Igniting Reasons to Live 2012

HELP FAIR Soars to Shift HIV/AIDS Paradigm into a HEFTE Village

Local community based organization, STRILITE and its counterpart The Living Affected Corporation served over 100 participants during its debut event, The HELP Fair, September 28, inside the First Presbyterian Church of Argenta in North Little Rock. The event which was designed to gather local social service providers in a one stop shop collaboration for participants who also could also access sexual health screenings, obtain a free bag of groceries and be served lunch on the premises. The event was in conjunction with recognizing National Gay Men's HIV Awareness Day, September 27 and was funded through a grant as an awareness day activity through the Arkansas Department of Health. "I was elated and overjoyed at the response from those seeking this event," said Jonathan Griggs, STRILITE President. " I wasn't sure what to expect, but I felt that our hard work and non-stop commitment to making this happen would pay off." According to organizers, individuals began lining up at the site at 8 am, four hours prior to the event taking place at noon. Service providers ranging from Workforce Services which brought their mobile intake unity, SNAP program which offers food stamp access to entities such as AFLAC were present to disseminate information on their respective services and offer supportive materials.

Additional information on the mission of the group and its umbrella entity, The Living Affected Corporation was also a centerpiece of the event. "We felt that we had to highlight that dealing with individuals holistically and enlisting other social services are vital in addressing HIV and AIDS," said D. Levi, LA Corp CEO. Griggs added, " we are excited about this chance to bring to life our "HEFTE" concept which addresses housing, education, food, treatment and employment in relation to either linking or retaining individuals into HIV/AIDS care." He concluded, "through our research we've determined that these social determinants must be apart of the health care mix if we are to adequately make some impact within the community." Ultimately the organization believes that a "HEFTE Village" is the answer to shifting the paradigm in dealing with HIV and AIDS. After assessing the impact of this event, the group plans to explore if the concept could be leveraged into a DEBI style intervention or perhaps become a state model in lieu of the BAI Testing Tour. The event resulted in over 150 HIV/AIDS/STD screenings and 90 plus bags of groceries given to participants. Volunteers and supporters assisted with packing and delivering groceries to awaiting cars, serving lunch, parking cars, testing, and ushering participants through the event. The group is underway with planning HELP Fair 2.0 to commemorate World AIDS Day, December 1, 2012. Sponsors, contributions and in-kind gifts are being sought to add to the planning of the second part of the event.

The group's purpose serves as a sub-grantee of ADH as well as the conduit of the HIV Prevention module to serve same gender loving men having sex with men population. For more information on volunteer opportunities contact Griggs at either 855-STRILITE( 855-787-4583) or 501.379.8203

September Falling

New Media – Twitter – Remember National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

 

By Deb LeBel, Partnerships Specialist, AIDS.gov

 

Today, many people in the HIV community and beyond will observe the fifth annual National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In the midst of HIV testing events, conferences, and other events in local communities, it is appropriate to stop today and remember the place of men who have sex with men (MSM) in the ongoing history of the epidemic.
Just over 30 years ago, on June 5, 1981, the report of a new unnamed illness affecting five gay men trained the world’s attention on the epidemic. Since then, the disparate impact of HIV on MSM has been an integral part of the history of the epidemic (check out this timeline).
To recognize that history, five years ago, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) founded this HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in order to “help gay men remember how much we have accomplished together in the fight against HIV/AIDS, remember the quarter-million lovers and brothers we have lost, and renew our commitment to ending what is now an endable epidemic.”

We have reached a historic point in the response to this epidemic. Today, on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we are using new tools and new approaches to reach gay men with HIV prevention, testing, and treatment information.
Recently the National Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition (NBGMAC) held a Twitter town hall for over 100 young Black MSM (YBMSM) and service providers who work with them. NBGMAC used Twitter to increase awareness of health policy issues affecting YBMSM and to mobilize Black gay men to prevent new infections and end the epidemic.

The Federal Digital Strategy encourages us to take a new approach to providing access to information and services–and to ask ourselves about how we can use new media to extend the reach of our work. How are you using new media to improve your outreach to MSM at risk for, or living with, HIV/AIDS?
Knowledge
I encourage you to look at recent developments and resources that inform how our nation addresses the prevention, care, and treatment needs of MSM. A few examples:

• The National HIV/AIDS Strategy calls for high-impact prevention efforts to make a difference in the epidemic among MSM (among other key populations). National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an opportunity to review the Strategy’s call to action and to help us find the role each of us can play in making the Strategy real.

• Many scientific presentations at last summer’s International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) are informing our knowledge of what works with men who are at higher risk for being infected or affected by HIV. Among the relevant sessions was the special symposium “The Lancet 2012 Special Theme Series: Men Who Have Sex with Men and HIV.” Check out this post to learn more about the session, including the research presented by Greg Millett, Senior Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CDC/HHS Liaison to White House Office of National AIDS Policy.In conference sessions and in the conference halls, attendees talked about the science and concerns around the healthcare needs of MSM. For a sample, listen to a conversation about addressing HIV disparities among black MSM between Dr. Ron Valdiserri, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Infectious Diseases and Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy at HHS, and Terrance Moore, Director of Policy and Health Equity at the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD ).

