FALL 2012 WINTER 2013 swhiv.org
THE GIFT THAT
GIVES MORE
DOUBLING OUR CAPACITY TO SAVE LIVES
HIGH-IMPACT PREVENTION 10TH ANNUAL TOUR FOR LIFE COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE U OF A COLLEGE OF MEDICINE-PHOENIX CLINICAL AFFILIATION swhiv.org
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CEO CORNER Dear Friends, As we draw close to the holidays and complete 2012, we celebrate many wonderful milestones at Southwest Center.
FALL 2012/WINTER 2013 1144 E. McDowell Road Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85006 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
FEATUREfacts
Now Under Construction! Community Center Update pg 4
We expanded our men’s prevention programming by receiving a prestigious five-year grant from the Centers For Disease Control. Men’s programs will be delivered by two new staff members beginning this month. See our announcement on page 5! We expanded our HIV clinical trial research program by initiating on six new trials this year, helping to test new medications that save lives and provide underserved with wellness support. We expanded our agency’s focus on HIV testing and connection to care, increasing our testing hours to accommodate a 30 percent growth in HIV testing appointments. We aligned every area of Southwest Center to support the U.S. National AIDS Strategy. Our priority is to help people know their HIV status and become directly connected to healthcare and life-saving medications. And, to help them stay connected to care. We received the largest donation in our 24-year history to name and support our new community health center. The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation provided a $5 million donation and community challenge match. In 2013, we look forward to moving to the new location and will keep you well informed about this exciting move. (See page 4 for more details.)
We ask for your help so that we can finish 2012 strong. 1. Your support to Southwest Center helps us maintain programs that otherwise have little to no funding to serve the working poor. Did you know that one in four who receive help at Southwest Center are homeless or in unstable living situations, and more than 80 percent are below the poverty line and are uninsured or under-insured? 2. Your support, if provided by December 31, will provide you with a 2012 charitable tax deduction as well as an Arizona Tax Credit for the Working Poor. The tax deadline is December 31, 2012! 3. Your support will help Southwest Center receive a DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, which helps us DOUBLE the capacity to save lives through our prevention, research and wellness programs.
High-Impact Positive Prevention
Two New Progams pg 5
Every penny raised will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. Online gifts are welcome at www.swhiv.org. You can provide a monthly donation, pay in full online, or return your donation with the enclosed envelope. Thank you for your generosity. In giving, may you be doubly blessed. Very best regards,
Showcasing the Valley’s Finest Tour for Life pg 8
ALSO >
U of A Clinical Affiliation Fall/Winter Programs What’s Happening
pg 6 pg 6 pg 7
Carol A. Poore, Ph.D. President and CEO
Get more of the HIV Factor. Join our e-mail list at swhiv.org.
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DOUBLING OUR CAPACITY TO SAVE LIVES
With your investment, we will double our ability to expand:
Testing
Our testing program. In 2012, we will have provided 700 more HIV tests than the year before. As one of the largest HIV testing sites in Arizona, we have expanded our testing staff and evening hours to meet a 30 percent increase in our testing appointments. Our government funding is very limited and unfortunately, cannot meet the growing needs of the men, women, and teens who need to know their status and if HIV-positive, be connected immediately to healthcare. -Thomas Fleming, HIV Tester
Nutrition
Youth
Our classroom-based youth prevention progra m. In 2012 we reached more than 3,000 students with our Positive Peer Prevention (P3)* education that helps youth and young adults protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and other diseases. We need more education staff to keep up with the dozens of classroom requests each month. Our P3 program relies on private funding, and is well respected by school officials and Arizona Deparment of Education. -Barb Brados, Child and Youth Services Manager
Our nutrition program. In 2012, we will have served more than 600 clients who needed to have dietary advice and nutrition support. Next year, federal funding is expected to discontinue and Southwest Center is committed to securing private funding to ensure that this vital health-supporting program continues. -Peggy Williamson, Registered Dietician
Please use the enclosed envelope to send your donation or go to swhiv.org/help/donate *
upCLOSE
Erin Gingrich March 16, 2010, 21 days sober, I received my HIV Positive diagnosis. I thought I was receiving my death sentence. I now know, that was actually the moment I was blessed with a new life. I stayed out of trouble as a child, was a gifted classical pianist and had hopes and dreams of making
P3 funded in part by City of Chandler
my mark in the world. In 1995, I was crowned Miss Yuma County, and in 1996, earned the title of Miss Arizona. I competed in the Miss America 1997 Pageant. As Miss Arizona, I implemented the first state pageant/state government community service platform in the country, educating adolescents and teenagers about the affects of violence in dating relationships. I was making my mark.
experiences gave me a voice and a platform in which to make a difference. I am co-infected with Hep C and talk very openly about my status, because I believe the more it is talked about, the more we can chip away at the social stigma attached to it. I know I will live a very long, very healthy life. I have self worth and a purpose and today I carry myself with dignity and grace.
