Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007 IN THIS ISSUE: Perspectives on Moving 2 No Longer Alone: By Ding Pajaron, Director of Development Disclosure of HIV APICHA moved into its new home at the end of Status through Healthy December 2006, a milestone in a process that be- Relationships gan almost three years ago. The following articles re- port on two perspectives of the project. Therese R. 2 World AIDS Day 2006 Rodriguez, Executive Director, views the move from capacity building and strategic planning while 3 More People Get Aleli Alvarez, Media and Community Relations HIV Tests at the APA Manager, takes us back to Day One of the move. Heritage Festival Aleli is part of the relocation team. 4 A Perilous Making Smart Moves NYCDOHMH/MHRA under the Gun Funding Policy The business of moving is not simply a matter of filling boxes and moving furniture. It is about mak- 5 APICHA Rolls Out New ing strategic decisions under pressure and building Prevention Programs needed organizational capacity. APICHA’s move to 400 Broadway is such a case. 5 New Frontiers for In May 2005, APICHA’s Board of Directors held a Social Marketing weekend retreat. It was the second meeting called by the Board as part of a strategic planning process. 6 APICHA Kicks Off Gift “The leadership of APICHA’s Board transitioned aron of Caring Campaign from Kevin Huang-Cruz to Errol Chin-Loy,” recalls a j

Therese. “During the transition, the Board began D in g P 8 Grants and Gifts Make Continued on page 6 APICHA’s new home at 400 Broadway, entrance at 70 Walker St. Our Program Go ‘Round 9 Kick the Habit!: A Smoking Cessation Envisioning APICHA’s Client-Centered Care Program By Victor Inada, MD, Medical Director 10 Volunteer Profiles When we moved from the 6th floor of 150 Lafayette tunity to rethink and restructure how we deliver our Street to an entire building at 400 Broadway, we left services to our clients as well as the central role of 10 APICHA Celebrates behind a location that had served us well in provid- the clinic in the short and long term sustainability of Immigrant History ing healthcare services such as rapid HIV testing, the entire agency. HIV primary care, STD screening and treatment, Over the last 18 years, APICHA has gradually Week case management, acupuncture, nutrition counsel- added services and programs as we successfully 11 Comes ing, mental health assessments, and supportive competed for grants and contracts from federal, counseling. This relocation has given us an oppor- state, and city agencies as well as private founda- to APICHA tions. Each one has increased our ability to meet our communities’ needs. But the unin- 12 In and Around Our tended consequence is some fragmentation Communities between units even though we have coor- dinated our services and programs in order Published by the Asian & Pacific Is- to address the needs of our clients. For lander Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Inc. instance, we have different enrollment and (APICHA), a non-profit organization data collection tools to satisfy the reporting providing HIV/AIDS related services, requirements of every funding agency. including HIV primary care, counsel- As we gained experience in operating ing and testing, prevention educa- an HIV Primary Care Clinic, we realized that tion, food and nutrition, and other adoi Client-Centered Care (CCC) must be just support services for the Asian and that. Instead of clients moving around API-

Pacific Islander communities, espe- u S A kimits CHA for appointments with different service cially people living with HIV/AIDS in APICHA's new Health Care Services floor - complete with 4 exam providers, Yumiko Fukuda, MSSW, Director New York City. rooms and 5 HIV counseling and testing rooms. Continued on page 3 No Longer Alone: Disclosure of HIV Status through Healthy Relationships By Yu-Kang Chen, Case Manager Team Leader Disclosure of an HIV positive diagnosis can on Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) have unfamiliar with the “closed group” concept. be an overwhelming task for clients, espe- been completed. Thirteen clients have com- Also, some are forced to drop out after a few cially for those whose families are still living pleted the 5-session workshops. sessions because of changes in their personal overseas. A decision to disclose HIV status to Since we began implementing this inter- lives including work schedules, vacations, many clients may also mean disclosing their vention in 2005, we have encountered and met and illness episodes. Our community’s diver- sexual orientation. Strong stigma of HIV and many difficult challenges. The first challenge sity also makes HRG difficult but exciting. For homosexuality factors significantly in this diffi- was to develop a set of Asian and Pacific Is- example, during our 3rd cycle, we had three culty. Managing disclosure therefore requires lander (A&PI) movie clips appropriate to MSM participants who spoke three different primary social support, best if given by those who are audiences. In HRG, a movie excerpt is used languages. in a similar situation. Healthy Relationships as a tool to generate discussion about safer HRG is APICHA’s first prevention program Group (HRG), a prevention intervention model sex and illustrate skills. The original selections for HIV positive individuals. We are planning recommended by the Centers for Disease for HRG are from popular American movies, to extend this valuable prevention program Control and Prevention (CDC), was adapted by none of which in- to women and het- APICHA in 2005 to do just that. cluded A&PI charac- “I felt that I was not alone erosexual men living A Japanese male client stated that “most- ters. Since our HRG with HIV/AIDS. In ly, I liked to talk, all of us openly … we could will be delivered to in this … emotionally and addition, we would share each experience which was good and A&PIs, we felt it was also like to create understood each other.” Participants are also important to choose psychologically, I feel more more A&PI-specific able to find and create a community of mutual A&PI movie clips al- balanced.” movie clips for differ- support and understanding. A male Filipino cli- though the interven- ent A&PI cultures. We ent stated that HRG was beneficial because “I tion model does not — Male Filipino Client hope this unique pre- felt that I was not alone in this … emotionally require culturally spe- vention program can and psychologically, I feel more balanced.” cific examples. This was a daunting task. We effectively empower our APICHA clients with Three times a year, a group of people living purchased and reviewed more than 30 A&PI skills that will enable them to have healthier with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/As) gather weekly, over movies. Staff chose what they deemed appro- and happier lives. a 5 week period, in one of APICHA’s confer- priate scenes and asked APICHA MSM clients APICHA is one of the few agencies to have ence rooms for two hours and effectively build to review them. After our internal review, we successfully developed and integrated cultur- a support system for each other. They have sent the movie excerpts to the CDC review ally appropriate and relevant movie clips in dinner, watch movie clips, and share their life board for approval. Participants’ feedback have the intervention. In May 2007, I was invited to experiences. The goal of HRG is to develop been generally warm and positive, pointing out Boston to share our HRG experiences in the the skills needed to make decisions regarding that the movie excerpts have made it easier “Moving Beyond Boundaries: Culturally Appro- whether, when, and how to disclose a positive for them to openly discuss difficult topics such priate Evaluation of HIV Prevention Programs HIV diagnosis to family, friends, and sexual as safe sex and disclosure of serostatus. for Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander” partners. Additionally, it also teaches partici- There are other challenges we are facing. conference held by the Massachusetts Asian pants strategies to build healthier and safer The HRG requires a “closed group”, which and Pacific Islanders for Health. sexual relationships. The workshops are con- means that the same participants must at- HRG is funded by the CDC under Program ducted in 5-week cycles. Four cycles focused tend all 5 sessions. Many of our clients are Announcement 04064. b World AIDS Day APICHA commemorated World AIDS Day 2006 with a solemn ceremony that included prayers by the Venerable Shi Zhi Kon (Buddhist Association of New York, Pu Chao Temple), Imam Abdus Salam Musa (Islamic Center of North America) who was represented by Hasan Raza, Community Training Coordinator, Rev- erend Tony Bastaman (Set Free Church, Los Angeles), and Father Norberto Cor- dovez (The Chapel of the San Lorenzo Ruiz). Attendees were able to remem- ber loved ones who have passed away or are living with HIV/AIDS by placing

) Wu W ei (M ike ) C hen ribbons on the Wall of Courage.