• CDC issued interim guidance on using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection among MSM. CDC also recently released a fact sheet on PrEP (PDF).

• CDC’s Testing Makes Us Stronger campaign assists local service providers and advocates by producing messages and materials to reach MSM with testing messages. CDC also offers this fact sheet on the reach of the epidemic among gay men (PDF).

With these and other resources—and the continued collaborative efforts of federal and non-federal partners— our history books will someday note the achievement of a year where our national health observances reflect the widest successes in our response to the epidemic among MSM.
You can follow the conversation about National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Twitter at #NGMHAAD .

Reaching for Rainbow Living

Health care law ensures consumers get clear, consistent information about health coverage

Because of the health care law, millions of Americans will have access to standardized, easy-to-understand information about health plan benefits and coverage. Insurance companies and employers are now required to provide consumers in the private health insurance market with a brief summary of what a health insurance policy or employer plan covers, called a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). Additionally, consumers will have access to a Uniform Glossary that defines insurance and medical terms in standard, consumer-friendly terms.

These tools will also assist employers in finding the best coverage for their business and employees.
“Thanks to the health care law, Americans will now get clear, consistent and comparable information when shopping for health coverage,” said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “These new tools empower consumers to make informed decisions about their health coverage options and to choose the plan that is best for them, their families, and their business.”
The SBC includes a new comparison tool, called Coverage Examples, which is modeled on the Nutrition Facts label required for packaged food, that helps consumers compare coverage options by showing a standardized sample of what each health plan will cover for two common medical situations—having a baby and managing type 2 diabetes.

The SBC will include information about the covered health benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and the network of providers. The glossary defines terms commonly used in the health insurance market, such as “deductible” and “co-pay,” using clear language.
Before today, people often lacked uniform and comparable information when shopping for coverage, often relying only on marketing materials to make decisions. Starting this fall, consumers will receive the SBC free of charge and in writing from the consumers’ insurance company or employer. This information can be requested at any time, but it will also be made available when shopping for, enrolling in or renewing coverage. It will also be provided whenever information in the SBC changes significantly.

The SBC will be available beginning today for consumers in the individual health insurance market. For enrollees in group health plans enrolling during an open enrollment period, it will be available during the next open enrollment period that starts on or after Sept. 23, 2012. For enrollees who enroll outside of an open enrollment period, it will be available at the start of the next plan year that begins on or after Sept. 23, 2012.

The SBC and Glossary were developed in collaboration with the Department of Labor, Department of Treasury, consumer groups, the insurance industry, State Insurance Commissioners, and other stakeholders.

For more information on today’s announcement, please visit:
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/sbc/index.html
For a sample SBC, please see: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/sbc-sample.pdf (PDF - 530 KB)
For the SBC template, please visit: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/sbc-template.pdf (PDF - 475 KB)
For the Uniform Glossary, please visit: http://cciio.cms.gov/resources/files/Files2/02102012/uniform-glossary-final.pdf (PDF - 139 KB)

September Bounce and Roll

Know Now Campaign Develops Local Color

In case you haven't being keeping up, the "Know Now" HIV prevention campaign has been ebbing and flowing since its step off as the centerpiece of National HIV Awareness Day a few months back. The campaign was met with a bit of a sour note as a competing ad entitled "Know Not" was created as a counter to the fact that the campaign lacked local images or recognition of same sex couples from a positive prospective. Wednesday, ad company Advantage Communications "retooled" and further developed the campaign using local same gender loving men whom were recruited to be apart of a photo shoot. "I was glad to be apart of the shoot and felt that what we accomplished was what was needed to as a "buy in" for the designated population being sought." said Kevin Holmes. Holmes actively posted notices concerning the shoot as well as recruited from his friendship network. During the shoot participants were fashioned in numerous outfits and scenarios that were intended to mirror gay life. The group STRILITE spearheaded the "Know Not" effort as a means of bringing the issue of cultural competency to those developing the project on behalf of the

Arkansas Department of Health. Jonathan G. of STRILITE stated, " we were glad to learn that AC wanted us to be apart of the process and invited us to help find models. This is what should have happened perhaps from the beginning before we produced our rebuttal video." He continued, " hopefully we are off to having a campaign that will be high impact while delivering a sound message that will seen throughout the community." Just as a reminder of that little production, COP 24/7 is embedding it here for a re-look which also included yours truly as a supporter. This forum was also on the scene for the photo shoot and will share an update next week on who made the cut as models and further development status of the project. Stay locked and loaded to COP 24/7, come follow us, opt-in e-mail or bookmark us to stay in the info loop!!!

 

Through the Affordable Care Act, Americans with Medicare will save $5,000 through 2022

5.5 million seniors saved money on prescription drugs and 19 million got free preventive care in 2012

 

Because of the health care law – the Affordable Care Act – the average person with traditional Medicare will save $5,000 from 2010 to 2022, according to a report today from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. People with Medicare who have high prescription drug costs will save much more – more than $18,000 – over the same period.
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also announced that, because of the health care law, more than 5.5 million seniors and people with disabilities saved nearly $4.5 billion on prescription drugs since the law was enacted. Seniors in the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole have saved an average of $641 in the first eight months of 2012 alone. This includes $195 million in savings on prescriptions for diabetes, over $140 million on drugs to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and $75 million on cancer drugs so far this year. Also in the first eight months of 2012, more than 19 million people with original Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost to them.

