Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 IN THIS ISSUE: NEAPICHAWS Turns 20 Update: HIV and STI Among 2009 marks APICHA’s 20th anniversary! Highlight- condominiums have put many community-based A&PIs...... 2 ing the commemorative activities will be our gala organizations in great difficulty. APICHA had the benefit, “A Thousand and One Champions”, to be misfortune of being in a building that became part Client Navigation Project....3 held on June 4, 2009 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. of the gentrification of communities as a result of You won’t want to miss this special dinner that the conversion boom. Keeping the Youth ‘Street will honor some of the many people who have been The benefit committee is now in formation. For Smart’ and Healthy...... 3 good friends of APICHA, so SAVE THE DATE! information about becoming a committee mem- Executive Director Therese R. Rodriguez calls on ber, an event sponsor, or other information about Community PROMISE in the APICHA’s friends to join the effort to make this gala the event, you may call Vicki Shu Smolin at (646) a success. “In view of the increasing number of peo- 263-6044, or e-mail her at [email protected]. Making...... 3 ple who are getting infected, APICHA must remain “We have come a long way since a small group strong. Our challenge now is to ensure that APICHA of volunteers launched APICHA in 1989,” notes Editorial: Navigating through will be here for the long haul in this pandemic that Suki Terada Ports, a founder and Chair of the De- an Economic Crisis...... 4 portends no end. APICHA’s benefit galas have tradi- velopment Committee. “It is amazing how APICHA tionally been part of our strategy to raise the funds has turned our mid-1980 hopes and dreams of be- Miss Universe 2007 Takes a to fill the gaps that are not met by contracts.” ing able to help our community into what we now The event is part of the Gift of Caring Campaign know as our one-stop shop of HIV services from Public HIV Test...... 4 that was established to address the significant in- prevention to a comprehensive HIV/AIDS health creases in operating costs incurred, including rent, clinic, the only one of its kind in the U.S. There If You Build It, Will They when APICHA lost its lease at 150 Lafayette Street are so many people and organizations we have to [Continue to] Come?...... 5 and after much searching, moved to 400 Broad- thank for their significant contributions which have way. New York City’s real estate trends for building helped us to get this far.” Skills Building: Phlebotomy...... 5 Grants and Gifts Make Our Programs Go ‘Round...... 6 Grants and Contracts...... 7 Helping Clients to Make Wiser Food Choices...... 8 In and Around Our Communities...... 10 Seen On Site...... 12

Published by the Asian & Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Inc. (APICHA), a non-profit organi- zation providing HIV/AIDS related services, including primary care, counseling and testing, preven- tion education, food and nutrition, and other support services for the Asian and Pacific Islander commu- MissRiyo Universe Mori, 2007 Riyo Miss Mori taking Universe a public HIV test 2007, administered Takes by APICHA aTesting Public Counselor HIV Sunny ShiromaTest nities, especially people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Story on page 4 NEWS Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 Update: HIV and STI among A&PIs Client Navigation Project Keeping the Youth ‘Street Smart’ and Healthy By Melissa S. Nibungco, Development Associate/Grants Writer By Joey Akima, CTR Program Manager, and Jarron Ma- By Larry Tantay, Community Health Education Coordinator gallanes, MSW, MSM Project Coordinator Recent epidemiological data from both that among MSM who are 30 years and The smell of food and the sound of raucous ing to their sexual and ethnic identities. At the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- older, only A&PIs experienced an increase A&PI syphilis case rates In March this year funding for APICHA’s Client laughter fill the room. About ten young Asians EquAsian meetings, on average, ten youths vention (CDC), and the New York City De- (115.4%). In addition, only 31% of A&PIs Navigation Project was renewed by DOHMH/ sit around a table discussing the images of attend. The group is also opened to friends of partment of Health and Mental Hygiene have ever been tested for HIV3 and over are on the increase Public Health Solutions as part of the New Asians in the magazines they are reading. participants who are either not queer or not (NYCDOHMH) highlight the need for HIV 40% of those newly diagnosed are not in NYC Primary and Secondary Syphilis Cases York City Council Communities of Color (NYC- There aren’t many to discuss. In one maga- A&PI. We’ve found from previous EquAsian primary prevention services - especially care within 3 months of diagnosis.4 NYC Primary and Secondary Syphilis Cases COCHA) Initiative. The purpose of the grant is zine – queer and based in New Jersey – the meetings and in speaking with youth during among A&PI men who have sex with men When we examine rates of sexually 9 to enhance APICHA’s existing HIV prevention only photo of Asian people are three work- outreach that many queer A&PI youth have (MSM). Among A&PIs, the vast majority transmitted infections, the picture is not 8 programs. The program was first implement- ers in rice fields in traditional garb, wearing friends who are not queer A&PI but are quite of existing and new HIV cases is among quite as clear. Analysis of data from the 7 ed in 2007 with a grant of $109,163. This year large round hats that obscure their faces. In supportive of them. Based on the comfort of males and the most common transmission NYCDOHMH, Bureau of Sexually Transmit- 6 the award was reduced to $54,417 because some of the Asian fashion magazines, there the group, we allow up to two friends to at- route is MSM. CDC recently reported that ted Diseases is made difficult by limitations 5 A&PI of the number of grantees. are more White faces than Asian. “For queer tend the meeting. The focus, however, is al- from 2001 to 2006, the largest proportion- within the data set.5 Approximately 50% of 4 All As a result of the enhancement monies, Asian youth who read these magazines, ways on the needs of the queer A&PI youth. ate increase (255.6% [EAPC = 30.8]) was gonorrhea and Chlamydia cases, and 33- 3 APICHA staff was able to increase the fre- what is this doing for their self-esteem and This is part of the larger YMSM Project.