2 Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007 More People Get HIV Tests at the APA Heritage Festival By Bric Bernas, Counseling, Testing and Referral Project Manager APICHA once again participated in the annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival, held at Union Square on May 6, 2007, by providing HIV testing. More people accessed the ser- vices, our event tally shows. A total of 33 indi- viduals were tested, up by18% from last year. To enhance service delivery, a mobile van was rented and parked in close proximity to APICHA’s tent. Providing a van is a first for API- CHA since it began HIV testing at the festival. In fact it was the first ever mobile van for medi- cal services at an APA Heritage Festival. Al- though the cost of the testing event increased by $2,000 due to van rental and parking fees, it was well worth it. Three confidential spaces were set up in the van for clients being tested for HIV. Moreover, in order for HIV testing coun- selors to focus on risk reduction and the actual HIV test, we added client navigators, who ob- tained informed consent for HIV testing, to our team. Client navigators explained anonymous and confidential testing. This service can take up 15 minutes or longer for first time testers. After obtaining consent, they would accompa- ny clients to the van for their HIV test. In previous years, we conducted HIV test- B ric bernas ing, including discussions of informed consent At the end of the day, it was well worth it. APICHA’s health fair team posed in front of the mobile van marking another successful and pre-test counseling, behind free-standing event at the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival. screens to ensure confidentiality. However, both staff and clients voiced the need for improve- Department to get approval for the mobile van. clinic offered health screenings (i.e. glucose ments to this set up. Noise filtering through the After numerous meetings, letters, and phone and blood pressure). This event is a great ex- screen is difficult to control, making it hard for calls, a permit was issued. ample of how APICHA’s programs are working staff and clients to focus during counseling. In addition to HIV testing, we also con- closely together for the benefit of our com- CTR staff worked tirelessly with the Coali- ducted outreach and provided information munities. The event has been made possible tion of Asian and Pacific Americans (CAPA), and literature on HIV. Prevention peers and by grants from CDC and the New York City the organizer of the event, and the NYC Parks volunteers handed out safer sex kits while the Council Communities of Color Initiative. b

and comfortable reception area for clients and Envisioning APICHA’s Client-Centered Care visitors. Aside from the physical and space re- continued from page 1 quirements of the CCC approach, we are mov- of Programs, and I envision clients remaining in ing towards a new level of service integration. a single location while service providers move to We are in the midst of planning and developing where clients are located to provide them vari- a single enrollment form that will assist us in ous services. In addition, we also realized that identifying points of entry and appropriate client APICHA’s policies, procedures, and personnel flow throughout the agency. must be realigned and repositioned to better re- Our human resources are also being utilized flect our goal of bringing a holistic client experi- more effectively. For example, all Prevention ence to all those who come to us for support. Unit staff are now certified to conduct HIV test- With this in mind, we worked closely with ing, which has significantly increased our capac- the architect and made certain that the fourth ity to provide more HIV tests. More importantly, floor is not just an HIV Primary Care Clinic but a the Prevention and Counseling, Testing, and Re- Healthcare Services floor that exudes warmth ferral (CTR) units have become more intercon- adoi and tranquility. Ensuring client confidential- nected as illustrated by the implementation of ity was also equally important. We now have the Client Navigation project. The steps we are