“I am pleased that the health care law is helping so many seniors save money on their prescription drug costs,” Secretary Sebelius said. “A $5,000 savings will go a long way for many beneficiaries on fixed incomes and tight budgets.”
The health care law includes benefits to make Medicare prescription drug coverage more affordable. In 2010, anyone with Medicare who hit the prescription drug donut hole received a $250 rebate. In 2011, people with Medicare who hit the donut hole began receiving a 50 percent discount on covered brand-name drugs and a discount on generic drugs. These discounts and Medicare coverage gradually increase until 2020, when the donut hole will be closed.

The health care law also makes it easier for people with Medicare to stay healthy. Prior to 2011, people with Medicare had to pay for many preventive health services. These costs made it difficult for people to get the health care they needed. For example, before the health care law passed, a person with Medicare could pay as much as $160 for a colorectal cancer screening. Because of the Affordable Care Act, many preventive services are now offered free to beneficiaries (with no deductible or co-pay) so the cost is no longer a barrier for seniors who want to stay healthy and treat problems early.

In 2012 alone, 19 million people with traditional Medicare have received at least one preventive service at no cost to them. This includes 1.9 million who have taken advantage of the Annual Wellness Visit provided by the Affordable Care Act – almost 600,000 more than had used this service by this point in the year in 2011. In 2011, an estimated 32.5 million people with traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage received one or more preventive benefits free of charge.

For state-by-state information on savings in the donut hole, please visit: http://downloads.cms.gov/files/Summary-Chart-2010-2012.pdf
For state-by-state information on utilization of free preventive services, please visit: http://downloads.cms.gov/files/preventive-services-data.pdf
For more information on the estimate that the average Medicare beneficiary will save $5,000 from 2010 to 2022 as a result of the health care law, please visit: http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2012/beneficiarysavings/ib.shtml

 

Up to the Challenge of Living

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day: Recognizing the Challenges of Growing Older with HIV/AIDS

 

By Grant Colfax, MD, Director, Office of National AIDS Policy (Cross-posted from The White House Office of National AIDS Policy Blog)

 

Today marks the fifth observance of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. It is a day where we recognize that while the progress made in reducing HIV mortality and morbidity is remarkable, people aging with HIV face multiple, unique challenges. By 2015 over half of all people living with HIV in the US will be over age 50. A major reason for the ‘greying’ of HIV in the US is due to the tremendous success of medications that have dramatically increased the lifespans of people living with HIV.

About 10% of new HIV infections in the United States occur among persons over 50. HIV prevention among older adults is complicated because clinicians are less likely to consider the possibility of HIV infection in this population. Part of the reason for this is that the overwhelming majority of new HIV infections in the US occur among younger populations. However, decreased testing rates mean that older adults are more likely than younger adults to be diagnosed later in their disease progression (i.e. more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS less than a year after diagnosis).
Racial and ethnic disparities observed in the US HIV epidemic overall are reflected among older persons living with HIV. The rates of HIV/AIDS among people over 50 are 12 times higher for African-Americans and 5 times higher for Latinos compared with whites, which has implications for life expectancy as well as HIV transmission because black and Latino populations generally are less likely to have access to clinical care.

While more people aging with HIV are living healthier, more productive lives than ever before, growing older with HIV may present multiple medical challenges. Because the immune systems of people living with HIV are constantly fighting infection, they are more prone to ongoing inflammation which is associated with co-morbid conditions associated with aging such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer. Liver disease, often the result of co-infection with hepatitis C, is prevalent. Decreased bone density is also common, potential due to combination of the normal aging process, medication side effects, and the direct effects of the virus itself

Over the past several years, the US government has drawn attention to the issue of HIV and aging. In 2010, President Obama released the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States. HIV and aging was among the issues outlined in the Strategy. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration on Aging (AoA), the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have also moved the HIV and aging agenda forward.
In the past year, HHS AoA held a webinar on (The Graying of HIV/AIDS) to provide information on seniors living with HIV and seniors at risk for HIV. HHS AoA also produced and released a toolkit to inform older adults about HIV risks and to encourage older adults to know their HIV status. The VA continues to be at the forefront of HIV and research through ongoing implementation of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS). VACS, a study that includes HIV-positive as well as HIV-negative veterans, follows participants over time and evaluates the health of veterans. Much of what we have learned about HIV and aging has arisen from VACS analyses.

HIV and aging has also been a major focus at National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the past year, the NIH has released several research funding announcements specific to HIV and aging and in July NIH released HIV and aging was one of the topic areas during the International HIV/AIDS Conference. In addition, the NIH Office of AIDS Research recently released a report on HIV and aging. The comprehensive report, based upon consultation from an expert working group, 1) summarizes knowledge and state the problem in research area; 2) identifies priority research areas; 3) points out specific knowledge gaps; and 4) suggest research to address gaps.