among Asian/Pacific Islander MSM aged 50% of syphilis cases are missing race/eth- Rate(per 100,000) 2 quency of outreach sessions conducted at their feelings about their own bodies?” one YMSM stands for Young Men who Have 13–24 years.1 nicity data. What is important to point out 1 various venues where MSM convene from of the Youth Leaders asks. This is just one Sex with Men. We use “YMSM” instead of In NYC, A&PI MSM experienced a is that A&PI syphilis case rates are on the 0 once a week to three or four times a week. topic among many that are covered every Fri- “gay” to be inclusive of those who may be 57.1% change during the same time period increase. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Condoms and HIV prevention materials were day during EquAsian. involved in the same sexual behaviors and (see chart below).2 It is important to note provided to over 2,776 individuals in two EquAsian is a social support group for Year risks as young gay men but who don’t iden- New HIV Diagnoses among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) months. At the end of the grant period on queer Asian youth – aged 22 and younger – in tify that way. The main intervention provided NYC Early Latent Syphilis Cases New HIV Diagnoses among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) June 30, 2008, this number is expected to NYC. Many other youth groups in NYC seem by the YMSM Project is Street SMART – a NYC Early Latent Syphilis Cases 70 go up an additional 4,000. Although this fund- to focus on either being gay or being Asian multi-session program which enhances the 57.1 14 60 ing is for a very short time period, it provided but not both. The end result is that queer participants’ knowledge in preventing HIV 12 much needed support for our outreach ser- A&PIs are being alienated from both sides. infection. It is one of the evidence-based 50 vices that are no longer funded by the city’s It’s necessary to give queer A&PI youth a behavioral intervention models approved for 40 10 Health Department. space to meet and discuss issues pertain- Continued on page 8 30 8 A&PI APICHA’s Counseling, Testing & Referrals 20 6 All and Prevention Units collaborate to imple- -3.2 10 -4.9 2.2 -16.9 4 ment the project. Due to the funding cutback, 0 Rate(per 100,000) for the current grant period, the NYCCO- Community PROMISE in the Making

% change (2001-2006) %change 2 -10 All Blacks only Hispanics Whites only A&PIs only CHAC funds are dedicated to hiring of addi- By Diana Roygulchareon, Women and Youth Program Manager 0 tional peers who are instrumental in recruit- -20 only 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 ing clients to access services at APICHA’s In 2005, the Young Peoples Project (YPP) em- This intervention has been tested for other -30 Year off-site events. HIV testing, syphilis screen- barked on a new way of tackling HIV preven- racial groups but not A&PIs. It takes stories ing, gonorrhea and Chlamydia tests, Hepa- tion among young people living in New York and voices from the community and uses the NYC Late Latent Syphilis Cases titis A and B vaccinations as well as smok- City. This approach is known as Community stories to educate on positive and healthy NYC Late Latent Syphilis Cases ing cessation patches are provided at those PROMISE, which stands for Peers Reaching choices as alternatives to risky behavior. We 1Please note that due to the small numbers of Asian/Pacific Islander MSM and the 35 events. APICHA thus far has participated in Out and Modeling Intervention Strategies. A adapted the intervention to target specifically resultant wide confidence intervals (95% CI: 5.0-19.6) around point estimates, the rate of 30 the Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival, part of the CDC-approved compendium, Dif- A&PI youth who engage in unprotected sex. increase in this subpopulation should be interpreted with caution. CDC, “Trends in HIV/ 25 Philippine Independence Day Parade, and the fusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions Implementing Community PROMISE typi- AIDS Diagnoses Among Men who Have Sex with Men, 33 States, 2001-2006,” Morbid- Pride events in Brooklyn and Queens. At each (DEBI), Community PROMISE uses role cally involves at least 3 full time staff mem- 20 A&PI ity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 57(25), 2008, pp.681-686. Available online at event, a mobile van is provided to ensure cli- model stories to disseminate HIV and STD bers. However, with limited funding available http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5725a2.htm 15 All ent confidentiality and increase the comfort prevention messages. The stories illustrate to APICHA, we are making do with less: one 2 Data from NYCDOHMH, Press Release: New HIV Diagnoses Rising in New York CityNYC Primary10 and Secondary Syphilis Cases level of both clients and staff. Rental expens- stages of change that individuals go through intern, one part time peer educator, and I as Rate(per 100,000) Among Young Men who Have Sex with Men, (New York: NYCDOHMH, 2007). Available 5 es for the van were funded by the Centers for as they become familiar with the nature of the full time staff responsible for coordinat- online at http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2007/pr079-07.shtml. Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to risky behavior and the different ways of re- ing the implementation activities of the inter- 9 0 3 Pleis JR, Lethbridge-Çejku M. “Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National8 testing events, staff and peers outreach dur- ducing their risk for HIV and STD. Two role vention. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Health Interview Survey, 2005” Vital Health Statistics 10, 2006. Available online at7 http:// ing the Manhattan Pride March. model stories (see “It’s a Start”) have been The tasks we have to do include a process www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_232.pdf 6 Year Client Navigation is based on the success- produced since the program began three called community identification (CID) through 4 NYCDOHMH, HIV Epidemiology Field Services, SemiAnnual Report Covering5 Janu- A&PI ful patient navigation model developed by Dr. years ago; over 600 young people have been which we find out where young people are ary 1, 2006 – December 31, 2006, (New York: NYCDOHMH, 2007). 4 All Harold P. Freeman at Harlem Hospital. API- reached. It has also motivated young people located geographically and where they are 5 Data from customized report received on January 30, 2008. Limitations indicated3 by CHA adapted the model to help clients over- to get tested and become even more in- at in terms of HIV/STD risk behaviors: Are

Julia Schillinger, MD of the NYCDOHMH Bureau of STD Control Rate(per 100,000) 2 come barriers to health care services. volved in APICHA’s activities, including being they keeping themselves safe? What risky 1 part of APICHA’s contingent in AIDS WALK. Continued on page 9 0 2 3 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year NEWS Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 400 Broadway New York, NY 10013 Editorial: Navigating through an Economic Crisis If You Build It, Will They [Continue to] Come? Skills Building: Phlebotomy Entrance on 70 Walker St. Victor Inada, M.D., AAHIVS, Medical Director, APICHA HIV Primary Care Clinic By Yoshiaki Otake, HIV Testing Counselor Recent economic forecasts have dashed hopes Council manage to find the resources to fund Phone: 212.334.7940 the country’s economic woes will go away soon. HIV/AIDS work adequately, a bleak future is ahead One of the challenges facing our clinic early and health care system of NYC) to provide Fax: 212.334.7956 This climate has already set off new rounds of for community-based organizations like APICHA, in its history at our former site, 150 Lafay- more HIV testing through an innovative ef- Infoline: 1.866.APICHA9 budget cuts from the White House to City Hall. which often does not have an endowment that ette Street, was to build it to meet the stan- fort to reach out to medical providers serv- (1.866.274.2429) APICHA has already received notices of 2% could provide cushion from economic downturns. dards of the New York State Department of ing A&PIs to make HIV testing more a part Healthcare cuts for all its federal contracts. These contracts Our challenge is to weather the economic cri- Health. Now, after a year at our new site, of routine healthcare. Often, these provid- Services: 212.334.6029 fund our HIV primary care services, counseling sis without permanently damaging our fragile in- 400 Broadway, we meet the same chal- ers do not have the capacity to provide HIV and testing, and the prevention program for young frastructure. Like it or not HIV/AIDS services are lenges while continuing care to our 100+ tests or have adequate referral information APICHA NEWS men who have sex with men. These cuts come needed especially during difficult times. In light of patients. One of many concerns during the regarding HIV care. EDITORIAL BOARD on top of flat funding that has been imposed over the