After Miss Arizona was over, I stayed in Phoenix to go to school and experience life. I had some deep rooted issues regarding my self worth and suffered from depression and it didn’t take long for me to find my escape. Rather, a solution to my problems. Very quickly, that driven young woman, was driven right into an addiction that took away every hope and dream. I couldn’t stop. The drugs eased the pain, were always there when the relationships or jobs ended. I didn’t care about life anymore and began to have major consequences for my actions. On February 21, 2010, I checked into treatment.
In the last year, I have shared my story hosting the final night of competition at the Miss Arizona 2012 Pageant, have been the key note speaker for Barb Eldridge’s Team Rychard, benefiting the AIDS Walk Phoenix, was the top Individual Fundraiser for the entire AIDS Walk Phoenix, on the top Team Fundraiser “Team Rychard”, was asked to speak at the AIDS Walk and have started working at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS as the new Prevention Interventions Facilitator.
When I received my diagnosis, I didn’t know a single person that was also positive. So after processing the information for a few days, I started talking and started learning. I started to see my situation as a blessing that saved my life and that my past
My dreams have absolutely become my reality and I am so extremely grateful. I firmly believe that by sharing my story, how it affected my life, and actually changed my life in a positive way because I am “positive”, I can affect change and make a difference in the advocacy of HIV/AIDS. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story. Programs also funded in part by
Programs funded in whole or in part by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, Maricopa Intergrated Health System and Maricopa County. Additional funding provided by Ryan White Parts A & C and the Maricopa County Department of Health.
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THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION CENTER FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELLNESS
Now Under Construction! by Tom Awai, Director of Community Center Outreach
Southwest Center staff has been working with Hardison Downey and Holly Street Studios, the contractor and architect that comprise the design-build team, and on October 30, 2012, construction began on The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Center for Health, Education & Wellness. During the past several months, the team has been working with key Southwest Center and McDowell Healthcare Center staff to finalize programmatic needs to ensure that each agency has the space it needs to operate successfully and efficiently. Simultaneously, Southwest Center has been working with the City of Phoenix to complete the development agreement and operating agreement, which outline the agency’s responsibilities as operator of the building.
With the completion of these important steps, the team is moving forward with the next phase, which includes a more detailed design discussion with key people from each agency, including doctors and nurse practitioners, behavioral health providers, HIV testing staff, clinical trials professionals, and administrative personnel. This phase will also determine furnishings and finishes that will go into the new space. Upon completion, the 60,000 square foot building will include two major partners, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, which will encompass about 14,000 square feet, and the McDowell Healthcare Center, will inhabit another 10,000 square feet. The two main tenants will occupy the second floor of the building. The remaining space will accommodate basement storage, and additional partners will include The Vitamin Shop, operated by Southwest Center, a diagnostic laboratory, and a pharmacy, all of which will be located on the first floor. Also on
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the first floor, will be a conference room suite and a large multipurpose studio. The multipurpose room, which will occupy the former Channel 12 broadcasting studio, is a two-story space that will be ideal for use as a “black box” theater, open to the local community, as well as large meetings and educational space. Demolition will continue throughout the next phase of design, so that the construction can continue, uninterrupted. The construction crew will complete the interior renovation, and the agencies will be ready to move into the new space in the spring of 2013. Please note a special thanks to attorney, Shelley Detwiller DiGiacomo, who has been donating her time, reviewing the contracts between Southwest Center, the designbuild team, as well as the development and operating agreements between Southwest Center and the City of Phoenix.
REACHING OUT
High-Impact Positive Prevention Programs CDC Grant Focused on HIV Prevention, HighRisk Men
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS received a major HIV prevention program grant awarded by the Arizona Department of Health Services and funded by the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is pursuing a “high-impact prevention” approach to reducing new HIV infections by using combinations of scientifically proven, cost-effective and scalable interventions targeted to highrisk populations in geographic areas of the United States most affected by HIV/AIDS. Southwest Center’s awarded prevention grant will provide more than $1 million over five years to provide a high-impact combination of individual, group and large-scale community interventions to stop the spread of HIV by working specifically with those who are diagnosed with the HIV/AIDS virus. “Southwest Center will partner with two significant organizations working with clients who are diagnosed with HIV: the Veteran’s Administration and One Voice Community Center,” noted Jon Martin, Prevention Programs Manager at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. “There is a demonstrated link between the experience of trauma and subsequent risky behavior. A significant number of veterans have been infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases through risky behavior, and some proceed to spread the virus unknowingly.” Southwest Center’s program will target at-risk populations in three distinct ways.