Progress has been made in research and programs with regard to aging and HIV, but more remains to be done. As part of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, Federal efforts will continue to help people aging with HIV not only live longer, but maximize their health and wellnes

Rainbow Rushes of The Living

STRILITE HELP Fair Prepares for Turnout

Local community based upstart, STRILITE continues to prepare for its first event in recognition of Gay Men's Awareness Day, September 27 with it's HELP Fair, Friday, September 28, 12-6 pm at 401 North Maple Street inside the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall and surrounding  grounds. "We are actively seeking additional volunteers to come and share the wonderful event with us." said Jonathan Griggs, President.( picutred with K. Holmes) "the repsonse has been a bit overwhelming and I'm not sure what to expect. We've canvassed the city with our media pieces and scaled it up with a radio spot. I feel that we've alerted the community to this testing event that also is designed to bring to life our "HEFTE" concept." he concluded

 According to organizers the provider list is at capacity and additional volunteers are being sought to assist with multi-faceted event slated as a one stop shop of social service access and health screening including HIV/AIDS Oraquick testing. COP 24/7 was proud to be asked to participate in the creative aspect of their media pieces including advertisement currently running on Streetz 101.1 FM.

The team at 101.1 did an outstanding job of envisioning and capturing the spirit of the venture. Therefore, if 101.1 FM is not your station choice, we couldn't let this forum not let that media outlet have all the glory. Click on the link embed below to hear just what went down and the power of collaboration in creative frame of mind! For more info call 855.STRILITE or info@lacorponline.org

http://www.evoca.com/api/users/bodypolitic/recordings/bodypolitic-bodypolitic-HELP%20Fair%202012.mp3?structure=hyphenated&code=281545


Latino AIDS Commission Collaborates in Arkansas

The Latino AIDS Commission of New York City and local community based organization, The Living Affected Corporation (www.livingaffected.blogspot.com) will be collaborating on additional capacity building utilizing focus groups surveying the use of social media among Black MSM statewide. The Deadline to participate is September 21, 2012. The groups are slated to meet in the Central Arkansas area September 26. The focus groups will be used as a further community discovery process as a conduit to disseminating future HIV/ AIDS risk reduction messages and themes. "I found this to be a unique opportunity to have access to these experts for this project with hopes of expanding our scope and extending our services to the latino community," said CEO Diedra Levi. Continuing, "collaborating from different cultural visions and approaches is vital to making connections throughout the state. Unfortunately we've not made as many inroads within the latino community as should be done. Yet work such as this could be the beginning of creating a frame to engage other people of color communities." The group will also work in concert with Willie Rhodes, ADH LGBTQ Outreach Coordinator whom has acted as the local point person for the project and been instrumental in securing logistics and details.

Since its inception, the Commission has been directed by Dennis de Leon, a tireless advocate and national leader of the Latino community struggle to address the epidemic until his passing in December 2009. Guillermo Chacón, former Vice-President of the Latino Commission on AIDS and a national leader on Latinos and HIV/AIDS issues was named President by the Board of Directors in November 2009.

The Commission is dedicated to resolving the HIV crisis in the Latino community, where social stigma, poverty, language barriers, immigration status fears, and access to care, deter testing and increase the infection rate. Over 200,000 Latinos in the U.S. and Puerto Rico are living with HIV/AIDS. The fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., Latinos constitute 14% of the U.S. population but account for over 19% of the AIDS cases.

According to organizers incentives will be offered to a limited number of participants based on a first come first serve basis. Applications can be obtained from the The Living Affected offices at 401 North Maple Suite A or contact the organization at 501.379.8203.

Celebrating National Recovery Month and Associated Efforts to Strengthen Viral Hepatitis Services

By Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Infectious Diseases, and Director, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Ronald Valdiserri

September marks the 23rd annual observance of National Recovery Month (Recovery Month). Our colleagues at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) organize Recovery Month as an observance to educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable people with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live healthy and rewarding lives. The main focus is to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from these conditions, just as we would those who are successfully managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. Additionally, Recovery Month is a time to honor the service providers who help make prevention, treatment, and recovery available to millions of people across the nation. These providers are key partners in our efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis associated with drug use behaviors, which is an important part of the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.

Substance Abuse and Viral Hepatitis
Injection-drug use is a primary risk factor for exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) because of the sharing of needles and drug preparation equipment. Among new cases of hepatitis C reported to CDC, injection-drug use is the most common risk factor. Alarmingly, CDC has recently reported that new hepatitis C infections are highest in people ages 20-29 and are occurring in suburban and rural areas rather than in urban areas where rates have historically been highest. Research shows that injection-drug users (IDUs) have high rates of viral hepatitis infection with an estimated 64% chronically infected with HCV and up to 11% chronically infected with HBV. IDUs are not only disproportionately affected by these viruses, but they are also more likely to have more severe hepatitis-related health outcomes compared to other infected populations—primarily because of additional, related health problems and inadequate access to and receipt of needed health care services.

The good news is that research funded through our colleagues at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that drug abuse prevention and treatment are effective at preventing the spread of infectious disease, including viral hepatitis. With proper drug treatment, individuals can change the behaviors that put them at risk for contracting infectious diseases like viral hepatitis. And, for those who may have chronic viral hepatitis, substance abuse treatment and recovery can enable them to take full advantage of effective treatments for viral hepatitis.