disappointing news that no vaccine for AIDS is planning of our move to 400 Broadway was To help out with the project, APICHA cre- the years. The New York State AIDS Institute has in sight we have no choice but to persevere. how this move might affect our patients ated a multi-disciplinary team composed APICHA’s new certified phlebotomists - CTR Therese R. Rodriguez implemented across-the-board cuts for Fiscal Year In this issue of APICHA News, we bring you and clients. In fact, we worried that the of staff from the Prevention Unit, Client Project Manager Joey Akima, Community Health Executive Director 2009; we received a 6% decrease in our Multi-Ser- up to speed with what’s going on in our primary stress of this move would cause us to lose Services, and the Primary Care Clinic to Education Coordinator Larry Tantay, and HIV Testing vice Agencies/Community Development Initiative care clinic as well as our progress in delivering patients. After a year at 400 Broadway, we reach out to providers caring for our com- Counselor Yoshiaki Otake Ding Pajaron contract. evidence-based prevention interventions. We also are glad to report that not only were we munity to increase their patients’ access to Editor As we go to press, we find that the outlook for introduce relevant epidemiological data to help put able to provide unin- HIV testing, and Can you draw blood? Yes, we can! Director of Development New York City is even worse. Severe cuts have in perspective our determination to sustain our terrupted care for our According to NYC DOHMH, 40% if needed, expe- APICHA is happy to announce that three coun- been proposed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, in- programs. Finally, we share news about our new existing patients, but dited referral into selors from the HIV Counseling, Testing and Re- Yumiko Fukuda cluding a 19.4% cut in HIV funding. Although the LGBT program and an update on our Gift of Caring through the concerted of A&PIs newly diagnosed with HIV primary care. ferral (CTR) Unit became certified phlebotomists Director of Programs NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Campaign. During this challenging time, the Gift of efforts of APICHA HIV or AIDS are not in care As many of you last fall. Joey Akima, Larry Tantay, and I complet- does not currently fund any of our prevention Caring Campaign must play a larger role in sustain- staff including HIV already know, ed a very intense training with MEDEXX which Dr. Victor Inada programs, we were hopeful there would be new ing our programs and services. testing counselors, within 3 months of diagnoses. from the results covered vascular anatomy, universal precautions, Medical Director opportunities for funding for such programs in the We also hope our policy makers will be judicious case managers and clinic staff we were of APICHA’s 2006 Community Mapping and different phlebotomy techniques. We actually coming fiscal year. The Mayor’s budget seems to when considering budget cuts and look beyond the also able to bring HIV primary care to new Project, many in our community seek out practiced on one another. Because of the newly Melissa Nibungco have closed off any chance of getting new fund- immediate situation. We call on all our supporters, patients in need of our care. HIV testing from their general medical pro- acquired skill in phlebotomy, the CTR staff is now Development Associate/ ing for prevention. Unless the Mayor and the City and friends to help make sure this happens. The challenges facing us now that we viders (e.g., Internists, Family Practitioners, providing free syphilis testing by blood drawing to Grants Writer have settled into our new space include and Gynecologists). Hopefully, by reaching complement the agency’s rapid HIV testing. This ensuring that our client-centered care is ac- out directly to medical providers, we can is part of APICHA’s response to the current syphi- Aleli Alvarez cessible to patients in need of primary care. make a breakthrough in making more peo- lis epidemic in New York City. More people have Community and Media Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, Takes a Public HIV Test According to NYC DOHMH, 40% of A&PIs ple aware of their HIV status and getting been diagnosed with syphilis since 2000 (see Relations Coordinator By Aleli Alvarez, Community and Media Relations Manager newly diagnosed with HIV or AIDS are not those who are infected into care as soon “HIV and STI among A&PIs” on page 2). in care within 3 months of diagnoses. Get- as possible. Syphilis is one of the most common sexually BOARD OF DIRECTORS “HIV testing is the only way to find out whether As Miss Universe 2007, Miss Mori chose to ad- ting more A&PIs to know their status is We are also looking into other serious transmitted diseases (STD), especially among you have HIV or not. I hope that my public test- vocate for HIV/AIDS awareness especially among also very important. While our HIV Coun- gaps in or barriers to care and into how men who have sex with men (MSM). Although Errol A. Chin-Loy ing can influence people who have not had HIV young people. She said she has always been in- seling and Testing program continues to APICHA can be in step with the healthcare syphilis is curable with proper treatment, it is Chair testing before.” With these words, Miss Universe terested in this area of work but needed to get provide free HIV testing for our community reforms being implemented by New York highly infectious and the symptoms are not pret- 2007 Riyo Mori brought HIV/AIDS awareness to proper information. The Miss Universe Organiza- to be aware of their HIV status, APICHA’s State. A top priority for us is to find the re- ty. Syphilis is known as a bacterial infection that John J. Chin, Ph.D. the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in New tion partnered with APICHA to get mentoring for Primary Care Clinic looks for ways to make sources to provide primary care services to is transmitted through sexual intercourse and Chair-elect York during World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007. Miss Mori. The mentorship provided her with an our services accessible to more people in our current pool of high risk, non-HIV infect- gives body rashes and, in many cases, chancres The public testing event took place at APICHA’s overview of HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Asian com- need of them. In 2008, APICHA teamed ed clients. Among our more than fifteen or lesions on the genital area. Although some Tommy Tam Hall of Honor. Special guests were Andrea Minkow, munities of New York. To gain first hand experi- up with the New York City Health and Hos- hundred clients, a large number have no people do not get immediate symptoms, red dot- Secretary senior adviser to New York City Council Speaker ence, Miss Mori joined in street outreach activities pitals Corporation (the municipal hospital ongoing primary care provider. An informal like rashes on your hands and feet are signs of Christine Quinn, LGBT Community Liaison Jeremy conducted by APICHA peer educators in New York survey showed that two-thirds of respon- syphilis. Grace Moon Wilson also of New York City Council Speaker neighborhoods with large Asian populations. She dents stated they want to access primary After the training, our confidence in phlebot- Treasurer Christine Quinn’s Office, Monsignor Oscar Aquino also joined a session of the support group for Japa- care with us. Other programs being con- omy was strengthened by Medical Director Dr. of Saint Lucy’s Church, Venerable Ben Kong of For- nese HIV+ clients. Kazuko Ko, case manager and sidered are expanded sexually transmitted Victor Inada and Medical Assistant Hadja Dolley Mars Custodio, M.D. En Temple and Venerable Zhi Kong Yuan Ton Zen facilitator of the support group, reported that the infection (STI) and outpatient mental health of APICHA’s HIV Primary Care Clinic. We each Sherida David Temple. Over fifty guests joined APICHA staff to session felt like Miss Mori was part of the group: services. completed all 10 supervised observations in phle- Lou Madigan mark the day. “The clients shared how they felt when they first Stay tuned for APICHA’s efforts toward botomy under Dr. Inada. He was able to guide Robert Murayama, M.D., MPH Miss Mori acknowledged that this is the first got diagnosed, how they are presently dealing improving health outcomes for our com- us to be better phlebotomists. We are now pro- Suki Terada Ports time she took the test and added: “We need to with the challenges of HIV and surrounding health munities. viding tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and Chla- Therese R. Rodriguez, Ex officio work together and encourage people to reduce issues, and their current concerns relating to their mydia Mondays through Fridays. Call our toll-free the taboo. Be proactive to learn more about HIV, jobs, other non-HIV medical issues, and relation- multilingual APICHA InfoLine at 1.866.APICHA.9 and take the test in order to control the illness.” Continued on page 9 < Do you know your HIV status? (1.866.274.2429) to make an appointment.

