigrants
December 1, 1988 marks the first World AIDS Day.
Providing Quality Primary Care
vulnerable populations such as homeless
In addition to providing HIV/AIDS preven-
patients in our new setting.” HIV patients
culturally relevant HIV prevention inter-
tion and research, PHMC also offers direct
also have direct access to substance abuse
care through the PHMC Care Clinic, for-
treatment services at CHANCES, a PHMC
ventions geared toward this population.” continued from page 5 Pierre recently applied for and received
merly located at St. Joseph’s Hospital and
outpatient and intensive outpatient sub-
funding from the CDC to spearhead a new
managed by North Philadelphia Health
stance abuse treatment program for wom-
program at PHMC targeting African-Amer-
System. Since 1992, the clinic has provid-
en housed in the same building.
ican adolescent females. “The intervention
ed primary care, including medical treat-
is designed to celebrate the strengths of African-American women while building
risk reduction, to the HIV/AIDS communi-
Prevention Programs for the Future
ty in North Philadelphia. It was one of the
PHMC continues to implement programs to
sistently practice HIV risk reduction strate-
first in the city to cater exclusively to the
meet the needs of new and changing popu-
gies in the context of race and gender-based
HIV/AIDS community in that area. “The
lations that require HIV/AIDS prevention
inequalities,” says Pierre. The first com-
population that we serve is at high risk for
services. According to a 2006 report by the
ponent, called Sisters Informing Healing
being lost to care and in the past ended
Philadelphia Department of Public Health,
Living Empowering (SIHLE), uses peer-led
up in the hospital with illnesses that could
while the overall rate of HIV infection in
group sessions to reduce HIV sexual risk
have been prevented,” says Anne Kelly,
the US is estimated at 23 infections per
behaviors among sexually active African-
MSW, MEd, program director of the PHMC
100,000, the rate of HIV infection in Phila-
American girls ages 14 to 18, while also
Care Clinic. “We provide services, such as
delphia is estimated to be 114 infections
highlighting cultural and gender pride. SI-
support groups, outreach and nutrition
for every 100,000—five times the national
HLE provides participants with free testing,
counseling for our patients, many of whom
rate. Furthermore, the majority (89%) of all
referrals and counseling services. In addi-
may not go for such services in a tradition-
heterosexually acquired HIV infections in
tion, PHMC will partner with the Women’s
al office setting.” PHMC Care Clinic staff
adolescents occur in girls and HIV/AIDS
Anonymous Test Site of the Health Federa-
routinely follow up with patients through
remains the leading cause of death for Afri-
tion of Philadelphia to provide on-site con-
phone calls and mailings to ensure they
can-American women between the ages of
fidential rapid HIV counseling, testing and
stay connected to care.
ment, case management, education and
African-American girls’ capacities to con-
referral services to SIHLE participants. The
delphia has no HIV prevention program
second component, called Young Sisters
larger location at 1200 Callowhill Street,
specifically focused on reaching sexually
Take Charge (YSTC), features a bi-monthly,
where they expanded their services to in-
active African-American adolescent girls,”
multiservice,
clude family planning, pediatric care and
says Akil Pierre, project coordinator of
that reaches out to African-American
much more. “We’re still doing outreach
the Preventing AIDS through Live Move-
women ages 14 and older and their female
and specialized services here,” says Kelly.
ment and Sound (PALMS) Project. “The
relatives. It provides counseling, testing and
“In addition to adding services for our HIV
lack of targeted interventions designed to
referral services for HIV. Both programs are
patients, we provide primary care for other
reach this vulnerable group highlights the
scheduled to begin in February 2011.