The Viral Hepatitis Action Plan
The fifth goal of the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis calls on us to ensure that persons who use drugs have access to viral hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment services. Chief among the ways we can advance this goal is by integrating viral hepatitis prevention and care services as standard components of all substance abuse treatment programs.
During the first year of implementing the multi-year Action Plan, significant achievements toward this goal have included:

• FDA’s approval of a new HCV rapid point-of-care test and CDC’s initiation of demonstration projects to study the use of these new diagnostics in activities targeting IDUs.
• SAMHSA’s development and dissemination of Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 53, entitled “Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People with Substance Use Disorders.” TIP 53 is a comprehensive resource for behavioral health staff in substance abuse treatment facilities on integrating drug treatment and hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment. Disseminated to all 432 SAMHSA substance abuse treatment grantees, the TIP is available online, was also promoted in a blog post, and shared with grantees of the Office on Women’s Health and the Indian Health Service, also partners in implementing the Action Plan.
• Strengthening of technical assistance and training to help SAMHSA-supported prevention programs integrate both viral hepatitis and HIV prevention strategies.
• VA has incorporated education around models of care delivery for Veterans with hepatitis C and ongoing substance use into their training programs including those on end-stage liver disease, treatment of HCV, and Liver Health Initiative trainings.
• Both NIH and CDC are examining emerging evidence of HCV transmission of among young IDUs infected with HCV to inform the development of prevention interventions for this population.

Looking Forward
While these important actions have advanced our efforts, we know that there’s more work to be done. During Recovery Month, I invite you to consider how you can join our continued efforts to reduce the incidence and prevalence of viral hepatitis in this heavily impacted population. How might you or your organization strengthen the link between viral hepatitis prevention and care services in substance abuse treatment activities? Each of us, from family members, to providers, to local, state, and federal partners, can make a difference in reducing the spread of viral hepatitis and supporting and sustaining the far-reaching benefits that long-term recovery can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Living it UP and OUT

It Gets Better Supported by STRILITE

STRILITE, has been forging it way to further understand its mission and vision to thwart the spread of HIV/AIDS within the Black MSM community and beyond. However, as added element to its work, the group also believes that stigma and violence has played its part in increasing infections rates or preventing individuals being linked or retained in care. The group has been careful to include the "It Gets Better" themes within the scope of its HIV prevention work and applauds President Obama's position to share in that message.
 

The Living and Affected Catch UP

HIV Prevention Must Resume Its Place in the Larger LGBT Agenda    
by Jeffery Levi from the Huffington Post

 

Much of the rhetoric at this year's International AIDS Conference was about achieving an "AIDS-free generation." This new optimism reflects the tremendous progress that has been made in both the science of HIV and our ability to translate that science into meaningful prevention and treatment programs, but if the United States is going to be part of that AIDS-free generation, we are going to need to refocus our attention on the domestic epidemic among gay men.

Gay men in the U.S. represent the largest proportion of new HIV infections. Young men who have sex with men (MSM) are the only risk group for which HIV incidence appears to be increasing.
For gay men of color, the crisis is especially dire. Between 2006 and 2009, the CDC estimates that HIV incidence increased by 21 percent among young people (13 to 29 years old), driven by a 34-percent increase among young MSM, which in turn was driven almost exclusively by a 48-percent increase among young African-American MSM. In spite of similar risk behaviors, black gay men are at greater risk of infection than any other risk group, in part because of lower rates of HIV and STI diagnosis and treatment. The severe racial disparities that characterize the HIV epidemic in the U.S. are one of the most important equality issues for the LGBT community.

Yet these data run counter to the prevailing perception of the epidemic within the gay community -- that is, that things were bad in the 1980s and early 1990s, but once effective treatments came online in the mid 1990s, the crisis passed. How could this be?
First, it is clear that a younger generation of gay men have not been reached with the prevention message. The gay community has been appropriately praised for the tremendous reduction in risky behavior that occurred in the early years of the epidemic. The early mobilization of the LGBT community against HIV, a mobilization that occurred in a hostile political climate and initially with little government support, resulted in an 89-percent decline in the estimated HIV transmission rate.
Today we are in danger of seeing that progress reversed. One indicator of the problem is the estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that some 20 percent of HIV-positive Americans are unaware of their infection, and nearly half of new HIV infections originate in individuals who are unaware that they have HIV.

Second, scientific advances in treating HIV have led the public at large and many in the gay community to consider HIV a treatable, "chronic" disease. And indeed it is -- if people are diagnosed early, and if they have access to quality and sustainable care.

But the data suggest otherwise: The CDC estimates that only 28 percent of those with HIV are actually successfully treated, meaning that their HIV is suppressed. This is an avoidable problem if more people know their status and we take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Affordable Care Act to expand access to health coverage for all Americans, including the estimated 24 percent of people with HIV who lack insurance. And while we offer the message of hope that an HIV diagnosis is not a death sentence, we must reinforce the primary prevention message: avoiding HIV infection in the first place.

