SUMMER 2014 swhiv.org
re:VIVE A TIME OF re:NEWAL
NEW CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES WELCOME TO THE NEW swhiv.org CLIENT UP CLOSE: TOM H. CAN DREAM AGAIN DINING OUT FOR LIFE, NIGHT FOR LIFE, PROGRAMS AND MORE! swhiv.org
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SUMMER 2014 1101 N. Central Avenue Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
“
I feel like I have a family. I feel
”
like I belong.
- Tina C. FEATUREfacts swhiv.org Gets re:FRESHED re:FRESH | re:NEW pg 4 Tom H. Can Dream Again CLIENT UP CLOSE pg 5 Positive Peer Prevention
PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE pg 9
ALSO >
FUNdraising! pg 6-7 Rodeo & Pride pg 10 Summer Programs pg 11
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MESSAGE FROM BRUCE Dear Southwest Center Friends and Family, Through your support we continue to provide important services that help keep people healthy - 30 years into the HIV epidemic. While we remain true to the passion and dedication that built Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, our new facility is one shining example of our renewal. If you take a look at our website at www.swhiv.org, you will see a beautiful new site that reflects who we are in 2014. A great deal of work has gone into this new site on the part of our dedicated staff. In partnership with our new Night for Life and Dining Out for Life websites, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS is now better able than ever before to communicate with everyone we serve and everyone who supports our important mission. Our Night For Life, which was held on Saturday May 10, used the theme “re:,” including re:MEMBER, re:ACT, re:COMMIT. It was a time for us to re:MEMBER those we have lost in our family who meant so much to us, people like our own Bob Hegyi and Rod Heslep. We honored all those we have lost by re:ACTing, taking acts that keep HIV in the vision of our society and taking acts that keep People Living with HIV/AIDS and our community healthy. As we look forward, we re:COMMIT ourselves as individuals and as a community to continue to be in service to stop HIV from infecting more members of our community and stealing more of our family. Adding to the “re:” theme, this is a time of re:NEWAL for Southwest Center. Our facility is physical evidence of the commitment of our City and community to fight HIV. Our website is another example of the re:NEWAL of Southwest Center. Not a new organization. Still the same focus. But a re:NEWED means of letting you know who we are, what we do, and why our mission continues to be so very important. Together as a community we are re:MEMBERing, re:ACTing, and re:COMMITing to the cause of stopping HIV and helping People Living with HIV/AIDS. Now as much as ever, we at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS are grateful for your support and commitment! Sincerely,
Bruce R. Weiss Interim Executive Director
Get more of The HIVfactor. Join our e-mail list at swhiv.org. Connect with Us! @SWCforHIVAIDS
/SWCforHIVAIDS
swhiv.org nightforlife.org diningoutforlifeaz.org
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 Integrated Health System and Maricopa County. Additional funding provided by Ryan White Part A and C and the Maricopa County Department of Health. (This applies to all Ryan White funded programs throughout this publication.) Programs also funded in part by
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re:FRESH | re:NEW
HIV Medical Case Management
by John Welch Director, Prevention and Intervention Services
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS has implementied its new Medical Case Management program! Nothing is more important for people with HIV than having access to quality health care. For some living with HIV, the health care system is overwhelmingly complex and difficult to navigate. Adding to this frustration is the complicated system of health insurance and government health programs that provide the benefits that pay for health care. Our HIV Medical Case Management program is staffed with knowledgeable, compassionate and committed professionals whose priority is helping clients navigate the health care system and make sure that health care benefits are secured. In addition to assisting clients in securing access to health care, our experienced case manager obtains the necessary social services that can ensure their best chance for treatment success. When you enroll in the Southwest Center Case Management program, a case manager will become your partner in planning the best way for your needs to be met. Your case manager will work together with you, your health care providers and others involved in your care so that you have a complete approach to meeting your needs. The following case management services will help you resolve problems, overcome barriers to treatment and give you the best opportunity for HIV treatment success:
• • • • • • •
Comprehensive needs assessment; Creation of a care plan; Enrollment in medical care; Advocacy for your benefits; Enrollment in other health and social services; Referrals for transportation, housing, and financial assistance; and Support groups.
For more information, call 602-595-8145.
Check Out Our New Website By Refreshing Your Browser! Visit the all new, re:FRESHED swhiv.org Get our programs, services, upcoming events, information and more new content. THANK YOU TO OUR RECENT GENEROUS GRANT DONORS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM SUPPORT
Camp Incredible Food & Nutrition
Integrated Collaborative Care Program
Camp Incredible
Food & Nutrition
Camp Incredible
Camp Incredible
We Are Here Campaign William L. and Ruth T.
General Operations
Pendleton MEMORIAL FUND
Center for Men’s Health
Child Watch
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Camp Incredible
Food, Nutrition & General Operations
We Are Here Campaign
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PEOPLE, PASSION, PURPOSE
Did You Know?