First, the community-level intervention will provide condoms, education about HIV prevention, and promote an ongoing community dialog regarding HIV. Second, the group-level intervention will tackle issues of stigma, disclosure of one’s HIV status, and creating healthy relationships. Third, the individuallevel intervention will help participants develop healthy behaviors so they may better pursue their own life goals. These prevention initiatives support the National AIDS Strategy designed to reduce new HIV infections, increase access to healthcare and improve health outcomes for those living with HIV, as well as reduce HIV-related health disparities that exist among various demographic groups. “We are excited to work with community leaders in such a comprehensive effort to decrease HIV incidence in Arizona,” noted Wayne Tormala, chief of the Bureau of Tobacco and Chronic Disease, Arizona Department of Health Services. “With increased testing and efforts to reach further into at-risk populations, combined with the medical advances that have allowed folks to live longer, more productive lives, we are confident we can bring about a significant reduction in the epidemic. This is a boost to both the health and the economy of Arizona.” From 2010 through 2015, the U.S. aims to lower the annual number of new infections by 25 percent – from 56,300 new infections per year to 42,225. This includes reducing the transmission rate, which is a measure of annual transmission in relation to the number of people living with HIV, by 30 percent. Also, the national goal is to increase the percentage of people living with HIV who know their HIV status from 79 percent today, to 90 percent or better. In Arizona, there are approximately 14,000 people living with AIDS and an estimated 5,000 individuals who are infected but do not know their HIV status. The most effective HIV prevention programs are targeted to those impacted with HIV, helping people get tested and connected to healthcare.
Positive Action Positive Connections
New Prevention Team Leaders, Erin Gingrich and John Welch
With our new HIV prevention grant, we are thrilled to have the chance to bring three distinct but interrelated programs and services to our clients and the Phoenix community. The first two programs will be implementations of CDC Effective Behavioral Interventions which have been proven to be effective at reducing HIV transmission risk and increasing adherence to HIV treatment. Positive Action is a one-on-one counseling program for HIV positive individuals. This program focuses on conceptualizing the “ideal self,” considering life goals and how to attain them, and addressing any barriers that stand in way of that attainment. Positive Connections is an ongoing series of small group-level interventions for HIV positive individuals that confront HIV discrimination and stigma, issues of disclosure of one’s HIV status, and forming and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and romantic and sexual partners. These two interventions will be offered for HIV positive individuals of all demographic groups, but will specifically target gay men and Veterans. Southwest Center is excited to have forged a relationship with the Phoenix Veterans Health Care System for this purpose. We will work closely with the VA to train Southwest Center staff to better meet the unique needs of Veterans, and to enroll HIV positive Veterans in our new programs. The third program is an expansion of Southwest Center’s current gay community outreach program, POKE, which stands for Prevention, Outreach, Knowledge and Empowerment. POKE outreach will target gay bars in the Phoenix area, as well as gay community events, such as Rainbows Festival, Phoenix Pride, and the Arizona Gay Rodeo to distribute safer sex kits, promote Southwest Center’s HIV testing and prevention programs, and keep the community engaged in a conversation around HIV awareness and prevention. These three programs, provide unique, costeffective and evidence-based HIV prevention programs for our community. As HIV treatment and prevention enter a new era, guided by the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Southwest Center is proud to be on the cutting edge, offering innovative and effective services that will help achieve the goals of the National Strategy and put an end to the HIV epidemic.
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IN THE CENTER
Clinical Affiliation with U of A
impacts the immune system, doctors must address the importance of keeping viral loads low to reduce transmission, boost the immune system, and prevent co-morbid diseases including heart, liver, kidney and diabetes. People can live well with HIV/AIDS; however, their medical providers can be their best allies in living well and long.”
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix announce a clinical education affiliation providing HIV/AIDS health sciences education through internships and student fellowships. U of A medical students will begin internship rotations at Southwest Center beginning in 2013.
Southwest Center’s HIV instructional programs help medical and social service providers learn about HIV as a disease, as well as how to treat the comprehensive needs of those impacted by a disease that brings stigma, isolation and shame.