u S A kimits 4 exam rooms (two of which are for medical taking now will ensure that APICHA remains One of four newly outfitted exam rooms in the and two for complementary therapies), 5 HIV one cohesive organization with one vision as Health Care Services floor. counseling and testing rooms, and a spacious we move into the future. b 3 400 Broadway New York, NY 10013 A Perilous NYCDOHMH/MHRA Funding Policy Entrance on Walker St. APICHA lost out in a recent HIV prevention grant built overnight. Therefore, these cannot be closed Phone: 212.334.7940 competition issued by the New York City Department or revived depending on what funding is available at Fax: 212.334.7956 of Health (NYCDOHMH) and Medical and Health Re- any given moment. Infoline: 1.866.APICHA9 search Association (MHRA), the agency contracted by Community based organizations such as APICHA, (1.866.274.2429) NYCDOHMH to administer the grants. As a result of in partnership with its funders including NYCDOHMH, Clinic: 212.334.6029 NYCDOHMH/MHRA’s decision, our program for adult invest considerable resources to develop health care Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) men who have sex assets so that they are available to the communities APICHA NEWS with men—the only program in New York City for this they serve. It is not in the best interest of New Yorkers EDITORIAL BOARD group—had to close. to have such valuable assets destroyed. The criteria used in rating applications placed If NYCDOHMH/MHRA pursues this flawed funding Therese R. Rodriguez APICHA in a disadvantageous position from the policy, it is heading down a perilous path. It has already Executive Director get go. NYCDOHMH/MHRA’s approach to service signaled that primary prevention now must take a back delivery by ZIP Code or by geographic neighbor- seat to mass testing and other reactive approaches to Ding Pajaron hood undermines organizations indigenous to A&PI fighting the disease. Although identifying undiagnosed Editor communities. A&PI communities are not bounded HIV infections is critical in our fight against HIV/AIDS, Director of Development by geography; rather, these communities are con- it cannot be the sole solution. By itself, HIV testing will nected by cultural and linguistic ties. A&PIs belong not prevent or eradicate HIV/AIDS. Yumiko Fukuda to 49 ethnicities from 20 countries and speak over NYCDOHMH/MHRA’s decision means that by Director of Programs 100 different languages and dialects. Seventy-eight July 1, 2007, New York City will not have an HIV pre- percent of A&PIs in New York are vention program for adult A&PI Victor Inada, M.D. foreign-born, and 49% have limited NYCDOHMH/MHRA’s MSM. This is a daunting situa- Medical Director English proficiency (LEP) compared tion—especially for those who to 24% for all New Yorkers. Aside approach to service are not yet acculturated or ready Melissa S. Nibungco from LEP, many serious barriers to delivery by ZIP Code to navigate a complex medical Development Associate/ care and HIV education arise out system yet are in desperate need Grants Writer of cultural norms and taboos, and or by geographic of critical HIV/AIDS services. We lack of knowledge of HIV (as many believe that such neglect of those Aleli C. Alvarez immigrants come from regions in neighborhood under­ at highest risk for HIV infection is Community and Media Asia and the Pacific Islands where mines organizations unacceptable and sets a bad prec- Relations Manager HIV information is not available). edent for public health policy. Ac- All these factors influence an indi- indigenous to A&PI cordingly, we have registered our BOARD OF DIRECTORS vidual’s decision whether or not to communities. protest of the decision with NY- get tested and/or where to get HIV/ CDOHMH/MHRA in writing and Errol A. Chin-Loy AIDS services. APICHA developed its prevention voiced our concerns during a face-to-face meeting. Chair program infrastructure based on these realities. This issue, as of this writing, has not been resolved. NYC DOHMH/MHRA also excluded outreach from In the contract closing report questionnaire, NY- John Chin, Ph.D. their list of direct services. This is a critical component CDOHMH/MHRA required us to list organizations Chair-Elect of all of APICHA’s prevention programs. HIV continues to whom we plan to refer our adult A&PI MSM cli- to be highly stigmatized among A&PIs which is partly ents. Unfortunately, we could not identify another Tommy Tam due to the misinformation regarding the disease . In agency that provides the services that we do. Most Secretary order to address these issues, APICHA’s peer out- of our clients come to APICHA because to them it reach teams seek out the most vulnerable members is a safe space—sexual orientation, ethnic identity, Kristy Illuzzi of our community – often in high risk venues located and limited English language skills pose no barriers Treasurer in neighborhoods that are not considered target areas to accessing services. by NYCDOHMH/MHRA. They provide important and A recent study published in Medical Care (No- Therese R. Rodriguez accurate HIV information in a culturally and linguisti- vember 2006) has calculated that the lifetime cost Executive Director cally appropriate way as well as link people into care. of medical care for HIV-infected adults (discounted (ex officio) Peer educators also establish trust which leads to to the time of infection) using current antiretroviral people accessing services. Although APICHA’s way of therapy is $385,200. This figure does not include Mars Custodio, M.D. delivering services may not fit the ZIP Code scheme, case management or support services. Yet our Sherida David our approach has been effective. city’s guardian of public health has deemed our Jean R. Lobell, Ph.D. The rejection of our prevention application arrived programs too costly. With a budget of only $4 mil- Lou Madigan soon after NYCDOHMH discontinued the Peer Train- lion, APICHA is providing life-saving medical, sup- Suki Terada Ports ing Institute, the program which allowed us to train portive, and prevention programs to A&PIs resid- Steve Villano many young A&PIs and immigrant women to be- ing throughout New York City. Maria Aida Yap, R.N. come effective HIV peer advocates. It saddens us to APICHA would like to be assured that NYCDO- announce that the city is not funding any of APICHA’s HMH/MHRA’s funding policy will not bring about a HIV prevention programs. health crisis in the A&PI communities such as those Infrastructure for programs and services are not that have visited other communities of color. b 4 Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007 APICHA Rolls Out New Prevention Programs By Sung Won Park, Associate Director of Prevention The past 12 months have brought many chal- sex). APICHA is currently providing: (1) Street As part of the overall integration of the agency lenges and opportunities to the Prevention Unit Smart for A&PI young men who have sex with and to deepen ties between Prevention and CTR, - from implementing 4 new programs, having all men (YMSM) funded by the CDC; (2) SISTA for all Prevention staff became proficient in HIV test- project coordinators complete HIV proficiency A&PI women; and (3) Community Promise for ing. Project coordinators attended a NYSDOH AI training, to launching a number of joint testing youth. Both SISTA and Community Promise are training program. They learned how to provide events with the Coun- supported by a grant from streamlined pre-test counseling including risk seling, Testing and Re- We have increased our the NYS Department of assessments, deliver HIV test results, and link ferral (CTR) unit. We capacity in a number Health, AIDS Institute newly diagnosed HIV positive patients into care. also won APICHA’s con- (NYSDOH AI). Client navi- They were also given proficiency training by CTR test for the most gar- of ways such as linking gation is another new ini- so that they could observe and practice their new bage bags filled during tiative, jointly implement- skills. As a result, we have increased our capacity our move! outreach with HIV testing ed by the Prevention and in a number of ways such as linking outreach with The launch of 4 new off-site, offering more A&PI CTR units. Although the HIV testing off-site, offering more A&PI languag- programs in a single program period is short es, and having more female counselors. year is a huge challenge languages, and having more (funding from the NYC We have already seen the impact of expand- for any organization, Communities of Color is ing the skills of Prevention staff on joint testing especially if 3 of them female counselors scheduled to end in June events. Since May, Prevention and CTR have are diffusion of effective behavioral interven- 2007), its significance is magnified in view of collaborated in a number of events including tions (DEBIs). DEBIs are at the cornerstone of the decision by the New York City Department the APA Heritage Festival, Queens Pride, Fili- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s of Health and Mental Hygiene not to fund API- pino Independence Day Parade and Brooklyn (CDC) national strategy to reduce HIV infections CHA to provide HIV prevention services tailored Pride. We have seen significant increases in through positive behavior changes (e.g. safer to the specific needs of adult A&PI MSM. HIV testing at all events. b

