SUMMER 2013 swhiv.org
PEOPLE PASSION PURPOSE WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
MEET NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LEN STEWART 18TH ANNUAL NIGHT FOR LIFE GALA LOGAN'S PLAYGROUND - MORE THAN CHILD WATCH THE PARSONS CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS GRAND OPENING swhiv.org
SUMMER
WELCOME Dear friends: I am excited to join Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS as its new Executive Director. In my short time here, I am already incredibly impressed by the committed staff, Board, volunteers and community supporters who together, help us serve our clients and achieve our mission each and every day.
SUMMER 2013 1144 E. McDowell Road Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85006 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
FEATUREfacts
I come to Southwest Center and to Phoenix by way of Anchorage, Alaska where I served as Executive Director of the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC), one of Alaska’s largest nontribal primary care providers. ANHC was Alaska’s major Ryan White medical/early intervention services provider. I began working in the HIV/AIDS community in 1990 and headed the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod in Provincetown, MA, one of the earliest AIDS Service Organizations (ASO)’s in the State of Massachusetts. The biggest news on the horizon for Southwest Center, as this issue of The HIVfactor goes to print, is that we are nearing completion of our new home, The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness on Central Avenue, and expect to move in during the month of September. Our collaborating partner, the McDowell Healthcare Clinic, will subsequently be moving, giving us both the space we need to expand existing service, and develop new programs and services for our clients and the Phoenix community. A local pharmacy will occupy a major space on the ground floor and we are working with other community agencies to round out what we intend to become a true “multi-service” center.
We Are Here! Grand Opening Details pg 4
Opening our doors in September at the new Center is the culmination of years of planning and development on the part of literally hundreds of committed supporters, partners and stakeholders. It is a privilege to join Southwest Center just in time to be a part of realizing this dream. In other notes, and speaking of new programs, we have been approved by the BHHS Legacy Foundation to pilot an integrated care model for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A). The Integrated Collaborative Care project will integrate primary medical care, behavioral health services, fitness, tobacco cessation, nutrition, and other services to prove that coordinated, intentional, integrated care results in better health outcomes and allows clients to engage fully in managing their treatment and care. We are excited to begin this pilot with a cohort of 75 clients, and expect to roll the program out as soon as we move to the new Center. (Please turn to page 5 to read more.)
Kids Have a Fiesta in Prescott
Camp Incredible pg 6
Southwest Center appreciates and thanks all those in the community who have helped us throughout our years of service, and, more recently, in building our new Center to expand what we are able to do. We are your community services organization, and we are proud to continue with your support. Thank you for being part of the Southwest Center family,
Len Stewart Executive Director Illuminationg the Path Night for Life Gala pg 7
ALSO >
National HIV Testing Day Summer Programs Donors & Sponsors
pg 5 pg 6 pg 8
Get more of The HIVfactor. Join our e-mail list at swhiv.org. Connect with Us! @SWCforHIVAIDS
2 | SUMMER 2013
/SWCforHIVAIDS
swhiv.org
swhiv.org
PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE
Fight with a Bite Dining Out for Life Fights AIDS
To all the restaurants, sponsors, volunteers and all of you who participated in Dining Out for Life - thank you! We applaud the outside-of-the-box, clever ways of making Dining Out for Life a success: • • •
Los Olivos Hand Car Wash The Mesa Cook-Out for Life Thursday Night 3-Ways Bowling League at Let It Roll
Cheers to our awesome sponsors and media outlets: azcentral.com, Aetna, Harkins Theatres - Platinum Knife
upCLOSE She Saw the Sign Logan’s Playground More Than Child Watch
by Barb Brados Child and Youth Services Manager
One day a woman came in to Logan’s Playground after noticing our sign. She was very shy and nervous and had informed us that she was a single mother of two beautiful boys and that she had just separated from the father of her kids. She was here to see her doctor at the McDowell Healthcare Clinic. We told her we understood what she was going through and that we would guide her through the process. We explained how
Media Sponsor. Arizona Pride Guide, MEGA 104.3, THE BEAT 101.1FM, ECHO Magazine, ION Arizona Magazine, Local First Arizona, Moving Active Adz, Sway Events, FOX 10, Channel 12, CBS 5, Phoenix Channel 11, Clear Channel Radio and Phoenix Pride. We're happy that Dining Out for life gave you the opportunity to meet new people, show your support for Southwest Center, and dine at Phoenix's many wonderful
wonderful Logan’s Playground was and explained all of the great services that Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS had available for her family. Along with all the emotional stress of separating from her husband, this woman was going through some recent health issues as she was recently diagnosed with HIV. We explained our support groups and encouraged her to attend the women’s groups. She was interested in attending, but was very hesitant because this was her first time here and she didn’t want her kids to find out about her status. She also stated that she doesn’t leave her children with strangers. We calmed her fears by explaining what we do and explained to her that getting support for herself would help her and that getting the support was one of many reasons we offer child watch services. We explained to her that in the women’s support group, there will be many other women with similar issues and everyone can share and give support to each other. She decided to attend and leave her children in Logan’s Playground. After that day, she started coming to Logan’s Playground more often so that she was able to attend the support groups
local restaurants who so graciously make this event possible. Make sure to visit our 2013 Dining Out for Life Sponsor locations again! Thank you so much for your donations and congratulations to our Raffle Prize Winners! Save the Date for next year's Dining Out for Life - Thursday, April 24, 2014.