The Vitamin & Herb Shop at Southwest Center offers top quality products to HIV-positive clients. But, did you know they are also available to the public? That’s right, our Vitamin & Herb Shop carries high quality vitamins, herbs, botanicals and other dietary and wellness products for the general public at discount prices.
For those who are HIV-positive, natural vitamins can help decrease uncomfortable side effects of HIV/AIDS and medicines necessary to live long and well. With the consultation of our knowledgeable naturopathic medical doctors and registered dietitians, our clients can be assured that the vitamins and supplements dispensed at the Vitamin & Herb Shop are safe and effective. Visit the Vitamin & Herb Shop at Southwest Center Monday-Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm. And remember, products are available for purchase to the public.
CLIENT upCLOSE:
Ted H.
depression, loss of motivation, etc. I had previously told most of my friends and family that I had "Valley Fever" because I was embarrassed about having contracted HIV and I was very ashamed of myself and the situation that I got myself into.
My name is Ted H. I was diagnosed with HIV on June 8, 2013, after a month-long battle with various illnesses. I have lived in the Valley since 1994 and am a proud father of five children. For me, 2013 was a horrible year. I was pulled over for a DUI in another state, lost my commercial drivers license, lost my job, got a divorce, contracted HIV, was almost homeless, came out to friends and family as being bi-sexual, went to rehab, and was unemployed for six months! I started getting involved with Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS events in December 2013. I attended the Positive Connections (Healthy Relationships) Day Seminar in December. It was an amazing experience. I came in that day just a wreck. No direction in life, no permanent employment, high anxiety,
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The Positive Connections Seminar gave me a lot of good ideas about how to share my status with family, friends and others. It also built my future confidence so that I was able to come clean with my friends and family and share my HIV status with them. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I finished the seminar with a plethora of knowledge and I made a few new friends along the way. I then heard about a follow-up program, Positive Action. Each week I met with Lynea Adams - Prevention Interventions Manager, went through the program material, made action items and goals and had homework. She was amazing. Looking back now, the extra incentives were great but I would have done it without the incentives. It has been a month now since I have completed my six sessions. I just got a permanent career at a Fortune 100 company; my HIV level is undectable, I just moved into my new downtown
Phoenix apartment, have reconnected with my children and am having more interactions with them, and 3 out of the 4 DUI case charges were dropped and my case has been closed. I am looking to go back to school and finish my last few classes for my MBA. I am starting to look at new cars to purchase later this summer. I have been achieving and exceeding all of my goals that Lynea and I set together to improve my life situation. One thing I learned is that things aren't going to just happen. You have to make them happen! You have to do the leg work, planning, and execution of the action items in order to achieve your goals and results. I am a new and improved guy today as compared to just four months ago. I can now dream again because I have my vision back. I see a great life ahead of me for once in a long time. I will be forever grateful for Lynea, Southwest Center and the Positive Connections and Positive Action programs. If you are having life challenges, think you can't go on, or are just lost in life's challenges, I would highly recommend these outstanding programs.
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FUNdraising!
Where Did You Dine?
Southwest Center once again participated in Dining Out for Life, welcoming 53 Phoenix and Prescottarea restaurants and bars to our team. We were also lucky to host three nontraditional sites: Los Olivos Hand Car Wash, MacAlpine’s Retro Store and the Mesa BBQ/House Party gang.
Serving up sundaes at MacAlpines
Did you visit our new website, diningoutforlifeaz.org? We are very proud of our new website, which made it easier for diners to learn more about the event and find participating locations.
Finally, 2014 was also enhanced by the addition of new restaurants: Barrio Café, BLT Steak and Rita’s Kitchen at J.W. Marriot’s Camelback Inn, all nine Arizona California Pizza Kitchens, Hillside Spot Café, The Market by Jennifer, Porkopolis BBQ, and Johnny Chu’s newest venture, Red Thai. Thank you to ALL who supported and dined out with us!
Premiering
THIS FALL!
Behind-the-scenes at Southwest Center’s new Public Service Announcement video shoot
Dining Out for Life Comes to Life
Through the creative minds and talents of Odyssey Film’s Suzanne Johnson and Penelope Price, along with Rees Candee from Candee Productions, Dining Out for Life has a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) for Phoenix. With a variety of “stars,” the new PSA is bright, upbeat and grabs the viewer’s attention in a fun and unique way. The PSA can be seen on Southwest Center’s Dining Out for Life website at diningoutforlifeaz.org (click on the INFO tab). A big thank you to Odyssey Film and Candee Productions for all of their hard work.