New Frontiers for Social Marketing By Tristan Vizconde, Community Health Education Coordinator Every year since 2004, APICHA has launched a media campaign targeting Asian & Pacific Islander Young Men who have Sex with Men (A&PI YMSM) in the New York City Subway system, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year the campaign has succeeded in bringing new clients for HIV testing, even several months after the campaign has ended. Clients would inform us that they had seen the poster while riding the subway. Reaching high risk A&PI YMSM and getting them to care are two of our major objectives. To achieve this, we must be attuned to their interests. Historically, APICHA has quickly adopted new technolo- gies that are preferred by potential clients. We have used chat rooms to disseminate information about HIV and critical services. Recently, MySpace.com and YouTube.com have become important sources of both entertainment and information for young people, including A&PI YMSM. Accordingly, we are using these popular websites as an innovative way to outreach to this vulnerable population. We are in the midst of developing a public service announcement (PSA) that will be broadcasted on our webpage at MySpace.com (www.mys- pace.com/ymsmpc) and YouTube.com. Movie theaters are another important venue to reach YMSM. We will be debuting APICHA’s own animated theatre advertisement slides in August 2007. Similar to the subway posters, the PSA and animated slides will focus on and highlight APICHA services geared to A&PI YMSM. These services include HIV testing, EquAsian (a support group for YMSM) and our new health workshop series modeled after Street Smart, an HIV prevention intervention endorsed by CDC. The health workshop series provides basic HIV information, risk reduction, and in-depth HIV counseling. The goal of the series is to ensure that A&PI YMSM can and will protect themselves and have healthier lives. b 2006 Subway Ad Campaign Poster 5 Making Smart Moves Under the Gun service delivery paradigms. Grants were pursued to ensure the organization’s core services remained APICHA Kicks continued from page 1 intact. The newly licensed HIV primary care clinic Off Gift of Caring to develop a strategic plan for APICHA for the next also needed attention in all aspects of operation— three to five years. A weekend retreat dedicated to including staff recruitment; client outreach; and data Campaign vision casting was held in September that year.” collection, monitoring, and management. Therese said that the process began in a typi- Therese explained: “Under these conditions By Ding Pajaron, Director of Development cal fashion—meetings were facilitated, stories of strategic planning had to go from template to ac- In September 2006, APICHA launch­ the past told, and visions of the future shaped. The tual implementation in real time. Milestones and e d the Gif t of C ar ing C amp aig n to raise Board tackled a number of key questions concern- timelines measured in years had to be completed $1.6 million for the relocation project ing the organization’s future: What direction should in weeks and months. Major decisions, strategic over a 3-year period. The campaign APICHA’s health services take? What other health thinking had to be made at every turn, from the mo- is one of the key strategies being im- needs must be addressed? Organizational assess- ment we set out to search for a new space. There plemented by APICHA to finance its ment, program enhancement and development, was very little room for errors and indecision.” relocation to 400 Broadway. Funds and the steps needed to address sustainability To drive home her point, she cited several ques- raised by the campaign will help pay were discussed. But one item, the space and facili- tions that had to be answered in connection with our for construction and outfitting costs ties issue, had to be detailed out and implemented search for a new space: How best do we serve our as well as the increases in rent and as soon as possible given that APICHA was faced clients and communities? How much space is needed other operating costs resulting from with a possible relocation. considering APICHA’s growth in three to five years? the move (see Perspectives on Mov- Prior to the May meeting, APICHA learned that Which area of the city is suitable for APICHA? ing for details). The renovation of the 150 Lafayette was slated for conversion into con- Answering those strategic questions, however, new space is now largely complete, dominiums. The urgent, unexpected news made did not provide solutions to some real estate is- thanks to APICHA’s successful ne- APICHA’s strategic planning a living process, Ther- sues. For instance, spaces are typically built ex- gotiation for cash settlement from ese pointed out, noting that the situation called for clusively either for office or clinic use. APICHA’s its former landlord. A successful Gift a shift away from traditional planning templates. hybrid office-clinic space needs do not fit well with of Caring Campaign will facilitate a “We had to drop the script and improvise because that scenario. In addition, some landlords view an smooth transition into the new space we were facing the real world—New York’s ex- HIV/AIDS organization with a clinic as a risk. and ensure that culturally competent tremely competitive real estate market.” “It took almost two years to complete this HIV/AIDS services will continue to APICHA was not ready to move. It moved into phase—countless brokers and owners had to be be available to our communities. 150 Lafayette in June 2001; six years remained on met and 60 spaces were seen to get to the three APICHA kicked off the campaign its 10-year lease there. Having used up its reserve that would accept APICHA’s proposal,” Therese said. with a $100,000 challenge grant fund to build the space, APICHA needed to recov- Throughout the long search period, APICHA’s from an anonymous donor. Grants er from the impact of that move. management had to keep in mind the owner’s offer and gifts totaling over $250,000 APICHA’s management considered staying on of cash settlement. More strategic questions had to have been received or pledged in re - until the lease ended. However, upon weighing be answered. How long will APICHA be able to stay sponse to the challenge grant. The the pros and cons of this option, it became clear without weakening its bargaining power, the lease? challenge grant requires APICHA to APICHA had to move and do so quickly. The build- What will be the cost of construction? Scenarios more than double the amount by ing’s services deteriorated as months went by. The were created and examined to develop the initial September 7, 2007. elevators broke down frequently. On several occa- cost projections. Friends old and new have re- sions, there was no heat. Client appointments had A team composed of the fiscal and the develop- sponded to APICHA’s appeal. The to be canceled for their safety. When demolition ment units, the search team, and a legal consultant New York State AIDS Institute work began in early 2006, environmental issues immediately set out to work on a budget. When the awarded­ a $100,000 grant. From came up as APICHA was operating in a construc- initial expenditure projection was completed, it be- the private foundation sector, the Ti- tion site—literally. Planning meetings were repeat- came clear that APICHA would need to negotiate not ger Baron Foundation, Broadway edly interrupted because of flooding in the facility only for the bricks and mortar but also for moving ex- Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and or evacuations due to the fire alarm. The problem penses, rent abatement, and intangible assets such the Orisha Foundation awarded with the fire alarm continued throughout 2006. as rebuilding visibility in the new space. Thus, when a combined grant total of $60,000. One night in December, a Board meeting was the project financing plan was developed, getting a Major gifts were also received from interrupted by a fire alarm while an important stra- substantial cash settlement from 150 Lafayette was individuals, including Lou Madigan, tegic decision was being made. The Board needed a key element. APICHA was able to begin construc- Therese Rodriguez and Lourdes to resolve whether or not the storefront of the new tion with funds from the settlement. We hired the ar- Marzan, Dr. Mars and Cora Cus- space was going to be rented out. Board members chitectural firm, Thomas MacGregor LLC, because of todio, David Husch, Kristy Illuzi, waited and were prepared to continue their work their extensive experience in preserving the historic John-John Manlutac and James as soon as it was safe to get back into the prem- integrity of landmark buildings. Jaeger, Frederick Seguritan, and ises. Unfortunately, they could not return to API- Subleasing the storefront space, fundraising from Tommy Tam. CHA’s office that night. The fire department shut private and government sources, and a loan are the You can help by sending a gift down the elevators. Stairway access was locked other approaches being used to finance the project. today. as well. The Board, with nowhere to go at that time To bridge the gap in revenues, APICHA took a $1.5 By Mail: APICHA of night, resumed the meeting in the lobby. million loan from Citibank. Each element of the plan Attention: Gift of Caring Campaign Despite the frequent interruptions, work never brought different strategic questions and sets of ac- 400 Broadway stopped. Services were provided to clients. Pro- tions. What type of fundraising campaign is suitable New York, NY 10013 grams were created to respond to the changes in for APICHA? How will subleasing impact our pro- 6 Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007 “I Would Not Say Never Again” Q&A with Aleli Alvarez