and go to her doctor visits. Now when she visits Logan’s Playground it’s with a smile on her face. Her children have gone from shy quiet kids to more outgoing and friendly kids while making new friends with the other kids who attend Logan’s Playground. She has mentioned numerous times that she is very appreciative for having the opportunity to meet us at Logan’s Playground and of the services offered at Southwest Center. She said that she is very thankful for the way we made her feel when she was in one of her lowest moments of her life. She also mentioned that she learned how to talk more openly about her situation and was able to make lots of new friends here. She also stated that her children really enjoy the time they spend at Logan’s Playground and the many arts and crafts that they make to take home. Now, the children don’t want to leave when she comes to get them as they say they want to stay and play with their new friends. Logan’s Playground Child Watch is made possible through donotions from: COX Charities, William L. and Ruth T. Pendleton Memorial Fund, and Sundt Foundation
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 Part C and the Maricopa County Department of Health.
swhiv.org
Programs also funded in part by
SUMMER
THE PARSONS CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
We Are Here Brought to Life The Southwest Center Development Department teamed up with Phoenix Channel 11 to bring the story of “We Are Here” to life in a video. City of Phoenix Councilman, Tom Simplot and Megan Schmitz from his office were integral players in this outstanding production. The video brings the focus of the HIV/AIDS epidemic from the national to local level. Also, many thanks to Deborah Sedillo Dugan, Michael Hammett and Christina Flaaen from PHX11.
We Are Here for You $10.1 Million Campaign Will Benefit Entire Community
As we move into our new home, The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness, we thank those who have “paved the way” to make this campaign possible and to support current program sustainability and growth: Darin Anderson Tom Awai Ayers Saint Gross William Benner BHHS Legacy Foundation Robert Black CBS Outdoor Mesha Davis Darren Deering & Frank Rawl ECF of Boeing Arizona Gary Egan & Daniel Holterman Jessica Fotinos Ken Gabel Go Daddy
Phil Gordon Mike Gorman & Jim Fay Kim Grouse & Murray Kuzek Mark Howard Nathan Joseph Kimber & Randy Nelson Darin Osborne & Mike Sparaco Bob Platt & Dr. Rich Bruno Carol Poore Mel Reese & Bob Hegyi Natalie Richard Christy Ritchie & Ellen Rubach Rob Russell
4 | SUMMER 2013
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Karen & Todd Santoni Ted Shaver Tom Simplot & Joanna Simplot David Smith Scott Sowell Richard Stahl The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Thunderbirds Charities US Airways Edward Vandoorne Larry Volkmar Steve Ward
swhiv.org
REACHING OUT
Southwest Center Featured at 20th Annual Sedona International Film Festival
National HIV Testing Day Raises Awareness
included Erin Gingrich, Mary Fisher, and Hydeia Broadbent.