This is the first medical student internship affiliation program developed with an Arizona-based HIV/AIDS agency and the Arizona Board of Regents in the history of the AIDS epidemic. Southwest Center provides training for those in the medical field who want to understand the complexities of serving patients with HIV, which includes providing primary care treatment combined with emotional, nutritional, and healthy lifestyle support.
“This is an important addition to our curriculum as we continue to ensure our students address the diversity of the patient population and expand their knowledge of disease,” said Stuart D. Flynn, MD, dean of the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix. “In 30 short, yet very trying years, we have learned an immense amount about HIV and it is imperative that our students, the next generation of physicians, not only reflect on this history, but continue the advances in preventing, treating, and hopefully ultimately eliminating this disease. Our graduates will be the health care leaders of the 21st century, many of whom will stay in Arizona and will advance the health for all Arizonans, including the immense challenges of chronic diseases like AIDS.”
“Southwest Center will provide medical students with an in-depth education about the complexities serving people impacted by HIV/ AIDS,” said Andrea Norman, Southwest Center’s director of research and wellness. “Because HIV/AIDS is a chronic infectious disease that
GET INVOLVED Men’s Day
Logan’s Playground Child Watch*
Pizza & The Basics
Nov 28 - Understanding Health Disparities
Available onsite for all clients utilizing services at the Center.
An introductory HIV 101 Class for HIV positive and negative adults.
Wednesdays 12:00p.m. – 1:30p.m. Dec 5 - Preview of Our New Center Dec 12 - 1 Voice Community Center Dec 19 - HIV Treatment Overview
*
Women’s Day* Women’s Voices Thursdays 10:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. Voces de Mujeres Thursdays 11:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. Women’s Luncheon Thursdays 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m. Nov 29 - Social Security Updates Dec 6 - MAC Cosmetics “Good Spirits” Dec 13 - New HIV Medication: Stribild Dec 20 - Christmas Party Dec 27 - Day of Reflection *
HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Please RSVP to 602.307.5330 ext. 2255
Funded in part by MAC AIDS Fund
Funded in part by COX Charities
>HIV & SYPHILIS TESTING Monday-Thursday 9:00a.m. - 7:30p.m. Friday 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing available Wednesday and Thursday 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
GET TESTED! 1144 E. McDowell Road, Suite 200 Phoeniz, AZ 85006 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
Thank You for Joining Us for World AIDS Day - Dec 1 Southwest Center and the NAACP Health Care Committee The Phoenix Urban Expo - Phoenix Convention Center
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Saturdays 10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
January 12, 2013 February 9, 2013 March 9, 2013
AIDS Walk Goes to the Dogs
My brother, Louis, and I were privileged to participate in the Aunt Rita’s AIDS Walk this past October with Team “Embracing a New Beginning” Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS. This was my first year to walk and Louis’ second, and we placed 3rd and 4th in the Pet Category, raising $280 and $230, respectively. Along with our other four-legged friends, Paws for the Cause raised a grand total of $8,342.00! Our team at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS had a total of 40 members who raised a total of $2,596.81 and placed 13th out of 197 teams that participated in the walk this year. The grand total raised by all the teams, walkers, and pets raised $335,000., with Erin Gingrich taking home the top walker prize by raising $6,790! Although it was exciting being on stage and winning a prize, the best part was walking with my owners, Jeremy Hyvarinen and Michael Meehan, and raising money for a great cause! Love, Sofie May.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Southwest Center and Phoenix Children’s Hospital Program for HIV Positive Youth Transition The evolution of an amazing collaboration In 2009 Southwest Center recognized a major health disparity for HIV positive young adults that were aging out of the pediatric care system and into adult care services. During this transition period, it has been found that many HIV positive young people fall out of care, which may increase long-term health risks and mortality rates. Key Southwest Center staff began discussions about how to support the growing need for a linkage to care/youth transition program. They then made the decision to collaborate with Dr. Janice Piatt (medical director) and her team of experts at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital (PCH) Bill Holt Pediatric HIV clinic. The clinic remains the only comprehensive multidisciplinary pediatric HIV clinic in the state of Arizona. The small, but passionate team of professionals already had transitional support services in place by the undertaking of Amy Edmonds, LCSW but agreed that more needed to be done to help make the process more seamless. At that point, Southwest Center applied for and received a generous single year grant from St. Lukes Health Initiative to implement a behavioral health counselor specialized in youth and recruited youth counseling veteran Trayci Prince, MA, LAC, NCC. Additionally, Tyler Termeer would implement his nationally recognized positive youth leadership summit