Early morning on Thursday, December 28, 2006, boxes upon boxes were piled up in API- CHA’s big conference room. The cubicles were empty. No APICHA staff member was around, except for Aleli Alvarez and Kevin Huang-Cruz who were entrusted to coordinate the con- struction-related activities and with planning and organizing the physical move.

adoi The day was significant but uneventful: The movers went about their work systematically according to the color of the labels posted on u S A kimits each box—a result of months of preparation One of two large conference rooms located in the Wall of Honor floor. by staff, peers and volunteers. grams? How do you manage a rental space? the New York State Department of Health, we Even in the course of discussing which space hired the services of consultants. “We had to APICHA News (AN): What’s your role in could be rented out in order to supplement our have consultants whose expertise ranged from APICHA’s relocation project? revenue, calculated risks were taken. When pro- financial feasibility studies, securing financing, Aleli Alvarez (AA): I am the staff point person gram staff argued the basement was needed for to project management, construction oversight assigned to receive all communication in terms community activities to enhance our prevention and compliance. We also had to hire a real es- of construction and the physical move. Kevin programs, APICHA management decided to set tate lawyer to negotiate with real estate bro- was my team partner. My role involves monitor- aside the entire basement for program even kers and landlords. That is what is required in ing construction expenditures and progress to though this meant the pool of potential tenants real life to meet the requirements of delivering ensure that we would be able to get out of the would be narrowed down because many mer- our services and programs in the specific real- old space and move into the new one. I com- chants need basement space for storage. ity of New York City.” municate with Therese and the senior manage- Similarly, a developer in Queens offered APICHA needed all the resources that ment team. For the move we did all the planning APICHA the amount of space it needed, some capacity-building programs could offer. “Kevin for facility security, communication, and garbage help to build it out, and rent at a lower rate understood the strategic implication of API- disposal—all the aspects that make the building compared to what was available in Manhattan. CHA’s relocation project,” Therese said refer- run, since facility management is now part of “It was difficult to walk away from a deal that ring the Kevin Huang-Cruz, formerly APICHA APICHA’s responsibility. We interviewed at least would allow APICHA to put away one million Board Chair who later joined APICHA’s staff as 3 vendors for every major ticket item we plan to dollars in the bank,” Therese exclaimed. “But Capacity Building Specialist until his resignation purchase. We talked to other community-based we have to answer the question, do we move in May. Kevin recruited real estate consultants organizations (CBOs) that have set up a new to Long Island City even though clients have al- and played a key role in the relocation project. facility and sought their recommendations. We ready expressed they will not go there?” she He enrolled APICHA as a client in the capacity also negotiated for better contracts. Planning for asked referring to focus groups conducted as building assistance program, for which APICHA the physical move to the new space was also part of the planning process. In the end, it was is a subcontractor with the West Coast-based part of my role. decided the new space must be located in an Asian Pacific Islander American Health Forum area that is easily accessible by public transpor- (API-HF). Because APICHA is a CDC-funded AN: How did you prepare for the physical move? tation, a vital factor in breaking down the barri- community-based organization, it was able to ac- AA: Months before the appointed date, the ers to HIV/AIDS care. cess technical assistance for strategic planning moving company informed us how to do it, The process of taking out a loan was another and the move. APICHA’s relocation experience, that is when should people start packing based major undertaking. How much money should be from Therese’s perspective, is a case study for on the actual date of the move. They helped borrowed? From whom should we borrow and capacity building service providers. “What does us determine how much time it would take to why? APICHA looked to two potential lenders a capacity building provider do when the prob- pack. Our negotiated settlement with the for- —a not-for-profit entity and a commercial bank. lem at hand does not fit the technical assistance mer landlord established that January 15, 2007 APICHA applied to Primary Care Development model being used for a client?” she asks. would be our last day at 150 Lafayette. The staff Corporation but was unsuccessful because the Strategic planning continues today as API- had a scheduled one-week break during the last nascent clinic could not show enough revenue CHA settles into 400 Broadway. As the final week of December. Therefore, we had to finish to support a loan. Citibank, where APICHA had phase of the construction work winds down, packing by December 21. We recruited a reloca- a contact, was approached. Citibank reviewed the planning process is gearing up. The plan- tion committee from the different units and pre- APICHA’s overall potential and approved a loan of ning process this time focuses on the need pared a packing schedule unit by unit because $1.5 million. to further integrate APICHA’s programs and our office did not have room to hold all the pack- To accomplish all that was needed to be services. Envisioned to emerge from the in- ing materials and filled boxes. In fact, we had to done, especially those tasks related to the tensive planning activities are truly holistic, close off the conference room in order to have construction of the HIV Primary Care Clinic and client-centered programs and services for our an assembly point. the application for a Certificate of Need from communities, and a stronger APICHA. Continued on page 8 7 the construction company to make sure all the just moved or set up a new facility such as Com- Q&A continued from page 7 electrical and phone wiring were ready. Kevin was munity Resource Exchange, Callen Lorde, and The moving company set up the system in charge of that. He saw to it that the computers, Gay Men’s Health Crisis. They were very helpful. of how to mark the boxes and where the boxes phone and other equipment would be set it up in They shared errors made or things they missed. should go. Each box was color coded according a timely fashion and with minimal interruption. to the destination floor and unit so that, on the AN: Now that APICHA has moved, what else day of the move, boxes were carted by floor AN: Were there surprises? need to get done? assignment. Boxes containing materials for im- AA:That the move went smoothly was a sur- AA: Moving forward, we are developing a space mediate use were color coded differently from prise. Kevin and I did not have any experience utilization plan. Part of the vision for the space is boxes meant for storage so that boxes for imme- moving an office; it was nice that everything to have it available to other community groups diate use were waiting in staff offices for set up. worked out. Of course there were glitches. for workshops and meetings at affordable rates. Some people experienced some difficulty in AN: How long did it take to move the entire accessing their e-mail or files when they re- AN: Will you take on this type of responsibil- facility? ported for work but these issues did not para- ity again? AA: Moving the boxes took one day. There were lyze the office. AA: It was a nice experience. Kevin and I had 350 boxes all in all and furniture. The moving com- complementary skills—he has had training in pany had a team of 10 at 150 Lafayette and an- AN: Any lessons learned? architecture, which helped in dealing with con- other team of 5 at 400 Broadway. They started AA: Planning, planning, and planning. Our plan- struction issues, and I am detail-oriented, which work at 8:30 and finished by 6 P.M. But after the ning work began as soon as we signed the con- is important in managing the numerous require- boxes, we had to arrange for the phone and the tract with the architect. We checked out all refer- ments of the project. It was a lot of work but IT companies to remove and transfer the equip- ences submitted by each vendor. We also sought a pleasant experience. Yeah, I would not say ment. This part required close coordination with advice and resources from other CBOs who had never again. b