Jon Martin with Body Positive/Southwest Center Founder, Kirk Baxter
To provide a local perspective on the topic of HIV/AIDS, representatives of Southwest Center were invited guests of the 20th annual Sedona International Film Festival from February 26 to March 1. For this year’s Festival, longtime AIDS activist and Festival organizer, Mary Fisher, selected a series of films with HIV/ AIDS –related themes. These included the U.S. musical Rent, the Egyptian drama Asmaa, and two screenings of the U.S. documentary How to Survive a Plague. Erin Gingrich and Jon Martin served as panelists after the screening of Rent along with AIDS activist, Hydeia Broadbent, and UNAIDS-USA policy advisors, Michael Iskovitz and Dr. Jim Sherry. Jon shared statistical information about the HIV epidemic in Arizona today, while Erin shared her personal story of learning of her diagnosis. The panel discussion following the screening of Asmaa, which is based on the true story of an Egyptian woman who went public with the news of her HIV diagnosis, focused on HIV and women’s issues,
How to Survive a Plague, which focuses on the activist collective, ACT-UP, and the early days of the AIDS epidemic, was followed by a panel discussion featuring Erin Gingrich, Jon Martin, and Kweku Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela. This discussion focused largely on the state of HIV treatment today, and Jon shared with the crowd how Southwest Center’s Clinical Trials program has been a part of the approval process of 32 of the 34 currently available medications for the treatment of HIV. At the second screening of How to Survive a Plague on March 1, Jon Martin and Michael Iskovitz were joined by Body Positive/Southwest Center founder, Kirk Baxter, for a lively panel discussion in which Kirk related his experiences as an AIDS activist and founder of the Arizona chapter of ACTUP, which mirrored and in some cases intersected with those of the activists on screen. It was an honor for Southwest Center to be invited to participate as guests of the Festival. After each film and panel discussion, Erin, Jon and Mesha Davis were on hand to personally speak with audience members and promote the agency and our services. The contributions of Southwest Center staff helped put a local and human face on the epidemic and brought home the message that, despite great strides in the treatment and understanding of HIV, there is still much work to be done.
Southwest Center Prevention Team: John Welch, Lynea Adams, Erin Gingrich (seated) and Sheree Denny
Southwest Center's National HIV Testing Day event at 1 Voice Community Center was a huge success. More than 70 people attended the event and learned more about the importance of getting tested and knowing their status. Southwest Center's testing staff performed 46 HIV tests during the 4-hour event. HIV testing and linkage to care are vital parts of a comprehensive strategy to identify all persons with HIV infections and to begin early intervention. The Prevention Team's hard work and dedication made a huge difference in the lives of many people.
Southwest Center to Launch Integrated Collaborative Care Model The BHHS Legacy Foundation provided funding for Southwest Center to launch the Integrated Collaborative Care Model (ICC) that will provide an opportunity to effectively integrate primary medical care, behavioral health, nutrition services, physical activity and smoking cessation activities for 75 HIV-positive individuals who have co-morbid conditions, risk and resiliency issues such as poverty and trauma, and negative health habits such as smoking. Under the integrated care model, four pillars of care will be emphasized: 1) primary medical care for HIV and co-existing conditions 2) behavioral health care (including smoking cessation) 3) nutrition and 4) exercise.
Healthcare Center. A core team of professionals will include a medical doctor, social worker, dietitian, fitness expert, and care coordinator, and will meet on a bi-weekly basis. Following an initial review of each patient’s medical, behavioral, and nutritional and fitness history, and nicotine habits, a customized program of care will be created to include additional treatments such as food and nutrition tracking, behavioral health/counseling, smoking cessation program, fitness activities, and other specified treatments. The team will track the health and wellbeing of each patient based on the four pillars and, if needed, modifiy the treatment plan to ensure maximum wellness.
Project participants will be clients at Southwest Center and see a variety of primary care providers, including the co-located McDowell
Southwest Center is excited to launch this important program that will benefit the health and wellness of our clients.
swhiv.org
SUMMER
CAMP
IN THE CENTER
Incredible!
“Camp becomes a home away from home where magic and love abound and where families truly have an ‘INCREDIBLE’ experience.”
Kids and Families Have a Fiesta Camp Incredible provides a safe, fun and positive environment for families to reconnect and strengthen their family bond by spending time together, participating in activities, relaxing and having fun. Camp becomes a home away from home where magic and love abound and where families truly have an "INCREDIBLE" experience. Camp is for children and their families infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Ninety-seven campers attended another fun year at Camp Incredible. At this year's fiesta-themed event, families played Loteria (Bingo) and each family received their own piñata, handmade by ASU student volunteers. During
the
week,
everyone
hiked,
played volleyball, tie dyed t-shirts, and enjoyed field games. Everyone enjoyed the food eating contest where each age group chose either watermelon, pudding or whipped cream to compete with each other.
