Initiatives
The PLWHA Advisory Group has launched several initiatives ranging from becoming involved in the Ryan White CARE Act Reauthorization of 2005 to holding a forum for persons living with HIV/AIDS who want to go back to work. The Advisory Group works closely with the Office of AIDS Policy Coordination to produce all these initiatives.
Back To Work Forum
In June, 2003 the AG hosted a "Back To Work Forum" with speakers from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the New York City HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA), Multitasking Systems (MTS), and the AIDS Drug Assistance program (ADAP). The forum also featured tables from eight service providers. The goal of the forum was to educated consumers on Back To Work issues. After attending consumers were informed and empowered to make better decisions and advocate on their own behalf about potentially returning to work.
Understanding Disability Programs and Return to Work* (5.24Mb)
CABS (Community Advisory Boards)
The Advisory Group is working closely with the Infrastructure Workgroup of the HIV Planning Council to empower Community Advisory Boards. Community Advisory Boards are mandated for all agencies with Ryan White Title I contracts and serves as a voice of the agency's PWA clients.
2005 Community Advisory Board Survey Results* (1.09Mb)
Consumer Advisory Group Survey Report* (116Kb)
Federal AIDS Policy
The Ryan White CARE Act has to be reauthorization every five years. It is up for reauthorization in 2005. This will be one of the key issues that the AG will advocate and support in the next two years.
Grievance Procedures
The Advisory Group is working with the Master Contractor, MHRA, to advertise the grievance procedures for clients of agencies.
Housing
This is the number one priority for the AG. Various members of the AG participate in advocating for AIDS housing at the HIV Planning Council meetings. These members also sit on the Housing Workgroup and report back to the full AG meetings.
New CDC Initiatives
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched its new campaign, Prevention with Positives, this past year. As this program rolls out the AG will advocate for the continuation of successful prevention programs. The AG is concerned that this new initiative will cause even more stigma and discrimination in the HIV/AIDS community and beyond.
PWA Summit- On Saturday, April 10 the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will sponsor a day-long summit for the regions various PLWHA Advisory Groups. Entitled, "Positives Together…Focusing on the Future," the summit will build on the 2003 World AIDS Day theme " Stigma and Discrimination." This is a day for PWAs by PWAs to enhance and build community
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