Grants and Gifts Make Our Program Go ‘Round By Melissa S. Nibungco, Development Associate/Grants Writer We would like to acknowledge the private integration of all of APICHA’s units, thereby, and women while the CDC awarded APICHA foundations, governmental agencies, and indi- ensuring a holistic experience for APICHA funds to adapt Street Smart, a diffusion of ef- viduals that gave APICHA support, both new clients. The Paul Rapoport Foundation re- fective behavioral intervention (DEBI), for A&PI and continued, in the last 18 months. newed its support for our newly established YMSM. The NYC Council Speaker’s Office One of the biggest challenges for any or- Data Management and Evaluation Unit. In an provided funds to offset the impact of funding ganization is to find sources of general oper- outcome-driven program environment, these rescissions on HIV counseling, testing, and out- ating support (GOS) grants. The Washington, grants helps APICHA staff monitor and evalu- reach activities. A grant from the NYC Council D.C-based Public Welfare Foundation is ate programs effectively. The Verizon Foun- Communities of Color funded a 6-month cli- one funder that recognizes the importance dation has enabled the agency to start an on- ent navigation project targeting high risk A&PI of GOS to an organization’s ability to deliver line domestic violence initiative, which is part MSM. This funding filled a service gap (albeit programs and services. APICHA has been for- of the agency’s new and enhanced website for only 3 months) created by the unfortunate tunate to be among the recipients of Public (www.apicha.org). APICHA clients and peers closure of our HIV prevention program for A&PI Welfare’s generous support. The Foundation can view the website on a new computer adult MSM in New York City. The New York has seen APICHA grow from its beginnings provided by NMAC’s Equal Access Initative State Legislature, through its Communities of as a grassroots organization providing preven- Computer Grant Program. Abbott Labora- Color Initiatives and Sexuality-Related Programs tion education to a one-stop shop of HIV/AIDS tories sponsored an HIV awareness night at provided supplementary operating support. services. We are saddened to report that after Cendrillon Restaurant in conjunction with Ma- A number of individuals responded to our more than 10 years of support, Public Welfare Yi Theatre’s performance of Keo Woolford’s I appeals as well. Staff and volunteers have or- gave its last grant to APICHA in 2006. To ease Land. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS ganized events. David Polanco and his NYC the transition, the Foundation challenged us continued its long-time support of the agency Fireworks Production held a performance of to find new or additional monies from local with an increased emergency financial as- “A Playground Twist.” A big snowstorm did not sources. We are happy to announce that the sistance grant and a special grant to the Gift stop 40 dedicated friends from attending the C. J. Huang Foundation, and the H. van Am- of Caring Campaign. Emergency funds help show. The NYU Chinese Students Associa- eringen Foundation are among those who pay for rent, legal fees, and other emergency tion donated the proceeds of their Expo 2007 have responded to our appeal. Also, we wel- needs of clients living with HIV/AIDS. to APICHA, thanks to the group’s Executive come the Giant Steps Foundation Fund of Government contracts fund many of API- Officers and to the event’s Executive Pro- the Tides Foundation to our GOS funders. CHA’s core programs and services. Several ducer Tricia Roy. APICHA’s Board member The Asian American Federation of New contracts were resolicited last year. We suc- Lou Madigan hosted a Halloween Party while York (AAFNY), the National Minority AIDS cessfully applied for multi-year grants from the dynamic APICHA AIDS Walk Team hit the Council (NMAC), the Paul Rapoport Foun- the New York State Department of Health, streets along with thousands of walkers who dation, and the Verizon Foundation provided AIDS Institute (NYSDOH AI) and the Centers support the annual AIDS Walk event. b funds to increase our capacity in a number of for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ways. Funds from AAFNY’s Asian Commu- NYSDOH AI funded peer delivered prevention Please visit APICHA’s new and enhanced nity Fund will be used to plan for the further services for A&PI youth under 24 years old website at www.apicha.org. 8 Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007 Kick the Habit!: A Smoking Cessation Program By Larry Tantay, HIV Testing Counselor If asked, most people probably would not think Although about 70% of smokers in New years of age and smoke 10 or more cigarettes of smoking as a drug addiction. As an HIV Test- York City are interested in quitting, the task a day). APICHA staff will follow up on your ing Counselor at APICHA, I have spoken with can be difficult. The NYC Bureau of Tobacco progress at 1 month and 6 months after you people who have abused various drugs, includ- Control, through its Smoking Cessation Pro- are given patches. ing heroin. For many of them, smoking has been gram, has provided free nicotine patches Here are a few quick tips if you want to the hardest habit to break. Smoking dramati- to eligible participants in all five boroughs. stop smoking: cally increases the risk for developing a number Patches help smokers lessen their depen- • Get rid of anything that makes you think of of health problems, including lung cancer and dency on nicotine by reducing the physical cigarettes (such as ashtrays, caffeinated cof- heart disease. For other vulnerable populations, craving gradually. fee, or alcohol). particularly people living with HIV / AIDS, smok- Since the beginning of January 2006, API- • Try and fill your time with positive activities, ing can prove more immediately life-threatening, CHA has been an active partner of the Bu- like exercising or reading more. debilitating their already compromised immune reau of Tobacco Control, working with them • You may want to stay away from areas systems. APICHA joined NYC’s Smoking Ces- to develop APICHA’s own smoking cessation where people are smoking or from activities sation Program to help A&PI communities deal program. It has been integrated into all our with people actively smoking. with this health issue. Along with acupuncture, units including the HIV Primary Care Clinic, • There are also a number of free smoking the food pantry, and nutritional counseling, the Client Services, Prevention, and Counseling, cessation groups or free individual smok- smoking cessation project is designed to pro- Testing and Referral (CTR). We have distrib- ing cessation counseling sites throughout mote holistic wellness. uted 95 kits of nicotine patches at tabling New York City. According to the NYC Bureau of Tobacco and testing events (e.g. Day and at For more information on APICHA’s Smoking Control, there are 1.17 million smokers in New Borough of Manhattan Community College) Cessation Program, you can call our Infoline at York City; each day, smoking related diseases since last year. We also make them readily 1-866-APICHA-9 (1-866-274-2429). If you’d will kill 25 New Yorkers. Asians are signifi- available at the office. like information on smoking cessation counsel- cantly at risk. The American Heart Association It is very easy to receive nicotine patches. ing or for other methods of quitting, visit the Bu- reports that in the , an alarming You need to be interested in quitting and meet reau of Tobacco Control’s website at http://www. 24% of Asians are smokers. basic eligibility requirements (e.g. over 18 nyc.gov/html/doh/html/smoke/smoke.shtml. b