Barb Brados, the Camp Incredible Director, is still the reigning champion for the whipped cream
contest. The evening activities included a costume dance, where the limbo was a favorite, and a talent show. As a week of fun, learning, and growth came to a close, the Thursday night of Camp Incredible wrapped up with the traditional pinecone ceremony. Everyone sits in a circle and takes turns sharing a favorite memory, or reason they are thankful they went to camp. The ceremony is especially moving as evidenced by sniffles and tears all around the circle. Thank you to all of the Southwest Center volunteers and staff and who make Camp Incredible not only possible, but an "INCREDIBLE" experience for the families. You are greatly appreciated.
Camp Incredible is made possible through donations from: Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, John C. Lincoln GIVES, John C. Lincoln Health Foundation, Peoria Diamond Club
GET INVOLVED Men’s Day
Logan’s Playground Child Watch*
Pizza & The Basics
A support group for gay & bi men who have been living with HIV for 10+ years.
Available onsite for all clients utilizing services at the Center.
A free, introductory HIV 101 Class for the entire community.
Men’s Lunch & Learn Wednesdays noon - 1:30p.m.
HOURS: Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Please RSVP to 602.307.5330 ext. 2255
Hope Group Wednesdays 10:30a.m. – noon
A day of health education and empowerment provides knowledge about health issues impacting men.
Men in Focus Wednesdays 6:00 - 8:00p.m.
A weekly support group for all HIV+ men.
Women’s Day* Women’s Voices Thursdays 11:00a.m. – noon
Support group that focuses on a variety of topics from living with HIV to raising a family.
*
Funded in part by: COX Charities, William L. and Ruth T. Pendleton Memorial Fund, and Sundt Foundation
>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.
Saturdays 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.
August 10 September 14 October 12
Join the Fun & Excitement Our Volunteers Make a Difference!
Southwest Center depends on community members, like you, who are willing to volunteer two to 20 hours a week. Our services could not be delivered without the dedication and hard work of our volunteers.
Voces de Mujeres Thursdays 11:00a.m. - noon
GET TESTED!
We have volunteer opportunities at a variety of commitment levels so you can make a difference even if you don't have a lot of free time.
Women’s Lunch & Learn Thursdays noon - 1:30p.m.
1144 E. McDowell Road, Suite 200 Phoeniz, AZ 85006 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
Volunteers work in all aspects of the Center from Development and Administration to Prevention and Research. Call 602.307.5330 ext. 2241 to join our team of great volunteers!
Psychosocial group for Spanish speaking clients.
Support group for pregnant or new mommies. Last Thursday every other month. *
Funded in part by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
6 | SUMMER 2013
swhiv.org
18TH ANNUAL NIGHT FOR LIFE GALA
'Illuminating the Path' to New Center $3 Million Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Southwest Center Chief Development Officer Mesha Davis. “Their overwhelming financial support will allow us to open the new facility this year and focus on what we do best … provide world-class care and deliver hope to the HIV positive community.”
Steve Ward, Ken Gabel, Mesha Davis, Bob Parsons, Tom Awai and Renee Parsons
Supporters of Southwest Center for HIV/ AIDS witnessed the announcement of an astounding $3 million charitable gift during the organization’s 18th annual Night for Life Gala. Amidst tears and cheers, Bob and Renee Parsons announced that The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation would bridge the gap in the organization’s capital campaign.
The new 50,000 square-foot facility, to be named for The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, will provide integrated HIV/ AIDS primary care and support services combined with shared classrooms for education programs. The Center will be the premier hub for HIV/AIDS prevention, primary care and chronic-disease management in Arizona.
“Since The Parsons Foundation’s $4 million grant last year, Bob and I have been incredibly impressed by how well the Center has managed the funds, as well as the massive construction project they have undertaken,” said Renee Parsons. “But, there is still much to be done.”