Third, the LGBT community's attention to HIV has declined. By the late 1980s the "professionalization" of the HIV response resulted in waning interest by LGBT organizations in HIV advocacy and mobilization. HIV was left to the growing number of national and local AIDS organizations that took up the cause.

But in mainstreaming HIV as the larger public health challenge that it is, the gay-specific voice has diminished. That's been a missed opportunity to reinforce the self-caring approach that supported so much of the early HIV prevention efforts among gay men. That is not to say that the larger LGBT agenda is not relevant to the fight against HIV. Indeed, it is central: We have solid evidence that higher-risk behavior among gay men is strongly associated with feelings of stigmatization because of sexual orientation and the legacy of family and societal discrimination. So the fights against discrimination, bullying, and hate crimes and for same-sex marriage all validate LGBT people and their relationships and have the potential for bringing a "whole health" approach to HIV prevention among gay men. But these struggles need to be united, not fragmented. And HIV prevention must resume its appropriate place in the larger LGBT agenda.

So what is to be done? Our organizations recently released an issue brief, titled "Ending the HIV Epidemic Among Gay Men in the United States," that outlines a comprehensive agenda that includes taking full advantage of the Affordable Care Act to assure HIV testing, care, and treatment are readily available for all who need them. It also calls for reforms in the health system toward a "whole health" approach to meeting the needs of LGBT people -- from mental health and primary care to HIV prevention interventions for HIV-positive gay men. Among the goals are assuring access to early treatment to decrease a person's HIV viral load, which will improve their health outcomes and reduce the likelihood that HIV will be passed on to others. We also need to scale up HIV testing among gay men and remobilize the LGBT community so that we repeat the successes of the 1980s in changing the course of the epidemic.

This is not a small agenda, and it is one that will require a realigning of resources and priorities inside government and in the community. But the lives of another generation of gay men hang in the balance.
While the focus on gay men is but one element of a national response to HIV (as demonstrated in the comprehensive approach taken by the Obama administration's National HIV/AIDS Strategy), rising HIV incidence among gay men poses the greatest threat to achieving the national goal of creating an AIDS-free generation.

 

Follow Jeffrey Levi on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HealthyAmerica1

Free Falling into Fall 2012

HELP FAIR offers One Stop Social Service

Local community based organization and affiliate of The Living Affected Corporation
STRILITE is preparing for its debut event, September 28 , 12- 6pm at 401 North Maple Street inside the First Presbyterian Church of Argenta in North Little Rock. Currently volunteers are being recruited to assist with The fair is designed to offer a "one stop" experience for those seeking social services, health screenings and additional information on the mission of the group and its umbrella entity, The Living Affected Corporation. Jonathan Griggs said, " we are excited about this chance to bring to life our "HEFTE" concept which addresses housing, education, food, treatment and employment in relation to either linking or retaining individuals into HIV/AIDS care." "through our research we've determined that these social determinants must be apart of the health care mix if we are to adequately make some impact within the community," He concluded. The group's purpose serves as a sub-grantee of ADH as well as the conduit of the HIV Prevention module to serve same gender loving men having sex with men population. All services will be offered free including limited groceries, giveaways, and information tables ranging from Workforce Services to companies such as AFLAC and Philander Smith College. For more information contact Griggs at either 855-STRILITE( 855-787-4583) or 501.379.8203

The Federal Digital Strategy and Opportunities for the Federal HIV Work Force

By Miguel Gomez, Director, AIDS.gov, and Senior Communications Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

On May 23, 2012, the White House released the Digital Government Strategy (PDF), a twelve-month roadmap to build a 21st Century Digital Government that delivers better digital services to the American people.

The AIDS.gov team has been closely following the progress of the Strategy from development to implementation. We see the Strategy as an opportunity for change that can improve Federal communication about HIV, expand our collective reach and ultimately better serve the public around HIV prevention, care and treatment. We are working with our Federal colleagues to ensure that all of us understand the Strategy and are communicating about meeting its requirements. Given the Strategy’s significance, we used this opportunity to educate ourselves, our stakeholders, and colleagues in the Federal HIV community about this initiative.

To further act on this obligation, on August 14, 2012, AIDS.gov hosted “The Federal Digital Strategy and Opportunities for the Federal HIV Work Force” webinar. Federal staff from over 100 listening sites (representing agencies from HHS, VA, HUD, and the State Department and more) heard from senior leadership across the U.S. Government about the Digital Government Strategy, its impact on Federal programs, and how it is being implemented at the Federal agency level. Here are some highlights:
Ms. Gwynne Kostin, Director, Digital Services Innovation Center, Office of Citizen Services & Innovative Technologies, GSA, opened the call by providing an overview of the Strategy. Ms. Kostin noted that the Strategy is the result of work by two Federal workgroups focused on the revising Federal web and mobile policies. Ms. Kostin emphasized: 1) The Strategy is all about people and providing them access to information and services anytime, anywhere, on any device; 2) sharing best practices, platforms, and other available resources across the U.S. Government to provide high-quality digital services in a cost-effective and efficient manner; and 3) preparing the Government to adapt to the inevitable changes in technology.
Ms. Prudence Goforth, Director, Web Communications and New Media Division, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, HHS, talked about what implementation means at the agency level and highlighted opportunities the Strategy provides for the Federal HIV community. She underscored the importance of Federal agencies understanding their audiences and developing and delivering content through multiple channels to effectively reach the people they serve.