4 5 NEWS Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 Grants and Gifts Make Our Programs Go ‘Round Grants and Contracts September 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008

GOVERNMENT $10,000 and up CONTRIBUTIONS New York University Chinese what kind of care does APICHA provide”. Also Broadway and additional outfitting costs. The Broadway Cares/Equity Students Society New Program: Project Connect Centers for Disease Control $5,000 and up featured is a link to APICHA’s secure online campaign has raised $172,000 since our kick- Fights AIDS Jorge Z. Ortoll and Prevention AIDS Walk/Gay Men’s Health Crisis Since its founding, APICHA has been a safe donation page. off report in APICHA News last summer. C. J. Huang Foundation Elvin B. Parson, M.D. Health Resources and Louis A. Madigan space for A&PI lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- APICHA engaged AT BEAM, Inc. a cutting Gifts came from various sources, including Services Administration Public Welfare Foundation Consulate General, David W. Husch gender, queer/questioning and intersex (LG- edge web design firm operated by Akimitsu Sa- Board and staff initiated events. In October New York State Department The Paul Rapoport Foundation Republic of Indonesia Therese R. Rodriguez and BTQI) individuals, their families and communi- doi and Troy Phillips. AT BEAM has worked on 2007 a benefit was held at Grand Harmony of Health, AIDS Institute Frederick Seguritan Tiger Baron Foundation Lourdes Marzan ties. Over the years, we recognized the need a variety of websites ranging from a fast food which raised over $30,000 and a farewell party New York State Department Verizon Foundation Superior Computer Consulting, Inc. for services specifically addressing the unique franchise to an international airline. The project for former CTR Project Manager Bric Bernas of Health, Center for $2,000 and up Suzie Tam $1,000 and up needs, beyond HIV, of the A&PI LGBTQI com- was funded by grants from Verizon Foundation raised close to $3,000. Staff, peers and their Community Health Dr. Mars and Cora Custodio Asian American Community Tommy Tam munity. In May 2008, we received great news and the New York State Legislature. friends dedicated the 2007 AIDS Walk pro- New York State Legislature H.E.L.P/Project Samaritan, Inc. Fund of the Asian American $500 and up that APICHA’s proposal to the NYS Department ceeds of $5,230 to the campaign. New York City Council Paul D.C. Huang Federation/United Way Jaime Ablaza of Health, Division of Family Health, Center for The last two years have been quite challeng- James M. Jaeger New York City Department of Alvarez Educational and Community Health, Bureau of Child and Adoles- ing for APICHA. Aside from managing program Robert C. Ackart NYC Council Capital Health and Mental Hygiene/ Charitable Foundation N. Cheng & Co. P.C. cent Health was awarded a 5-year grant. Project changes, we had to deal with the unanticipated Public Health Solutions Robert E. Bank Coalition for Children and $1,000 and up Connect consists of a skills building workshop, move. After a frantic search for a new space Boehringer Ingelheim Grant at Work New York City Health and Families/Project Charge Abbott Laboratories mentorship program, community awareness In March this year, a new IT system began to and construction we managed to move our op- Hospital Corporation Pharmaceuticals Funding Exchange Bank of Indonesia campaign, and service provider trainings. hum at APICHA, thanks to Council Member erations into 400 Broadway. Although it took Caxton Associates, LLC Giant Steps Fund of Patrizia Barone Alan Gerson and his colleagues in the New York awhile to settle into our new space, we have PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS John J. Chin and Haftan Eckholdt Tides Foundation Mars and Cora Custodio City Council who pushed through a capital grant been providing services, keeping in mind that $100,000 and up Dan T. Domingo The Ong Family Foundation Yumiko Fukuda for APICHA in 2005. The agency needed to re- our move should not become a barrier to cli- Anonymous Matthew McClain APICHA Website Gets The Orisha Foundation Gay Men’s Health Crisis/AIDS Walk place all servers and staff computers as these ents needing care. In fact we have made major $50,000 and up New York Japanese Kristy L. Illuzzi a Makeover had become outmoded. It took more than 15 progress in integrating our services that will H. van Ameringen Foundation Matching Grant Students Association Jean R. Lobell On January 15, 2008 APICHA’s website, www. minutes for the computers to boot up and the make our client-centered care a reality. There AXA Foundation John H. Torok apicha.org, took on a new look, the first make- servers were overloaded. The loss to the organi- are a number of people who helped us through American Express Foundation John-John C. Manlutac Shu-Hui H Wu over since it was launched in 2001. The rede- zation was enormous when the server crashed the last two difficult years. We want to take $200 and up Nimia Lacebal Chinese American Edmund Mercado Francisca M. Tayag Hong Ming Lin sign was done to capture the organization’s in May 2006. After two years of navigating the this opportunity to acknowledge their support. Antonio Ablir Charles F. McCarron Planning Council, Inc. Miwako M. Miya Stephen Tecson William F. Lollis growth and improve how information on HIV/ city’s procurement process, approval was final- Joseph Akima New York Fireworks Coalition for Asian Grace Moon Angela Timtiman Gregory M. Mann AIDS is communicated to the general public. ly given in December 2007. We purchased new Patrice Altongy Production/David American Children Robert Murayama- Scott Turner Edwin P. Manoloto & Families We streamlined the look and structure of the desktop computers for all staff and 2 new serv- Aleli Alvarez Kennedy Greenbaum Ronald Uba June Kushino Lolita B. Compas website, so that viewers can find the informa- ers were installed in March 2008. In addition, Asian American Federation New York University Shigaki Nakanishi Bonnie Um Jake Lee Rayman Cortez tion they are looking for as quickly as possible. we also added software programs. Overall, the of New York Ed & Susan Nibungco Nav-Nirmaan Steve Villano Geraldine Minichiello APICHA staff can also easily update pages to new IT system has increased our productivity Banda Kulasa Christopher Noyes Gino Damasco Foundation, Inc. Up to $99 Cherry Ng provide new information to clients as well as and ability to secure our data. Francisca Bittan Daniel OíConnell Maria Cecilia Ferraris Daniel O’Connell James Alison Sara Ngan reflect the expanding services APICHA offers. Carr Business Systems The Philippine-New Neal K. Fushige Steven M. Ostner Anonymous (6) Melissa Nibungco Executive Director Therese R. Rodriguez Alexander Chan York Jaycees, Inc. Aquilino Gabor Ding Pajaron Ariel Baraquiel Gary D. Obrien stressed the importance of immediate access Thomas Ruiz Jacqueline Huey Charles B. Wang Nelsie T. Parrado Yoshiaki Otake to information: “HIV infection is destroying Ayah Entertainment Ltd.