The gift, the second major donation by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to Southwest Center, will ensure that construction on the new Center for Health and Wellness is completed on time – ready to serve the greater Phoenix area’s HIV/ AIDS prevention and chronic-disease health needs. “Southwest Center does great work, work that changes lives,” said Bob Parsons during the evening’s gala. “Along with health, education and wellness – Southwest Center gives something else to their clients, their families and this community. They give hope – something so simple yet so important not only in the treatment of illness but in everyday life.” “Bob and Renee have been amazing advocates for Southwest Center,” said
Celebrate What Is Great! Volunteers Honored
Volunteers are one of the biggest assets of any organization. At Southwest Center for HIV/ AIDS, our volunteers are the shining stars! The energy, enthusiasm and dedication they bring to Southwest Center make our programs and services possible. Twenty-five outstanding volunteer leaders were recognized at Southwest Center's annual Celebrate Life volunteer appreciation reception
swhiv.org
the doors of the new Center for Health and Wellness for HIV/AIDS. Funds raised will also position the organization for success by offsetting operational expenses - funding programs that will benefit people who have HIV/AIDS.
“We are at the cross roads for the agency’s future and this new community center is going to take us to the next level, allowing us to help people live longer and healthier lives,” said Southwest Center CFO/COO Steve Ward. The generosity of more than 425 Night for Life Gala attendees raised more than $3.35 million for Southwest Center, funds crucial to the organization’s ability to open
on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at the Phoenix Art Museum.
The new grant will allow Southwest Center’s capital campaign to shift focus away from completing the center to raising the critical funds essential to running the organization and continuing its important work. “Renee and I believe, with the completion of this project, HIV/AIDS clients in the Valley will have access to the best care in the country,” Bob Parsons continued. “And one day, hopefully not too far from now, we will find a cure for HIV.”
make the difference in our clients’ lives!
Last year, volunteers provided close to 4,000 hours of time valued at nearly $87,000 as identified by the Independent Sector . Southwest Center is thankful for the dedicated volunteers who work each day to help support individuals living with HIV/AIDS. From behind the scenes work to assisting at events like Dining Out for Life or acting as the agency liaison at community events, our volunteers
Len Stewart, Colette Spurling, Laura Cafiso, Jovel Clark
SUMMER
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS GRANT DONORS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM SUPPORT
Camp Incredible
Behavioral Health Program
Integrated Collaborative Care Model
Youth and Families
J.W. Kieckhefer FOUNDATION
General Operations
John C. Lincoln Health Network Employee Giving
Research Clinical Principal Investigator
Camp Incredible
William L. and Ruth T.
Pendleton MEMORIAL FUND
General Operations Center for Women’s Health & HIV Programs
Child Watch Camp Incredible
Child Watch
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 DINING OUT FOR LIFE & NIGHT FOR LIFE SPONSORS
RICHARD P. STAHL ARIZONA PRIDE GUIDE ARIZONA REPUBLIC AVELLA SPECIALTY PHARMACY BANK OF AMERICA THE BEAT 101.1 CBS 5 CELLIT ePRIZE MOBILE SOLUTIONS CHANNEL 12 CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO
2013 LOCATIONS
ECHO MAGAZINE
PHOENIX CHANNEL 11
FOX 10
PHOENIX PRIDE
INTERNATIONAL PRINTING COMPANY
SONORA QUEST
ION ARIZONA MAGAZINE
SRP
LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA
SWAY EVENTS
MEGA 104.3
THE BEAT 101.1
MOVING ACTIVE ADZ
US BANK
OGLETREE DEAKINS
WALGREENS
ALEXI’S GRILL ASTOR HOUSE CHRISTO’S RISTORANTE CHRISTOPHER’S AND CRUSH CIBO URBAN PIZZERIA CAFE CORONADO CAFE THE DHABA THE DUCE EDDIE’S HOUSE HARLEY’S ITALIAN BISTRO HOB NOBS HULA’S MODERN TIKI JULIO G’S ON TATUM LABYBUG HOUSE OF SANDWICHES
8 | SUMMER 2013
LOS OLIVOS HAND CAR WASH MACALPINE’S RESTAURANT & SODA FOUNTAIN MI PATIO MEXICAN FOOD OCEAN PRIME CITY NORTH OVER EASY ARCADIA PORTLAND’S RESTAURANT WINE BAR RICHARDSON’S CUISINE OF NEW MEXICO SOCHU HOUSE TICOZ RESTO-BAR TRATTORIA DEL PIERO TUCK SHOP VOVOMEENA
swhiv.org