Dear RWCN Committee Members:
Due to substantial cuts in the New York State Ryan White Part B grant, the AIDS Institute announced on September 15th, 2010 that it will no longer maintain funding for the HIV Care Network Initiatives. All Network lead agency contracts will end on December 31, 2010.
The State had applied for supplemental funding to compensate the difference, but was granted less than a quarter of what would be needed to maintain full program funding. Understandably, they have opted to prioritize direct services. Please note that all direct services (housing, case management, transportation, etc.) will be maintained.
The AIDS Institute is in the process of determining mechanisms to ensure that the consumer and provider input in the planning process. These mechanisms include restructuring and solicitation of new membership to the Statewide AIDS Service Delivery Consortium, community listening forums, feedback through the Leadership Training Institute, and other agency Community Advisory Boards. For more details on the Ryan White CARE Network closure from the AIDS Institute, please go HERE.
Although Liz and I are disappointed to see the Network end, we are encouraged by the number of consumers, individuals and agencies who have stepped forward to continue core elements of the Network.
- The Care Coordination Committee plans to maintain quarterly meetings to monitor barriers and service gaps as well as keep the community informed of services, trainings, and events.
- Consumers from the region intend to pursue community education and advocacy efforts under the auspices of the Albany Damien Center in collaboration with VOCAL/NYCAHN, NAPWA, NYAC and Housing Works.
- Housing Works has agreed to maintain and facilitate the core elements of the Policy Advisory and Education Committee, keeping members abreast of key legislative and policy debates at the state and federal level. NAPWA, NYAC and VOCAL/NYCAHN will join forces and support consumers in educating elected officials on issues affecting the HIV+ community.
We will post additional information as it becomes available.
Both Liz and I are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate, learn and grow with our members in the past few years. We are proud to have been witness to the many consumers who have taken on leadership roles and found their voice in the larger system.
We thank all of you for letting us be a part of your journey.
Shannon Mason, MPH
Coordinator of the Ryan White HIV Care Network of Northeastern NY
Liz Bradford, Assistant Coordinator