and both would begin an HIV positive youth centered support group, and attend PCH’s HIV primary care clinic whenever a prospective transitional youth was scheduled. Year one exceeded our expectations, with PCH HIV providers Amy Edmonds and Kimberly Bickes joining Termeer and Prince in facilitating the weekly psychoeducational support groups and partnering to plan and participate as both speakers and support staff at the summit. The program’s success rate, to include the youth summit post data responses from youth participants earned it a second, and final year of SLHI funding, that also included Termeer and Prince being invited to speak at the 2010 National Conference on AIDS about “Transitioning HIV Positive Youth to Adult Care.” Now, into its third year, and in need of additional funding, the collaboration and program has evolved with Edmonds and Prince implementing the finalization of an HIV specific youth transition workbook to both the youth and their parents during the primary care appointment beginning at age 16. Prince and Edmonds also continue to co-facilitate a weekly HIV positive youth support group (poz 2gether). The group has more than doubled in size since inception and continues to include more of PCH youth who are at least 18 years of age. Additionally, Bickes has become the medical point of contact during the days she is co-located at McDowell
Healthcare Clinic. Bickes helps make the transition more seamless by meeting the PCH youth, along with Prince, at their initial primary care appointment. Most recently, she and Prince have maintained regular contact about both medical and behavioral healthcare needs of both Southwest Center newly diagnosed youth, and those transitioned from PCH. This collaboration and dedicated work by PCH providers and Southwest Center is nothing less than a success based on preliminary feedback shared by Bickes, indicating that the youth who actively attend Edmonds/Prince co-facilitated poz 2gether group and also see Prince for behavioral health services have the highest retention rates in care.
Congratulations to Kimberley Bickes, RN, MS, ACRN for being selected by The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC) as the 2012 recipient of the pediatric/adolescent HIV nursing excellence award!
SAVE THE DATE
April 25, 2013 swhiv.org
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10TH ANNUAL TOUR FOR LIFE through Tour for Life - including $50,000 this year - and awareness about HIV/ AIDS prevention has been promoted, while funds have supported the critical programs and services provided at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.
The last weekend in October, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS hosted more than 300 guests during the 10th Annual Tour for Life sponsored by LUXE Interiors + Design and John Brooks Incorporated. In its 10-year history, more than 100 spectacular homes in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley have been showcased to nearly 2,000 ticket buyers. Approximately $250,000 has been raised
Interiors, Charles Glover Interiors, Michael Ferguson and Cathy Stark. “I can’t believe we have hosted this tour for a decade and can honestly say that this year’s tour was the best ever,” noted event co-chair Scott Burdick, managing partner of Wiseman & Gale Interiors and Southwest Center board member. “The addition of LUXE Interiors + Design publisher Kelly Persellin as my co-chair – including her energy, and connections – plus the second Silverleaf day took our Tour to the next level.”
On Saturday, October 27, the private residences of interior designers like Christopher Coffin, Wendy Ackerman, and luxury custom home builder John Schultz were featured. Also on tour were homes from notable interior design firms such as Vallone Design and JW Harris Inc.
Burdick added that Luxe Interiors + Design and John Brooks, Incorporated have been longtime leaders in the Arizona design community leading the fight against HIV/ AIDS.
On Sunday, October 28, Tour for Life moved to Silverleaf in North Scottsdale. Among the many highlights on Sunday, Tour guests visited luxury homes from custom home builders Salcito Custom Homes, Calvis Wyant, and CSE & Associates. Featured architects included Erik Peterson of PHX Architecture and Candelaria Design Associates. Interior design firms featured Wiseman & Gale
The Tour kicked off with an Interior Design Panel and reception on Friday. Sunday was highlighted with brunch in Silverleaf hosted by Tarbell’s restaurant.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2012 TOUR FOR LIFE SPONSORS
BONNER DAVID GALLERIES
MODERN GROUP
C. STARK DESIGN, INC.
MICHAEL FERGUSON INTERIORS
CALVIS WYANT LUXURY HOMES
MICHAEL MILLER & ASSOCIATES
CANDELARIA DESIGN
PREMIER SOUTHWEST INSURANCE GROUP
CENTRAL ARIZONA SUPPLY
REST ASSURED
CREATIVE DESIGNS IN LIGHTING
SALCITO CUSTOM HOMES
CYBER ELECTRIC
SANDELLA CUSTOM INTERIORS
INSIDE/OUT SHOWROOMS
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