C orky L ee Community Center, Inc. Tana Sarntinoranont Venilda Jaynal Thomas Pelosi New York City Council Member John Liu (back, Allen Breslow Sung Won Park communities of color, including our own A&PI Calvin R. Chin Tommy Tam Kim-Monique Johnson Avelina C. Pimo far left) posed for APICHA News with some of Susan J. Behrens David W. Reid communities. We need to lead the way in get- Allen Thompson Michael Kandel the guests at the 18th Anniversary event. Errol A. Chin-Loy Paul Polivko Robin Rosenbluth ting information on how to prevent the spread Tzlai Y. Chong Matthew Chrisholm Tim Tsao Philippe Khawan Judith Retensky of this infectious disease and where to receive Gerry B. Compas Akimitsu Sadoi Lee Chong Susan Watts Danny Kim Lisagaye Robinson the best possible care and treatment if they William A. Cook, M.D. Morisane Shiroma Community Resource William F. Ryan Community David D. Kim, M.D. Veronica F. Rosario are HIV positive.” Andrew A. de los Reyes Patrick M. Small Exchange Health Center Yolanda C. Labi Eduardo Sanz Director of Programs Yumiko Fukuda point- Wendy N. Frank Gems Spot Juliet A. Cullen-Cheung $100 and up Alan W. Lee Maryanne Schwaller ed to the need for a website that is “easy to Aurea K. Hernando Steele Development LLC Gift of Caring Update Sherida David Margaret Abraham, Ph.D. Matthew Lesieur Amelia Sebastian navigate by both clients and people in the com- Stephen C. Ho Stuart Sussman Robert Donadt Anita T. Afante Spencer Lew Marta Siberio munity.” The highlight of the new structure is With lead grants from an anonymous private Giuseppe B. Intili Francis X. Shea Eileen Fu AIDS Services in Asian Carla Lewis Consulting Inc. APICHA’s integrated model of services. foundation and from the New York State AIDS Sidney Kivanoski Kit Tang Neal K. Fujishige Communities Loida N. Lewis Reuben S. Seguritan Those who log on will find warm and sooth- Institute, APICHA’s Gift of Caring Campaign Kazuko Ko Lawrence Tantay Sandra P. Houston Wesley E. Badillo Vincent Lin Robert J. Sinko ing floral images and tabs for the following has received over $400,000 in cash and pledg- KPMG John G. Weingardt Shaonan B. Huang Jialin Cen Tony Liu Carol M. Suzuki basic information: “I want to learn how to pro- es. The campaign was established in Septem- Elizabeth M. Young C orky L ee June Kushino APICHA’s Board of Directors led the organizing Victor Inada, M.D. Xuan Chen Chen John Magisano Elsa R. Tabije tect myself from HIV/AIDS”, “How can I get ber 2006 to raise $1.6 million toward operating William Kwok Francis Yu effort of the 18th Anniversary event. Jason Office Products Margaret S. Chin Dante Mele Lawrence Tantay HIV counseling and testing”, and “I am HIV+, costs associated with APICHA’s move to 400 David Lin 6 7 NEWS Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 Advanced Youth Leaders to mentor the incom- Community PROMISE in the Making the intervention. Our experience in this year’s Helping Clients to Make Wiser Food Choices ing cycle of Youth Leaders. session is illustrative. One of the locations we By Cheng Wei (Mike) Yu, Food and Nutrition Project Coordinator We also felt that HIV testing was an impor- continued from page 3 have been working out of recently is a college tant facet in keeping A&PI youth healthy. Dur- behaviors are they engaging in? How are they dormitory. Ly Tran, a peer educator assigned to food products by providing fresh the necessary referrals to care and other ser- ing the testing sessions, we counsel clients to speaking? What language(s) or slang are they the program and a student of Hunter College, fruits and vegetables in each pan- vices. reduce their risk and harm for HIV. The test- using when they speak? Once we have de- suggested the venue. “It [the dormitory] was try distribution. Fruits and vegeta- Clients may also choose to purchase food ing component to our program has been even fined our community, we interview individuals convenient, and it provided us with just the bles are handpicked by our Proj- on their own using food vouchers after a 15- more successful in hitting our target because from that community who have made positive right age group, roughly 18 to 24. I started out- ect Liaison, Mr. Jian-Min Li, who month minimum successful participation in we offer an incentive – an AMC Loews Gift change(s). The personal stories from the inter- reaching right away by slipping the role model is certified in food protection by the food pantry program. Before they apply Card for $20. The youth have responded well views are then developed into role model sto- stories underneath each dorm room, and en- the New York City Department of for food vouchers, they must pass a nutritional to that – making up about 15% of those tested ries. Peer advocates are recruited and trained gaging many of the residents in discussion. I Health and Mental Hygiene. In ad- quiz administered by Mr. Lee. at APICHA – and in turn refer their friends and even translated the role model story into inter- dition, to help ensure our clients Although we focus on nutritional education, partners, who may also be part of that high net lingo in the form of an AIM chat,” Ly said. receive the freshest groceries in we often find that many of our clients depend risk population. Because this program focuses It’s A Start - A Role Model Story Ly teamed up with our intern Tsering Ch- each food pantry bag they receive on our food pantry as their primary source of on A&PI queer youth, we are better prepared oden to hold focus groups through which po- from us, we purchase the food nutritious food due to their limited income. But Note: From our initial pool of interviews the tential candidates for role model stories were within 3 hours prior to distribu- because of funding limitations clients are re- story of a young woman (we call her Amy to chosen. After two focus groups, they came protect her identity) was chosen. The name tion. quired to graduate from the program after 18 away empty handed. “Initially, we hoped we One participant also noted was changed, but the story is real. Clients also learn how to pre- months. During that period they would have can identify several individuals from the focus pare mouthwatering cuisines by gone through the training curriculum and a 3- how a workshop exercise I’m Amy, and I’m a junior at a high school group to be interviewed so that we can create using nutritious groceries from month nutritional monitoring that test clients’ really helped him understand in Brooklyn. I’ve been with my boyfriend a much better tool and something suitable for various Asian cultures during our abilities to utilize skills learned from the pro- for a while now. My parents don’t even college dorm residents,” Tsering explained. M ike Y u Cooking workshops with Jian-Min Li teach clients how to cooking seminars and nutritional gram. Clients who have difficulty accessing an the chain of HIV infection.... know I have a boyfriend, and all they say “After running two focus groups, we realized prepare nutritious and affordable dishes. workshops. alternative source of nutritious meals during is “no dating” or “don’t go have sex cause that it wasn’t easy to identify someone who Because we want to educate the monitoring period are referred to other or- for their issues (i.e. gender