Mr. Fred Smith, Technology Team Lead, Electronic Media Branch, Division of News and Electronic Media, Office of the Associate Director for Communications, CDC, discussed content syndication as one way to achieve the aims of the Strategy. Content syndication is a process that allows content to be created once, but republished across multiple websites and web-based platforms. Syndicating content allows Federal agencies to make content available to many more citizens through multiple channels more efficiently and at lower cost compared to building and maintaining numerous websites.

Mr. Rick Holgate, Assistant Director for Science and Technology and Chief Information Officer, ATF, wrapped up the call by discussing what the Strategy means for an increasingly mobile workforce. He highlighted that mobile technologies have the capacity to enhance productivity and maximize the time Federal staff have to serve the public.
The speakers then responded to questions from Federal staff.
In the coming months, AIDS.gov will continue to follow and blog about the Strategy. Within the lens and requirements of the Strategy, we will also continue to look at the role of new media in enhancing communication with the people we serve—the HIV community, our Federal colleagues, citizens, and other stakeholders. Visit http://www.hhs.gov/digitalstrategy and learn more about the Strategy at www.AIDS.gov.

ARcare Receives $500,000 Grant to Expand HIV Services in Arkansas

Funding will benefit women, infants, children and youth unable to afford HIV healthcare

ARcare, a community health center providing medical and other services in Arkansas and Kentucky, has been awarded a federal grant of $500,000 to provide a full range of HIV specialty medical and social services for women, infants, children and youth who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and living in 53 counties of northwest, southwest, north central and northeast Arkansas.

The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ryan White Part D Healthcare Program. The funding will expand access to care for HIV positive individuals who otherwise are unable to afford HIV health care and support services. Such services include HIV specialty and primary care visits, mental health services, oral health services, medical and non-medical case management, nutritional counseling, transportation assistance, adherence education and monitoring, outreach, and other services either at an ARcare medical clinic, an ARcare HIV Service Access Center, or with partnering agencies and healthcare systems.

“ARcare has been a Part D Grantee for the past 11 years, serving only Northeast Arkansas. Now, with this new competitive grant, we are able to expand our medical services to women, infants, children and youth in parts of the state that have never had access to the benefits of this grant, including the entire western half of Arkansas” said Dr. J. Dan Moore, HIV Services Program Director for ARcare. “We can now partner with local HIV providers and other specialists in the new service area to help assure that the target populations have access to health care services. This grant will further our mission at ARcare of providing ‘Health for All’.”

ARcare currently provides HIV services as a subcontractor in five of the six HIV service districts for the Arkansas Department of Health’s HIV Services Ryan White Part B Program, providing HIV social services at 14 ARcare HIV Service Access Center sites throughout Arkansas. ARcare also provides direct HIV and primary medical care and other social services through the Ryan White Part C Grant in North Central and Northeast Arkansas at ARcare clinics located in Conway, Kensett, Batesville, and Jonesboro, Arkansas.

This grant is awarded by the Health and Human Services (HHS) to 114 community-based organizations, university hospitals and health departments nationwide in the amount of more than $68 million nationwide to ensure that women, infants, children, and youth living with HIV/AIDS receive comprehensive primary HIV medical care and support services.

“With these investments, we’re targeting our resources to the communities that need them most,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. “This will help women, infants and children with HIV get the care and treatment they need by increasing access to comprehensive, coordinated primary care.”

For more information about HIV services at ARcare, please visit http://www.arcarehiv.com. ARcare has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home, and was the first community health center nationwide to receive this distinction.

Augusta-based ARcare, a Baptist Health affiliate, is a private nonprofit corporation developed to provide affordable care to meet the primary medical and dental care needs of the residents of Arkansas through a network of primary care clinics, dental clinics, pharmacies and wellness centers. Dr. Steven Collier helped start the organization in 1986. Today, ARcare serves 30 communities. ARcare received the State Governor’s Quality Award for Achievement, and also serves as the state contractor for the Special Services Program. For more information and a complete list of clinics and affiliations, visit www.arcare.net J. Dan Moore, M.D.

 

New Heights Emerging

 Living Affected Grows Organically in Community

The Living Affected Corporation has undertaken a growing initiative under the new First Presbyterian Church Community Gardens Project funded through a Argenta beautification grant from the city of North Little Rock. "As an organization we speak about the dilemma "food" as a social determinant within our "Housing, Education, Food,Treatment, Employment "concept." said Jonathan Griggs. "I hadn't really thought about us actually growing a product but as we've moved forward with the project it seems like a natural fit within all of the efforts that we are undertaking. Griggs has been a primary contact for the group STRILITE's upcoming HELP Fair set for September 28, 12-6 pm in the church's fellowship hall.  

