STOP AIDS Blog
STOP AIDS Project
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Location
2128 15th Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
415-575-0150
Important News from STOP AIDS Project
Posted by knoon, Tuesday, October 18, 2011 5:20 PM
Dear Friends of the Project,
I am pleased to announce that as of November 1st, 2011, STOP AIDS Project will join the family of HIV prevention and care programs at San Francisco AIDS Foundation. We will be in good company – alongside Magnet, Stonewall, Black Brothers Esteem, Syringe Access Services, and other programs offered by SFAF – we will together provide a robust and comprehensive suite of HIV prevention and care services to the gay, bi and trans male community we have served since our inception in 1984.
As you all know, the global economic downturn has affected the non-profit sector profoundly, forcing many agencies to reassess their service delivery models, substantially cut back on expenses, and some to even close their doors entirely. SAP has not been immune to the fiscal realities of the time, and over the past year or so we have thoughtfully and carefully reduced costs in such a way as to not affect the services we provide. It has been a difficult process, with tough decisions pondered and made, but we continue to provide the innovative, community-based HIV prevention services that we know are vital to our community’s health.
In planning for the long-term viability of our prevention work, SAP’s Board of Directors, staff and myself came to the realization that strategic restructuring was the only way to insure that we would continue to be able to do the work we have been proud to do for nearly 30 years. We solicited input from staff, program participants and other stakeholders to help determine which partner would be the right partner with whom to join forces to maximize our ability to provide the innovative and community-based HIV prevention work that our community needs.
San Francisco AIDS Foundation is that partner. In their long history of fighting the epidemic in San Francisco, SFAF has amassed an astonishing number of successes. They played a key role in the development of the Ryan White Care Act that supports people living with HIV/AIDS across the nation, have battled valiantly to keep the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) whole in California, and have provided critical assistance to San Franciscans at-risk for and living with HIV who also struggle with poverty, addiction, minimal or no housing, and in need of regular HIV and STD testing and treatment.
Throughout our conversation about whether or not joining forces was the right thing to do, the one consideration that was kept at the forefront was the simple question: would this partnership benefit the community? After thoughtful deliberation both Boards agreed that it would. Together we will be able to provide an integrated system of prevention and care services that will meet people where they are. If you need a handful of condoms, an HIV test and a quick refresher on safer sex practices – you’ll be in the right place. Or if you just tested positive and need to find medical care, housing and benefits assistance and support to help you stay healthy – any door at SFAF will be the right door.
Change is hard. I assure you that this decision to make such a major change was not made lightly. STOP AIDS Project has enjoyed the trust and support of the community and has made an indelible impression on our city’s epidemic. In moving forward with this partnership SAP is making a commitment to honor the legacy of all of the people who have sacrificed time, money, and energy by making the hard decisions that will allow our work to continue. I strongly believe that our joined organization will be more effective and efficient than the sum of our parts and that is to everyone’s benefit. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to email me and ask. I can be reached at knoon [at] stopaids [dot] org and look forward to corresponding with you.
In Solidarity,
Kyriell Noon
Change has Come to Positive Force
Posted by , Tuesday, October 4, 2011 12:21 PM
Big changes have come to Positive Force. We have introduced new programs and revamped old ones to better serve you. Here's what we'll be offering going forward:
1 on 1: Our peer-based counseling program is here to help you find the path to better health that’s right for you. If you’ve got questions about HIV treatment and care or need some help figuring out the pieces to a more stable, healthy life, this is a great place to go. We don’t judge, so come as you are.
PLUS: Combining education and support, it’s a weekend intensive for guys new to dealing with HIV, whether you’re newly diagnosed or ready to tackle HIV in a new way.
The Doctor Is In: Held twice-monthly, this is our physician-led discussion where you can share your challenges – and successes – living with HIV, get some shared wisdom from your peers, and ask for practical guidance from an HIV Specialist, Dr. Joanna Eveland.
Urban Adventures: Our monthly social events are here to help you stay connected with the HIV positive community. Each month, we’ll go on a new outing, so keep an eye out for what’s coming up next.
Stay Current: Quarterly, we’ll bring you the latest treatment and care info – straight from the experts. The topic each time is different, so you’re bound to find value at each one.
Contact jjones [at] stopaids [dot] org (Justin) if you have any questions.