PHMC launches an HIV/AIDS
2010
18 and 35. “Right now, the city of Phila-
In March 2010, the clinic moved to a
1999
intergenerational
program
Greater Than AIDS, a national movement and coalition of public and private sector partners, responds to the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States
prevention program to help people
with a national, multiplatform media campaign to elevate the public’s
reduce risk through substance abuse
knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS and confront the stigma sur-
recovery. 18,491 recorded deaths
rounding the disease. Although national in scope, the effort is targeted
from AIDS in the United States.
to African Americans and other communities heavily affected by HIV/AIDS.
PHMC begins administering the Direct Emergency
The HIV/AIDS Care Clinic,
Financial Assistance Program, which works
formerly managed by St. Joseph's
exclusively with HIV/AIDS patients to help with
Hospital, joins Public Health
housing, including mortgage, rent and utilities,
Management Corporation and
as well as with medical treatment and equipment related to HIV/AIDS.
2005
1992
urgent need for effective gender-specific,
continued page 10 takes the name PHMC Care on Clinic. 16,000 recorded deaths from AIDS
DIRECTIONS WINTER 2010-2011 page 9 in the United States.
Measuring the Correlation between Social Connectedness and Health
H
ow connected are you to your social
O lder adults are more likely to trust their
Northeast areas of the city just over half
network? When was the last time
neighbors than younger adults (91% and
of adults reported that their neighbors
71%, respectively).
worked together on a community project
you picked up the phone to talk
with a friend? Joined a softball team? Chat-
A dults living below the Federal Poverty
ted with your neighbor who lives across the
Level* in SEPA are less likely to report
street? For years, sociologists have studied
trusting their neighbors. Eighty-four
people’s connectedness to their communi-
percent of adults living above the Feder-
A Feeling of Belonging and Well-Being
ties, termed “social capital.” Social capi-
al Poverty Line and 59% of adults living
How comfortable and welcome you feel in
below it trust their neighbors.
your neighborhood could affect your health.
tal—usually defined as social networks, social participation, trust and reciprocity—is
A dults living in Philadelphia are least
Happily, most adults in SEPA—approxi-
widely considered to influence health. The
likely to trust their neighbors (65%)
mately 2,525,800 people or 87%—feel they
more researchers study and measure so-
compared with those in suburban SEPA
belong in their neighborhood, and 82% of
cial capital, the more apparent it becomes
counties (92% Montgomery, 91% Bucks,
those same adults report being in excellent
that relationships and connections to one’s
89% Chester, 87% Delaware).
or good health. However, only 71% of adults who feel like they do not belong in their neigh-
larger community can play a positive role Household Health Survey has included sev-
Working with Neighbors to Build Communities
eral measures of community connectedness.
The more connected you feel to your immedi-
sense of belonging in their neighbor-
in personal health. Since 2002, PHMC’s
(55% and 51%, respectively).
borhoods indicated the same health status. While adults of all ages expressed a
The social capital data from the 2008
ate neighborhood, the better your health and
hoods, older adults were more likely to
Household Health Survey shows that most
the better your community. More than half
make this statement. Ninety-four percent
Southeastern Pennsylvania adults (87%)
of adults in SEPA (57%) believe that their
of adults 75 and older said they felt they
feel a sense of belonging in their neighbor-
neighbors are willing to help each other, and
belonged in their neighborhoods, com-
hoods. Half of the adults in the region (52%)
even more have worked on projects together
participate in at least one club, organization
in their communities.
or group in their neighborhoods, including
A frican-American adults in SEPA were
African-American adults to report that
parent teacher groups, religious groups,
more likely than were white adults to say
they felt they belonged in their neigh-
political organizations, and social and ath-
that their neighbors worked together on
letic clubs. Fifty-nine percent indicated that
a project (71% and 57%, respectively).
their neighbors have, at some point, worked
Philadelphia residents were more likely
Roxborough/Manayunk and Center City
together on a community project and well
than residents of suburban counties to
Planning Analysis sections were most
over three-quarters of adults in SEPA
report that their neighbors worked to-
likely to indicate a sense of belonging
(81%) feel they can trust their neighbors.
gether on a project in their community.