Acupuncture at APICHA

APICHA is one of the few organizations that of- fers full body acupuncture for pain management to clients living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Wen-Chiang Pai is a licensed acupuncturist in CT, NJ and NY. He has an MD from Medical College in Taiwan and is a professor at New York College of Chinese Medicine and Pacific College of Ori- ental Medicine. Dr. Pai treats patients twice a month. Aside from acupuncture, he has exper- tise in traditional Chinese herbology. APICHA’s full body acupuncture has been funded by the New York State Department of Health, AIDS In- stitute for many years (NYSDOH AI). However, due to changes in Ryan White Title II funding, it is unclear how much longer NYS DOH AI can continue its support. b

SAVE THE DATE APICHA Benefit Event Commemorating 18 Years of Combating HIV/AIDS Thursday, November 1, 2007 Grand Harmony Restaurant

aron 94 Mott Street a j New York, New York D in g P 9 Volunteer Profiles APICHA Celebrates Immigrant History Week Two APICHA peer educators—who By Melissa S. Nibungco, Development Associate/Grants Writer nominated each other—were award- ed the Butterfly Award from Living APICHA successfully participated in the 4th Annu- Beyond Belief, a scholarship fund for al Immigrant History Week observed on April 16 to teen HIV/AIDS peer educators for 21 this year. An initiative of the Mayor’s Office of their work in the HIV/AIDS field. Li Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), its goal is to celebrate Chen (Stuyvesant High School) and and honor the contributions of immigrants to New Diana Lu (Brooklyn Technical High York City. The week-long, citywide observance School) received cash prizes ($1,500 drew 50 event partners; APICHA was the only and $1,000 respectively) and award HIV/AIDS organization. plaques. The mission of Living Be- Over 100 people attended APICHA’s event yond Belief is to save lives by fos- which was held on April 21 at its new facility’s Wall tering HIV/AIDS prevention educa- of Honor (lower-level) floor. A number of guests tion, raising HIV/AIDS awareness were drawn to the event as a result of the exten- among youth and motivating NYC sive coverage in mainstream media. It was the acarlar public high school students to be first public event held there since APICHA moved

HIV/AIDS peer educators, activists to 400 Broadway. The program, centered on the g izem and advocates by providing them theme “Food, Health and Taking a Bite of the Big Guests enjoying scrumptious dishes prepared by staff and with college grants and recognition Apple,” offered short films by up and coming Asian- donated by generous sponsors. for their life-saving work. The peer American independent filmmakers, through the educators were awarded for their co-sponsorship by the Asian American Film Lab, as previous volunteer work at APICHA well as a taste of various Asian culinary delicacies. and current peer educator work. Ad- The Asian American Film Lab was instrumental in ditionally, Li was recognized for her bringing diverse and thought-provoking shorts from work as a youth leader in the Young their annual 72-Hour Film Shootout competitions. Women’s Committee of the Young Filmmakers are given 72 hours to write, shoot, Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition edit and produce a short film on a common theme, and Diana as AIDS WALK - APICHA which is announced only minutes before the shoot Team co-captain. begins. As part of APICHA’s film screenings, Ed- Li and Diana join the ranks of ward Shieh (Director, Writer and Producer of “No two other APICHA peer educators Menus Please”) and Tana Sarntorinant (President of who have received scholarships. the Asian American Film Lab) answered questions In 2005, Jennifer Li (Colby College) from the audience at Q&A sessions.

and Altai Chiang (Middlebury Col- In the evening, Azadeh Khalili, MOIA’s Deputy acarlar lege) were awarded Posse Schol- Commissioner, joined the celebration. Herself a arships which includes full tuition immigrant, she affirmed the vital role community g izem Victor Inada, MD., Therese Rodriguez, Deputy Commissioner scholarships for four years at top- based organizations play in the fight to stop HIV/ Azadeh Khalili, Suki Terada Ports, Yumiko Fukuda tier universities. (Reported by Di- AIDS in communities of color. She stated “I think ana Roygulchaeron, Young People’s that APICHA has played a very important role not in the front room of the Wall of Honor floor. Staff Project Coordinator) just in New York City but also around the country by members —namely Joey Akima, Cherry Ng, Sung bringing visibility to a population that was not seen Won Park, Diana Roygulchaeron, and Tristan Viz- Diana Lu by the establishment.” conde—cooked a dizzying array of scrumptious APICHA’s decision to participate in the initiative dishes the night before the event. Many lost sleep By Li Chen came naturally. New immigrants from Asia and the and cajoled roommates, significant others, part- Diana Lu has always dedicated Pacific Islands in need of vital HIV/AIDS services ners, and friends to pull up their shirt sleeves and her time, energy, and passion come through APICHA’s front doors every year. help prepare food. Guests especially enjoyed the to HIV/AIDS work. Not only did What they find are people who have first hand somen salad, maki sushi, kimchi pancakes, leche she lead and represent the larg- knowledge of their cultures and fundamentally un- flan, grass jelly drinks, and coconut gelatin. est group of volunteers ever at derstand their fears and hopes. APICHA’s work is A digital slide presentation illustrated the im- APICHA as head volunteer but informed by our individual immigrant experiences pact of HIV on A&PI communities as well as how she was also co-captain of the as well as our collective struggle to deliver services APICHA has responded to their unmet and chang- APICHA team for AIDS Walk New to our communities. Therese Rodriguez, Executive ing needs. Colorful posters, representing the York 2006. That year, APICHA Director, explained to guests that APICHA’s health countries of the 7 largest A&PI ethnic groups in raised over $10,000. Diana exem- care assets are “APICHA’s legacy to our A&PI NYC (China, Japan, Korea, , Pakistan, the Phil- plifies HIV/AIDS youth advocates communities. It is my hope that together we can ippines and Viet Nam) also graced our walls with a primarily because she devoted so strengthen these assets so that they will continue short demographic description and the most cur- much love and energy to her work to be available to all of us and to our future genera- rent HIV epidemiological data. without asking for anything in re- tions of immigrants and their families.” Contributions from Gilead Sciences, Balkh turn. The results of her work were In true APICHA fashion, food was front and Shish Kebab House, Twin Marquis Inc., and Cen- Continued on opposite page center—quite literally. Banquet tables were placed drillon helped make the event possible. b 10 Volume 12, Number 1 • Summer 2007