Night for Life Gala Table Host Kick-Off Wow! What a wonderful Night for Life Gala Table Host Kick-off event. Great friends, great food and great cause! On Thursday, March 19, George Abrams, Michael Saavedra and Jim & Brenda Howard hosted Southwest Center's kick-off party for the Night for Life 2014 gala. Gala Co-hosts Nicole Stanton and Kirk Baxter shared the history of Southwest Center and exciting details about the successful event on May 10.
Jim and Brenda Howard with George Abrams and Michael Saavedra
Partnering together for an incredible, thrilling event!
CeCe Peniston Visits Southwest Center
Details coming soon to swhiv.org
Our Night for Life Headliner had a fun afternoon touring Southwest Center and meeting the staff before the gala. Bruce Weiss, CeCe Peniston, Mesha Davis and Kirk Baxter
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FUNdraising!
Thank You for a Great Night for Life! Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS embraces ALL who joined us for the Night for Life 2014 Gala presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Richard P. Stahl in downtown Phoenix on May 10, 2014. It was truly a re:MARKABLE night! Co-chaired by First Lady of Phoenix, Nicole Stanton, and Southwest Center Founder, Kirk Baxter, the inspirational and uplifting celebration helped the 600 guests to re:MEMBER, re:ACT and re:COMMIT to the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year's gala kicked off a yearlong celebration of Southwest Center's 25th anniversary. "One of the greatest honors of my life has been working with Nicole Stanton, said Kirk Baxter. Somehow, re:GARDLESS of her other responsibilities, Nicole's personal commitment to our cause always shines through. Her direct involvement with Southwest Center adds enormous credibility to all that we do." When the ballroom doors opened, the guests were drawn into the beauty and glamour that only Dennis Thompson and his artistic staff at White House Design Studio can create! The evening's program evoked both laughter and tears: entertaining emcees and friends Mark Howard and Thom Brodeur energized the crowd with their spontaneous humor and quick wit. Phoenix Theatre opened the evening with "Seasons of Love" from Rent. Seven HIV-positive clients bravely stood up on stage to demonstrate what the face of AIDS looks like: it is not just a white or black, or a gay or straight, or a male or female illness. Re:MINDING guests how Southwest Center impacts individuals living with HIV, impassioned auctioneer Letitia Frye introduced these brave men and women on stage as they revealed their status and story for the first time during the appeal. This heart of the program brought many guests to tears. swhiv.org
Bob and Renee Parsons, especially moved by the courage of these clients, pledged an additional one million dollars. This gesture came right on the heels of their announcement that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation would match, dollar-for-dollar, every donation made over the course of the evening's program. Southwest Center raised more than $1.5 million during its annual Night for Life Gala. ($430,000 was the gross amount raised before the match and $1 million gift.) The entertainment continued with show-stopping songs from the Valley's own CeCe Peniston, as well as two other Broadway numbers from a 20-member Phoenix Theatre cast lead by Michael Bannard, ending with "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. This spectacular event wasn't over until guests cheered and danced to the After Party brilliance of Cece and her band. Rave re:VIEWS came from our audience who considered this Southwest Center's Night for Life the best ever. Congratulations to our 2014 Night for Life Honorees: • • • • •
Tom Simplot - 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award Jack Black - 2014 Outstanding Achievement Award John Musil - 2014 Community Champion Award Mike Sparaco - 2014 Outstanding Philanthropist Award hardison/downey construction, inc. - 2014 Corporate Leadership Award • Holly Street Studio Architects - 2014 Corporate Leadership Award • Sue Adams - 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award We're especially grateful to Terry Madeksza from the Downtown Phoenix Partnership and our many other sponsors who ensured the overall excellence of everyone's downtown PHX experience. We hope to see you all as we re:LIVE the fun and energy next year at our 20th Anniversary of Night for Life in 2015! For more fun and inspiring pictures go to nightforlife.org.
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IN THE CENTER
Welcome New Board Member!
ROD HESLEP
John McDonald -
Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers
Welcome New Staff Members!
Say HI to some friendly, new faces at Southwest Center
March 23, 1948 - April 22, 2014
Farewell Dear Friend
well Dear Frie
#ImAtEllen
Carla Chee, winner of The Ellen Show ticket raffle, traveled to California this past April with her sister to see the 1800th episode of The Ellen Show, with special guest Adam Levine. Congrats to Carla and thank you to all who bought tickets to the raffle at our Grand Opening!
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Jake Bartell
Gaia Farnam
Tomas Johnson
Elijah Palles
Kayte Vucurevich
Barry Wilson
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IN THE CENTER
Congratulations Julie McAllister on LPC Approval Our behavioral health department veteran, Julie McAllister, was approved on June 5th to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. This decision converts her previous Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) status to allow for independent counseling practice. This achievement supports the growth of Southwest Center’s behavioral health department by accommodating clients who wish to utilize independent insurance. Julie has worked with Southwest Center since 2009 and loves what she does. She is a true asset to our organization and to our clients.