(90% and 89%, respectively), while resi-
pared with 83% of 18 to 39 year olds. White adults were more likely than
borhoods (90% and 81%, respectively). Within Philadelphia, residents of the
Two-thirds of city residents (67%) indi-
dents of Southwest Philadelphia, Up-
The Trust Factor
cated that their neighbors had done this,
per North Philadelphia and Bridesburg/
Data show that an association between
compared with 57% in Chester County,
Kensington/Port Richmond were least
health and trust does exist; many adults
55% in Delaware County, 54% in Mont-
likely to report a sense of belonging
who feel they can trust their neighbors also
gomery County and 53% in Bucks County.
have better health. However, researchers
Within Philadelphia, neighbors working
With the growing recognition of the social de-
are still exploring the correlation between
together varied by neighborhood. Three-
terminants of health, social capital is an in-
the two. In SEPA, 84% percent of adults
quarters of adults in the Germantown/
creasingly important concept in public health
who feel their neighbors can be trusted also
Chestnut Hill and West Philadelphia sec-
research. For more information on our social
report being in excellent or good health, in
tions of Philadelphia stated their neigh-
capital data and the linkages of social capi-
contrast to 70% of those who do not feel
bors had worked together on a project
tal and health in our region, contact research
they can trust their neighbors reporting
(77% and 75%, respectively), while in
associate Rose Malinowski-Weingartner
that level of health.
the Roxborough/Manayunk and Upper
at rweingartn@phmc.org.
page 10 PHMC.ORG
(76%, 77% and 78%, respectively).
Data in Action Figure 1. Percentage of Philadelphia Adults Who Have Ever Worked with Their Neighbors on a Community Project, by Neighborhood+
“The Enterprise Center CDC is a neighborhood-based nonprofit that fosters neighborhood renovation in West Philadelphia. We have been using CHDB for a
= Percentage of Respondents
couple years—mostly in gathering data for our grant proposals and generally using it to learn about needs
Upper North Philadelphia
Upper Northeast Philadelphia
70.2%
50.7%
and opportunities for services and improvement in West Philadelphia. This year we started using CHDB more intensively. We applied for and received a three-year grant from PHMC affiliate Health Promotion Council for the Philadelphia Urban Food and Fitness Alliance. As part of that grant, we’ll be working
Germantown/ Chestnut Hill
77.2%
Olney/ Oak Lane
73.9%
in three zip codes in West Philadelphia to assist com-
Lower Northeast Philadelphia
61.2%
West Philadelphia
“We also used CHDB to do a lot of research about the health status of people in our target areas of West
Roxborough/ Manayunk
55.3%
munity members with accessing healthier food.
and Southwest Philadelphia. For example, using
Bridesburg, Kensington, Richmond
Lower North Philadelphia
68.1%
72.6%
74.9%
CHDB data, we were able to find the rate of people diagnosed with diabetes, the number of children who came from families living below the poverty line and the percentage who were not able to eat the required number of fruits and vegetables each
Center City
day. CHDB data has really informed our work.”
72.4%
Imanni Wilkes
South Philadelphia
Managing Director, Community Empowerment, The Enterprise Center Community Development
64.4%
Corporation
Southwest Philadelphia
The Community Health Data Base (CHDB) South-
66.1%
eastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey is one of the largest regional health surveys in the nation, covering Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, and now Schuylkill, Lancaster, Berks and Centre Counties. It has been conducted every two years since 1994. The Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and over 350 local agencies from the health, government, nonprofit and academic sec-
* Poverty level is defined as 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Poverty level is calculated based on family size and household income. For example, a family of four with an annual income of $22,050 in 2009 was considered living in poverty.
tors help to support CHDB. For more information on CHDB, visit chdbdata.org.
+ Source: PHMC's Community Health Data Base, Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey, 2008.
DIRECTIONS WINTER 2010-2011 page 11
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