Jorge Vieto Joins Positive Force Staff
Posted by , Thursday, September 8, 2011 2:46 PM
I am thrilled to be joining the Positive Force team. My tenure at STOP AIDS Project began as an outreach volunteer seven years ago. Since becoming a staff member, I have been honored to serve in many capacities, including: mobile HIV testing, Intervention Coordinator for Bars and Clubs, and Leather Network Coordinator.
In addition, I have relished my involvement with some of our other spectacular programs, such as The Scene, Prime and Bridgemen. Working on HIV and sexual health issues is obviously one of my passions.
I have also volunteered as a phlebotomist and HIV test counselor for City Clinic, served as a Community Advisory Board member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s TWEAKER en Español campaign and served on the Mayor’s Task Force on Hepatitis C.
Today, I look forward to working with the Positive Force community to provide the support you need to live a healthy and flourishing life with HIV. jvieto [at] stopaids [dot] org (Drop me a line and say hello !)
Major Shift in HIV Prevention Service Delivery
Posted by , Monday, August 8, 2011 10:19 AM
Starting in September, HIV Prevention services will be changing at many agencies throughout San Francisco. To understand what some Department of Public Health officials are calling a 'major paradigm shift,' a community meeting was organized by several community organizations.
STOP AIDS worked with other organizations to offer the opportunity for community members to hear the new vision directly from the Department of Public Health and to gather feedback about these impending changes. The meeting was held August 1st.
Over a hundred people attended, to listen, ask questions and share their opinions. One recurring theme was the lack of services for certain groups, including Asian and Pacific Islanders, transgender women of color, youth, Native Americans, and incarcerated individuals.
Another major theme was the changing of HIV prevention from a community-oriented model toward a medical model, with a strong emphasis on testing and treatment and less focus on behavioral and contextual factors that affect risk. Several speakers spoke emotionally about the care they recieved in San Francisco, through clinics like Ward 86, that helped them stay healthy over the years.
With new research showing increased effectiveness of treatment and PrEP, and the fear of HIV diminishing, how should HIV prevention be different today? Are we content to reduce the community viral load by making sure HIV+ people take their meds or is a healthy community about more than that – being able to communicate with our partners, not needing drugs to feel good about ourselves, having options other than bars for a night out? What do you think HIV prevention should look like in 2011?
Tony Koester Says Goodbye to STOP AIDS
Posted by , Thursday, July 21, 2011 4:40 PM
Hey everyone,
As you may have heard by now, I am leaving STOP AIDS Project. My partner has accepted a position with his employer in Seattle, and we'll be relocating to the Pacific Northwest in a few short weeks.
I've been involved with the agency in some form or another since 1995, so as you can imagine, I'm leaving with a mixed bag of emotions. These past two years and five months as the Positive Force Program Coordinator have been amazing, inspiring and fulfilling. It's been a pleasure working with each and every one of you. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to watch you grow, learn and create community. I'll miss you all, and am grateful to have been able to know you.
I wish you continued success, joy and good health, and encourage you all to continue to support each other, laugh often, and tend to the community you have created.
Warmest Wishes and Big Hugs,
Tony
How interested are men in PrEP?
Posted by , Friday, April 8, 2011 5:26 PM
In November, the iPrEx study released results showing a 44% reduction in HIV risk when HIV negative men took a low-level, daily dose of a specific HIV medication. This prevention method, known as PrEP, is getting a great deal of media attention.
STOP AIDS held a Town Hall meeting to discuss the iPrex study results with the community.Then we took to the streets to find out how gay, bi and trans men were reacting to the news, to see how many men were interested in taking PrEP, and how many were already taking it. Here’s what the 61 HIV negative men we interviewed told us:
Seven guys said that they had already used PrEP. When asked where they got it, they told us: four were in a clinical study; one got it from a doctor/nurse; and two declined to state.
Also of interest: While 15% of men at a lower risk for HIV said they were interested in PrEP, 61% of men with multiple unprotected sex partners said they were likely, or very likely, to use PrEP in the future.
What we make of this information
Conversations about PrEP throughout the country are centering around a number of questions. Most importantly, are people going to use it? The iPrex study results will mean little if people don't want to take the medication. Our small survey suggests that a relatively small percentage think they would use it in the future.
However, if the people who are most interested in using PrEP are also those most at risk for HIV, PrEP may yet find its place in ending this epidemic among gay, bi, and trans men in the US.
Stay tuned for more information on this and related topics…
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