and sexual identity you might get pregnant,” you know, the might have made a positive behavior change.” “Eating well, living well” is a principle we in our clients on the importance of a balanced ganizations that also provide meals and food and stress from various environmental fac- typical Asian parents lecture. We learned later from an expert on Commu- APICHA’s Food and Nutrition Project pay at- diet and its relationship to their medication, services. At graduation clients are expected to tors, such as family and school). They can ask Last month, we started Sex Ed in school. nity PROMISE that the unsuccessful identi- tention to. This means we promote nutritional we ask our clients to choose their pantry items make wiser decisions about grocery purchase questions and access HIV testing counseling I thought it was irrelevant and corny at first, fication of a role model story was the result values such as eating more unprocessed food: from our grocery selections. In the process, and how to balance a nutritional diet following services. but then the teacher showed us these hor- of skipping certain steps such as the staging lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and our project staff may intervene to discuss with the principle of “eating well, living well” and Recruiting possible participants for the work- rifying pictures of STD’s. It started to make surveys and recruitment of a peer who would whole grains. Whole foods help sustain health. clients the nutrients contained in the pantry within a budget. shops has been difficult. Conflicting schedules me question whether I’m having protected help distribute the role model stories. Skipping We also believe that one’s ability to identify items they choose. This process creates an – with school and work – make it challenging sex or not. I’m not a virgin anymore, but steps was the team’s attempt to continue the and choose healthy yet enjoyable food helps environment that simulates shopping for gro- for them to set aside time to attend. However, most of my friends are, so I don’t feel right project after students left for summer vaca- that individual feel at his or her best. For those ceries from an actual food vendor and famil- we’ve tried to mitigate this by offering three talking to them about it. I can’t ask anyone tion. With guidance from experts from the reasons, the Project provides HIV+ clients with iarizes clients with better choices. Our food separate cycles of workshops throughout the in my family or they’d kill me. CDC, we learned how to rework our plans. food pantry bags containing fresh fruits, veg- pantry bags and food vouchers are available to year so if a participant has to miss a session, After the pictures and statistics from “Indeed, the Community PROMISE project etables, and protein products such as chicken, eligible HIV+ clients and their children who are he can make it up later on. Sex Ed, I decided that I wanted more infor- is, at times, a bit overwhelming,” exclaims Ly. fish, and beans. We also teach them how to under the age of 21. Clients go through an eli- Street SMART participants have been great- mation. I went online and looked up facts But our team is upbeat. The program offers a select and purchase nutritious food economi- gibility screening conducted by me as the Proj- ly affected by the program. One participant has on STDs. Just learning new things about lot of valuable experiences interacting with the cally. ect Coordinator and Nutritionist Allan Lee. The now become a regular member of EquAsian, them and seeing those pictures, it freaks community and peers on matters concerning Our food bag choices consist of East Asian, initial screening involves nutritional counseling and many of the participants have been tested me out. I became scared of getting STDs HIV/STD prevention. We retraced our steps South Asian, Southeast Asian, Diabetic Pan- and assessment. We also examine our clients’ for HIV because of our discussions. One par- or catching HIV or AIDS. I realized that I and now eighteen staging surveys have been

Asian, and Pan-Asian Vegetarian grocery selec- financial status and monitor their health prog- M ike Y u ticipant also noted how a workshop exercise was putting myself at risk by not using a completed and are into the interview process tions. We do our best to avoid typical canned ress periodically to ensure our project provides Handpicked produce helps ensure freshness really helped him understand the chain of HIV condom. Even though the thought of talk- from which we expect to develop 2 role model infection, and how easily infection can be pre- ing to my boyfriend about sex was weird, stories per interview. vented by using a condom and knowing one’s I did it anyways. He said he doesn’t want Keeping the Youth ‘Street Smart’ and Healthy how they can begin to make their own deci- within the original structure of Street SMART serostatus. He said he would think more care- to use a condom and he was like, “Fine” continued from page 3 sions. The program also includes an individual which had participants graduate from the pro- fully before having unprotected intercourse for next time... Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, counseling session with the program coordina- gram, leaving them without any other program again. We’ve also introduced participants to It’s a start. Takes a Public HIV Test use by Centers for Disease Control and Pre- tor to personalize the lessons of Street SMART to go to if they needed extra support. Instead other providers for mental health care and free continued from page 4 vention-funded programs. for each participant. Although the program was of having young people leave our agency pre- primary care for HIV-negative youth, services to distribute the stories. There is also a need to The sessions – open for YMSM under the originally tailored for homeless and runaway maturely, we allow them to stay on as Youth that are not available in-house at this time. summarize behavior change through continu- ships with their partners or spouses.” age of 25 – provide not only practical and youth, APICHA saw how the program could Leaders. The creation of the Youth Leader Through all our efforts, we hope to make a ous evaluation. Miss Mori has conducted awareness cam- technical skills and information regarding HIV be adapted to successfully reach the YMSM position allowed for youth who went through greater impact on queer Asian youth and their In the course of implementing Community paign in Japan, Vietnam, China (Macau) and risk reduction, but they also include activities Project’s target population through its highly the program to receive further support while perception of their own risk and change the PROMISE, our team has learned a number France, where she traveled immediately fol- meant to build the self-efficacy of the partici- empowering approach to behavior change. improving their leadership skills through facili- course of the HIV epidemic within our com- of valuable lessons, most importantly of the lowing her participation in the World AIDS Day pants and empower them in the realization of The first adaptation addressed an issue tating workshops. We also created the roles of munity. importance of following the steps defined in event.