He continued, "we will need volunteers to come help us with the fair as well as those who can help us make the gardening project a success. It's been a blast in researching and determining the best way to execute the process." The group hopes to begin following the growing season with  planting fresh greens such as radishes, speciality lettuces such as mesculin, spinach and other hardy fall weather produce. As a community based organization affiliate of The Living Affected Corporation, STRILITE was created to address HIV/AIDS prevention issues in the Black MSM community. Within its structure, the group also has identified other social determinants that directly correlates with linking or either retaining individuals to an treatment regimen.   If you are interested in sharing your "green thumb" expertise or would like to learn more about our volunteer opportunities reach out to LA Corp at 379-8203. ( pictured: J. Mclaughlin)

Gearing up for Social Media at USCA

By Aisha Moore, Communications Director, AIDS.gov

 

It’s been a month since AIDS 2012 and now it’s time for the 2012 United States Conference on AIDS . The annual conference planned by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) takes place September 30 to October 4, 2012. The conference marks the 25th anniversary of its founding. The 2012 theme is “Ending the AIDS Epidemic.”
We are focusing on providing technical assistance (TA) on using new media in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We wanted to share opportunities to engage with us:

• Monday, October 1, 2:30-4:00PM: State of New Media and HIV/AIDS in the U.S.
• Tuesday, October 2, 2:30 to 4:00PM: NMAC/New Media Workbook Session
• Exhibit Hall: AIDS.gov/Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy Booth

If you cannot make it to the conference, you can follow AIDS.gov via the blog and Twitter . CDC NPIN , NMAC and others will also use social media at the conference.

Celebrating National Recovery Month and Associated Efforts to Strengthen Viral Hepatitis Services

By Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Infectious Diseases, and Director, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Ronald Valdiserri

 

September marks the 23rd annual observance of National Recovery Month (Recovery Month). Our colleagues at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) organize Recovery Month as an observance to educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable people with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live healthy and rewarding lives. The main focus is to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from these conditions, just as we would those who are successfully managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. Additionally, Recovery Month is a time to honor the service providers who help make prevention, treatment, and recovery available to millions of people across the nation. These providers are key partners in our efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis associated with drug use behaviors, which is an important part of the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.

Substance Abuse and Viral Hepatitis
Injection-drug use is a primary risk factor for exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) because of the sharing of needles and drug preparation equipment. Among new cases of hepatitis C reported to CDC, injection-drug use is the most common risk factor. Alarmingly, CDC has recently reported that new hepatitis C infections are highest in people ages 20-29 and are occurring in suburban and rural areas rather than in urban areas where rates have historically been highest. Research shows that injection-drug users (IDUs) have high rates of viral hepatitis infection with an estimated 64% chronically infected with HCV and up to 11% chronically infected with HBV. IDUs are not only disproportionately affected by these viruses, but they are also more likely to have more severe hepatitis-related health outcomes compared to other infected populations—primarily because of additional, related health problems and inadequate access to and receipt of needed health care services.

The good news is that research funded through our colleagues at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has found that drug abuse prevention and treatment are effective at preventing the spread of infectious disease, including viral hepatitis. With proper drug treatment, individuals can change the behaviors that put them at risk for contracting infectious diseases like viral hepatitis. And, for those who may have chronic viral hepatitis, substance abuse treatment and recovery can enable them to take full advantage of effective treatments for viral hepatitis.

The Viral Hepatitis Action Plan
The fifth goal of the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis calls on us to ensure that persons who use drugs have access to viral hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment services. Chief among the ways we can advance this goal is by integrating viral hepatitis prevention and care services as standard components of all substance abuse treatment programs.
During the first year of implementing the multi-year Action Plan, significant achievements toward this goal have included:

• FDA’s approval of a new HCV rapid point-of-care test and CDC’s initiation of demonstration projects to study the use of these new diagnostics in activities targeting IDUs.
• SAMHSA’s development and dissemination of Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 53, entitled “Addressing Viral Hepatitis in People with Substance Use Disorders.” TIP 53 is a comprehensive resource for behavioral health staff in substance abuse treatment facilities on integrating drug treatment and hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment. Disseminated to all 432 SAMHSA substance abuse treatment grantees, the TIP is available online, was also promoted in a blog post, and shared with grantees of the Office on Women’s Health and the Indian Health Service, also partners in implementing the Action Plan.
• Strengthening of technical assistance and training to help SAMHSA-supported prevention programs integrate both viral hepatitis and HIV prevention strategies.
• VA has incorporated education around models of care delivery for Veterans with hepatitis C and ongoing substance use into their training programs including those on end-stage liver disease, treatment of HCV, and Liver Health Initiative trainings.
• Both NIH and CDC are examining emerging evidence of HCV transmission of among young IDUs infected with HCV to inform the development of prevention interventions for this population.

Looking Forward
While these important actions have advanced our efforts, we know that there’s more work to be done. During Recovery Month, I invite you to consider how you can join our continued efforts to reduce the incidence and prevalence of viral hepatitis in this heavily impacted population. How might you or your organization strengthen the link between viral hepatitis prevention and care services in substance abuse treatment activities? Each of us, from family members, to providers, to local, state, and federal partners, can make a difference in reducing the spread of viral hepatitis and supporting and sustaining the far-reaching benefits that long-term recovery can have on individuals, families, and communities.