Continued from previous page Miss Universe Comes To APICHA enough to encourage her and many others to continue striv- By Melissa S. Nibungco, Development Associate/Grants Writer ing for HIV/AIDS awareness “I am honored to be a spokesman for HIV and AIDS As a leading A&PI HIV/AIDS organization, API- and education among youth. awareness. I am not only privileged to be continuing the CHA is an important resource to celebrities, policy- Currently, Diana is a peer edu- work and message that others before me have champi- makers, and others who are interested in breaking cator at APICHA’s Young People’s oned, but also excited to start educating my own coun- the silence surrounding the disease and advocating Project. She conducts HIV pre- try, Japan about the effects of this disease.” These are for a non-judgmental attitude towards persons living vention education to A&PI youth. the words of , Miss Universe 2007. with HIV/AIDS. APICHA has extensive experience I have come to appreciate her On June 21, APICHA welcomed Ms. Mori, in directly addressing the needs of people infected patience, understanding, dedica- who was accompanied by Esther Swan, Manager and affected by this illness as well as a great deal tion and compassion as we have of Public Relations, and Roston Ogata, Director of of knowledge regarding its epidemiology, globally worked together on numerous Talent Development from the Miss Universe Orga- and locally. Cold hard facts about HIV/AIDS in Asia projects. She is an effective ad- nization. Throughout this coming year, she will be and among Asians in the United States, the chal- vocate for youth and HIV/AIDS. traveling extensively to raise awareness about HIV/ lenges and barriers to care faced by clients and indi- Diana will be attending Roch- AIDS as well as women’s health and reproductive vidual stories of courage from clients and staff were ester Institute of Technology in issues. In order to do so, it is crucial that she learns shared with the guests. the fall. from those fighting in the front lines. APICHA does not just provide services and pre- In her welcome address, Therese Rodriguez, vention education. It works with communities and Li Chen Executive Director, expressed hope that “with the public figures like Miss Universe 2007 in the battle By Diana Lu power of knowledge and the power of celebrity, you against stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Miss Uni- [Miss Mori] will be an enduring part of the constel- verse 2007 also participated in a mock HIV test so I first met Li over a year and a half lation of individuals, communities and societies in that she can better understand the process and ex- ago when we both volunteered preventing the spread of the epidemic.” Therese also perience what people may feel as they are about to for the Young People's Project at pointed out “the cure or the vaccine has not yet been be tested. APICHA. She was very open and found. In the case of this epidemic, the only known Ms. Mori, who is 20 years old, expressed a gave a strong and definitive first cure is prevention. Prevention requires openness, ac- strong interest in reaching people her own age and impression. Her outgoing person- ceptance and education. This cannot be done in the is looking forward to learning all she can with the ality gave her a friendly aura and darkness of ignorance and intolerance.” help of APICHA on how she can contribute. b made it easy to approach her. Li has always taken the initia- tive and is a self-starter. When there is work to be done, you can always count on her to do it. She went from preparing a workshop on HIV 101 to organizing an entire event called the Safer Sex Party at 49 Grove. Li is an active mem- ber of our community and cur- rently represents APICHA in the Young Women of Color HIV/AIDS Coalition (YWCHAC). The mission of the YWCHAC is to address the increasing HIV rates among young women of color, aged 13-24 years, through building partnerships with individuals and organizations that serve and em- power adolescents. Recently, she drafted a statement regarding the roles and responsibilities of each YWCHAC member and highlight- ed that commitment to these roles and responsibilities is nec- essary to accomplish YWCHAC’s goal of creating awareness within their respective communities. She will be attending Bing- hamton University. She plans to

bric bernas continue her work on HIV/AIDS For Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori, learning from those fighting in the front lines is important to fulfilling her role as spokesperson for HIV/ by becoming a physician. AIDS awareness. She is shown in the photo with APICHA HIV Testing Counselor Sunny Shiroma. Continued on next page 11 Volunteer Profiles continued from page 11 In and Around Our Communities Gizem Acarlar AIDS Walk On a cold and damp Sunday morning, APICHA’s By Melissa S. Nibungco, Development AIDS Walk Team enthusiastically came out to Cen- Associate/Grants Writer tral Park for the 2007 AIDS Walk New York. They Gizem Acarlar, who volunteered in raised over $5,000. This year, new team captains the Development Unit from March took over the team’s leadership from Diana Roygul- – May 2007, is an MA candidate in chareon. They are Case Management Team Leader the Department of Psychology at Yu Kang Chen, Development Associate/Grants Middle East Technical University Writer Melissa S. Nibungco, HIV Counselor Larry in Ankara, , where she also Tantay and Community Health Education Coordi- completed her undergraduate de- nator Tristan Vizconde. A karaoke party and raffle gree with honors. She came to drawing kicked off the event. Proceeds from ticket

NYC to write her MA thesis, which Yu K an g C hen sales raised money for the team’s breakfast. focuses on organizational psychol- ogy and spend time with her fiancé Philippine Independence Day Parade who is an Engineering Ph.D. candi- On June 3rd, APICHA participated in the Philippine date at Polytechnic University. Independence Day Festival for the first time. Twen- Although Gizem was new to ty-three people, about half of whom were Filipino, NYC, she quickly adapted to life received HIV testing inside our mobile health van. in the Big Apple—taking her daily One-third of those tested were young people (24 hour-long commute from Brooklyn years old and younger). This marks a significant in stride. She became an integral change in Filipinos’ perception of their health; igno- part of the Immigrant History Week rance and stigma may persist, but more and more, planning committee and worked Filipinos understand the importance of HIV testing over 150 volunteer hours prior to as a routine health examination. APICHA hopes April 21st. She took charge of de- to repeat this success next year and to hopefully

signing the event program, coordi- open doors throughout the Filipino community. apicha staff nating the production of posters, reviewing film entries, and setting Pride up the video equipment like a pro. APICHA’s participation in gay pride events held Gizem was always cheerful and her throughout NYC in June was very successful in pro- presence added a great deal to the viding information about HIV/AIDS as well as HIV Development Unit. On May 30th, tests to many A&PIs. This year, 108 people were she returned to Turkey to defend tested at the Brooklyn and Queens Pride events. her MA thesis. During the 2007 NYC GLBT Pride March, APICHA’s Without Gizem’s hard work contingent was accompanied by two traditional Ko- and the generosity of staff and rean drum troupes—NYU Rhythmic Impulses (New other volunteers, our Immigrant York University) and Ho-Eup (Columbian University). History Week event would nei- Tens of thousands of people greeted them with ap- ther have been as successful nor plause and whistles. APICHA peers and volunteers as much fun. At APICHA, volun- distributed over 7000 condoms, along the parade’s

teers play an active and vital role S peier E yal route from Midtown to Greenwich Village. b and their talents and skills are very much appreciated.

APICHA 400 Broadway New York, NY 10013 Entrance on Walker St.

Phone: 212.334.7940 Fax: 212.334.7956 Infoline: 1.866.APICHA9 (1.866.274.2429) Clinic: 212.334.6029

Online: Log on to www.apicha.org N atividad yan R B ric ernas 12