8 9 NEWS Volume 13, Number 1 • Summer 2008 Seen On Site In and Around Our Communities In and Around Our Communities continued from page 12 continued from page 10

5-week training at the Columbia May: Asian Pacific American Testimony Before NYC City Council my face and hear my story—I’ve witnessed APICHA offered HIV testing, comprehensive University School of Social Work the same fear and rejection I felt in the faces STI screening (Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and (CUSSW) by touring APICHA. The Heritage Month The New York City Council Health Committee held a hearing of young gay men we help. syphilis), free nicotine patches and safer sex delegation from Kazakhstan was Executive Director Therese R. Rodriguez was a on May 1, 2008 to address the crisis in the MSM of color com- Young gay and bisexual Asian and Pacific kits. Our peer educators enthusiastically out- made up of Medical Officers Dr. panelist at a discussion on Asian Pacific Ameri- munities. Larry Tantay, Community Health Education Coordina- Islander men all over New York City are being reached all day while staff provided 78 HIV Dina Baitleuosa and Dr. Alma To- can women and leadership held on May 13, 2008 tor, responded to the request for comments from the Council infected – from Chinatown to Little Manila, tests, 55 Chlamydia and gonorrhea, and over kayeva from the Department of marking the 2008 Asian Pacific American Heritage on behalf of APICHA. Flushing and Jackson Heights. We are all af- 50 syphilis screenings. Microbiology, Immunology and Month. The other speakers were: Dr. Leena Doshi, fected. Within this past week, one 21 year-old At the NYC Pride march, staff, peers, cli- Virology, and the Department of President and Founder of Doshi Diagnostics Im- On behalf of my East Asian, South Asian, South Chinese gay male tested HIV-positive at our ents, and volunteers will be joining the march Infectious Diseases, respectively, aging Services; Kumbok Kaye Min, President of East Asian, and Pacific Islander brothers and sis- agency. Thankfully, we can still help him with and will distribute safe sex kits. of the Semei State Medical Acad- YWCA of Queens and Vice President of Capital ters, I am here to testify to the fact that our gov- medical care, alternative therapy, counseling, emy, and Dr. Olga Popora, Chief of One Bank; and Michelle Yu, Sports Reporter with ernment is neglecting us. The New York City De- and case management. But how can we pre- the Clinical Laboratory of the Medi- NY 1 Time-Warner Cable Television. Six Leadership partment of Health and Mental Hygiene currently vent the multitude of others from succumbing Honor from NYSDOH cal Private Clinic for Diagnostic and Awards were also presented to students following does not fund any prevention services for Asian to this disease which is still rapidly engulfing Treatment of Sexually Transmitted the discussion. The event was sponsored by New and Pacific Islander Men Who Have Sex with Men. the Asian and Pacific Islander community? AIDS Institute Diseases in Astana, Kazakhstan. York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn with In fact there is no funding through the Department We need to revive HIV education and pre- APICHA was presented the 2007 Quality of In Kazakhstan, Dr. Nabila El-Bas- Council Member John Liu, Vincent J. Gentile, Alan for HIV prevention services for Asians and Pacific vention services for adult men who have sex Care Award for Achievement in Quality Im- sel, Ph.D. of CUSSW created a J. Gerson, Sara M. Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, and Islanders at all. In the face of a 115% increase in with men. We need a safe space where peo- provement Activities, for developing an inno- research facility, the Global Health the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus. HIV infection for Asian and Pacific Islander Men ple can discuss these issues with their com- vative quality improvement program and par- Research Center, to develop and who Have Sex with Men (A&PI MSM), this neglect munities in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, ticipation in the Part C Learning Network. The test social interventions impacting is unacceptable. To the Honorable Joel Rivera and Bengali and more! We must restore outreach ceremony was held on December 13, 2007 health and social development. Dr. Council Members, and members of the Emergen- services and educational materials and add at St. John’s University in New York City. Dr. Dina Baitleuosa from the Depart- cy Response for MSM of Color Coalition, thank more peer educators to reach into the commu- Two mobile health vans picked up staff and Victor Inada, head of the quality improvement ment of Microbiology, Immunol- you for this opportunity to be heard. nity and show those standing by the wayside supplies at 8:30 in the morning on June 14 team received the award on APICHA’s behalf. ogy and Virology of the Semei My name is Larry Tantay, and I work for the that there is a place where people will truly ac- and headed to Park Slope, Brooklyn. Therese State Medical Academy led the Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS, cept them for their entire self – where they R. Rodriguez, Executive Director, was there delegation. APICHA. Our mission is to end stigma on HIV/ won’t have to choose which identity is more to greet clients, staff, peers and volunteers. Ms. Rodriguez, Dr. Inada, and AIDS and those affected by it, to prevent the important to them. I call on the City Council APICHA staff greeted the guests spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Asian and to allocate funding, to repair the neglect the and answered their questions Pacific Islander communities, and to provide care Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has regarding APICHA’s “one-stop Ms. Rodriguez traced her involvement in com- and treatment for A&PIs living with HIV/AIDS and already wrought upon my people. Honorable shop” model of community-based munity activism during the 1970s through the their families. APICHA is one of the 15 members Joel Rivera and Council Members, I urge you HIV/AIDS care. Dr. Dina Baitleuosa 1990s when she was a volunteer organizer in the of the Emergency Response for MSM of Color Co- to end this injustice and support this proposal was particularly interested in API- Filipino-American community. Discrimination and alition. I work with four young A&PI gay men to made by the Emergency Response Coalition. CHA’s peer-led outreach to young political and human rights were dominant issues reach out to the thousands of gay, bisexual, queer, Thank you for hearing us. May our efforts not persons at risk for HIV infection of the time, particularly around the struggle for and questioning Asian and Pacific Islander teens in be in vain. stating, “Our