Positive Peer Prevention
Last year Positive Peer Prevention (P3), our classroom-based youth prevention program reached more than 3,000 students with 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. P3 motivates teens to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their friends by educating their peers about the prevention of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Did you know? • At least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under 25. • An estimated eight million cases of STIs other than HIV are diagnosed annually in the US are among people under the age of 25. • 9.8 percent of Arizona high school seniors said they have been forced to have sex when they didn’t want to do so. • Arizona youth are more likely to have used drugs or alcohol before having sex and are less likely to use condoms when having sex. • Arizona is ranked sixth in the nation for teen pregnancy. • P3 is also in Uganda, India, Amman, Jordan, Oman, the Gaza Strip and Palestine. Our P3 program demonstrates great results through pre and post tests year after year and is well respected by school officials and Arizona Deparment of Education. P3 relies on the genorosity of individuals, foundations and corporations for support.
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REACHING OUT
STUFF IT Party Kicks Off Outreach Events Our Prevention & Intervention team started the year out with two major community events: • The AGRA (Arizona Gay Rodeo Association) Rodeo • Phoenix Pride The Rodeo in Laveen over Valentines weekend was a huge success and tons of fun! Our wonderful team of staff and volunteers worked different shifts for a total of nearly 40 hours over two days. We met some really great people, conducted over 20 safer sex demonstrations and encouraged testing, testing, testing. Our STUFF IT party, where we assembled safer sex kits, had over 25 volunteers and six staff for a total of 68 man hours to prepare for the Rodeo and other outreach events. We proudly distributed 1,209 condoms and 867 lube packets at the Rodeo. We partnered with the FLEX Men’s Health Spa after they ran out of condoms and lube. As a result, we have started HIV Testing at the FLEX on Monday nights from 7pm to 10pm. We also partnered with Aunt Rita’s Foundation by helping them get 75 lifestyle surveys completed over the weekend to help AIDS research. With a crowd of 31,500, Phoenix Pride was our next and biggest outreach event so far this year. Southwest Center’s neon-colored booth carried the theme, “Get Tested. Love your Yourself Enough to Know!” It drew everyone’s attention and, once again, allowed our Prevention & Intervention Team to educate, engage and entertain the festival goers about safer sex. Thank you to all who stopped by our booth. And a special thank you to our booth volunteers, Ben, Cameron and Eric, who rocked the Rodeo.
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GET HEALTHY | GET INVOLVED
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. 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. Volunteers work in all aspects of the Center, from Development and Administration, to Prevention and Research. Call Tara at 602.595.8170 or e-mail at tmustic@swhiv.org to join our team of great volunteers!
Men’s Day
Logan’s Playground Child Watch*
Pizza & The Basics
A support group for gay & bisexual men who have been living with HIV for 10+ years.
Available on-site for all clients utilizing services at the Center.
Men’s Lunch & Learn Wednesdays 12:00 noon - 1:30p.m.
HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Please call 602.595.8166
A free, introductory HIV 101 Class for the entire community. We especially welcome those who are newly diagnosed and their support network.
Hope Group Wednesdays 10:30a.m. - 12:00 noon
A day of health, education and empowerment provides knowledge about health issues impacting men.
Please RSVP to 602.307.5330
*
Funded in part by: COX Charities, William L. and Ruth T. Pendleton Memorial Fund, The Safeway Foundation and Sundt Foundation
+Men Moving Forward Wednesdays 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
A weekly support group for all HIV+ men.
Women’s Day*
Shop at Fry’s Support Southwest Center You can support Southwest Center just by shopping at Fry’s. It’s easy when you enroll in Fry’s Community Rewards®!
Women’s Voices Thursdays 11:00a.m. - 12:00 noon
Support group that focuses on a variety of topics, from living with HIV to raising a family.
Voces de Mujeres Thursdays 11:00a.m. - 12:00 noon
Psychosocial group for Spanish speaking clients.
Women’s Lunch & Learn Thursdays 12:00 noon - 1:30p.m.
Support group for pregnant or new mommies. Last Thursday every other month. *
Funded in part by Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
To get started, sign up with your V.I.P. Card at frysfood.com, and enter NPO #81749 for Southwest Center. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll earn rewards (rebates) for us every time you shop and use your V.I.P. Card.
SOUTHWEST CENTER TESTING HOURS
>GET TESTED! FREE HIV TESTING
Monday-Thursday: 9:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. Last test taken at 6:30p.m.
Friday: 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. Last test taken at 4:30p.m. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing available Wednesday and Thursday 10:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200 | Phoeniz, AZ 85004 | 602.307.5330 | swhiv.org
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OUR VISION & MISSION Leading the fight against HIV and AIDS by reducing infection, improving the quality of life and contributing to worldwide research.
1101 N. Central Avenue, Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.307.5330 swhiv.org
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