youth don’t feel that the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. New York City. But I first started my tenure at API- they’re at risk for HIV. They often The country was under military rule from 1972 to CHA as a client and peer educator. Growing up in don’t understand the difference 1986. “Living, working and organizing in the U.S. a strict Filipino Catholic household, it was hard for June: Pride Month between HIV infection and AIDS for close to two decades had an impact on my de- me to express myself at all, let alone my sexual- and think HIV is a death sentence. cision on whether to return to the Philippines or to ity. I always felt like an outsider, constantly on the On a bright and sunny day, APICHA staff were Outside of the hospitals, they may stay in the United States,” she said. The decision to fringes of whichever school group or organization out in Jackson Heights, Queens to celebrate have little access to information.” stay led her to explore the not-for-profit world and I joined. And it was this fear and rejection – this Pride. We offered HIV and syphilis testing in a APICHA has hosted interna- eventually taking the leadership in APICHA. She fringe mentality – that put me at risk. The longing mobile health van, free nicotine patches, and tional leaders and health profes- gave the audience a taste of the responsibilities of for an intimate connection, for some understand- safer sex kits. The HEP Team provided free sionals visiting from the Centers running an organization, from adhering to the mis- ing, led me to have unprotected sex – so I could hepatitis vaccines. It was a very successful for Disease Control of Taiwan, the sion and vision to keeping the programs running. feel the acceptance of my partners, feel close to event due to the great teamwork shown by Centers for Disease Control of the “There are obligations that must take precedent someone. The need for that connection became staff and peers from CTR, Development, the Shan Dong, Xian Jiang, Henan, over our individual agenda. By accepting non-profit more important than anything else – including my HIV Primary Care Clinic, and Prevention. Ap- Guan Dong, Sechuan, and Hei status, those of us who manage non-profit orga- health – and that fact is not relegated to me. Since proximately 150 people were registered for AI officials Clemens Steinbock, MBA, AI Director for Quality Initiatives (far left), Bruce D. Agins, MD, MPH, Medical Director (second, right) and Ira Feldman, Deputy Director, (far right). APICHA staffers Long Jiang Provinces of China, and nizations become responsible to the government coming to APICHA—and being surrounded by services – 72 of whom were tested for HIV, 52 shown (2nd from left to right) are Development Director Ding Pajaron, former Associate Director of the Ministry of Health Singapore. as trustees or stewards of people’s money,” she people with whom I could identify, who could see screened for syphilis and 101 vaccinated for Client Services Shu-Hui Wu, Executive Director Therese R. Rodriguez, and Medical Director Victor concluded. Continued on page 11 Hepatitis. Inada, MD, AAHIVS.

10 11 NEWS Seen On Site Renewal of Old Friendship commemorate World AIDS Day. She brought along Mrs. Luky Hadibrata, who came on be- Dr. David Ho, Director and Chief Executive half of the General Manager of Bank of Indo- Officer of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research nesia, and their respective staff members. The Center visited APICHA on March 18. The visit visit was inspired by an APICHA client who had in a sense was a renewal of an old friendship. spoken to her about APICHA’s services. Ma- Dr. Ho has been acquainted with APICHA. He dame Mulyani wanted to see the space, and was an honoree at APICHA’s 1998 “Other No to get to know our programs and services. The More” gala, a tribute to his genius in scientific 18-member visiting group was hosted by Ms. achievement. APICHA’s staff led by Executive (Seated left to right) APICHA Executive Director Rodriguez and several APICHA staff members Director Therese R. Rodriguez and Medical Therese R. Rodriguez, Megan Annitto, Jennifer who made presentations about their respec- Cult, and Jeremy Wilson with youth leaders and Director Dr. Victor Inada, and APICHA Board tive programs and gave a tour of the facility. volunteers “I appreciate all you have done,” Madame Analyst, on May 30, represented NYC Council Mulyani opened her remarks. She said that Speaker Christine Quinn at a roundtable dis- people who are infected with HIV are part of cussion with staff, peers, and volunteers of us. “One thing they really need is attention.” APICHA’s Young People’s Project and Young The conversation with staff was dynamic as MSM Project. Our young people described the guests asked questions about HIV pre- how they do outreach and peer-to-peer net- vention in NYC’s high schools, approaches to M ike Y u Dr. Ho (left) looking at a poster about APICHA’s community mapping project. Medical Director Dr. Victor Inada (right) presented the findings at the 135th American Public Health Association Annual Meeting. M ike Y u

members Suki Terada Ports, Dr. Mars Custo- Consul General Madame Trie Mulyani (seated front row center) is flanked by Mrs. Luky Hadibrata dio, Dr. John Chin, and Sherida David hosted (left) and Therese R. Rodriguez (right). the visit. Dr. Ho learned for the first time the different aspects of our “one-stop shop” model working. They also pointed to the lack of com- sex education and the use of condoms. Dur- of community-based HIV/AIDS care which now prehensive sexual health education in schools. ing the tour, Madame Mulyani noted that the include free, rapid HIV testing and HIV Primary When asked by the guests what they thought facility is so clean. The visit was capped by a Medical Care to the community. He was partic- about fear and the notion of HIV prevention fa- presentation of gifts (in cash, painting, and gift ularly interested in APICHA’s peer-led outreach tigue, a few spoke eloquently that these are bags) from both the government of Indonesia to young persons at risk for HIV infection. not relevant to A&PI youth since lack of infor- and the Bank of Indonesia as well as from Ma- mation is their greatest problem. Most if not all dame Mulyani personally. present in the room nodded in agreement. Speaker Quinn’s Reps Visitors from Kazakstan Visit APICHA Word-of-Mouth Jeremy M. Wilson, LGBT and HIV/AIDS Com- Medical Officers from the Kazakh Ministry of munity Liaison; Megan Annitto, Counsel to the Indonesian Consul General Madame Trie Mu- Health on December 3, 2007 spent part of their Committee Youth; and Jennifer Cult, Policy lyani came to visit APICHA on December 12 to Continued on page 10

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