Posts Tagged ‘Awareness’

New “Programs at a Glance” Page

Friday, July 8th, 2016

At long last, thanks to our relatively new CQI/Data/Grants Department*, you can check out all our programs and services in one handy graphic. Visit our new “Programs at a Glance” page for a look! We invite you to explore all our programs on their specific pages, which you’ll find under the “Services Offered” tab on this site.

If you have a question about any of our programs, call us at (914) 345-8888 or your nearest HVCS office.

 

*These functions have been around for a while, but they’re now consolidated in one brand-new department overseen by Adie Shore.

Hudson Valley AIDS Walk & Run Photos & Video

Tuesday, May 10th, 2016

Thanks to everyone who walked, ran, volunteered, supported and sponsored the 2016 Hudson Valley AIDS Walk and 5K run on Saturday, May 7th! It was a great day despite a little rain with plenty of music, food, and outdoor fun. We also had a very special afterparty, “Heels for Hope,” later on at the Firemen’s Exempt Association.

Here’s a look back at the big event, thanks to videographer Nijinsky De La Cruz and photographer Tracey Buzzanco.

 

Hudson Valley AIDS Walk Pre- and After-Parties

Wednesday, April 13th, 2016

AIDS Walk & Run Pre-Party: Funny T-Shirt ContestWe’re turning up the springtime heat with two amazing events to bookend the Big Event (our Hudson Valley AIDS Walk & Run, which happens on Saturday, May 7, 2016).

One week before the Wall/Run, join us for “Get Your Shirt Together!” a new pre-registration party at Chill Wine Bar in Beacon. Wear your funniest t-shirt (it’s OK if it’s inappropriate!) to enter the Funniest T-Shirt Contest, with prizes for the overall funniest, best duo or group shirts, and most vulgar. Your fellow guests will be the judges so go with your most crowd-pleasing tee!

Plus, if you’re a registered Walker or Runner you can pick up your official 2016 t-shirt in advance, or register on the spot and get your tee and fundraising packet all at once. Donate $5 and have access to the Shirt Decorating Bar, which will be stocked with paint, markers, stick-on jewels, and other fun items.

DJ duo Prephab plays fun dance music and classics, and a portion of your bar tab will be donated to the AIDS Walk/Run. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

Blake Lively Dresses for Sale


 

After the Walk/Run, join us at River Station, a waterfront restaurant in downtown Poughkeepsie, for Heels for Hope, the official AIDS Walk/Run afterparty featuring a drag showcase and a new dinner buffet! For $40, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet and reserve your seat for the cavalcade of drag performers. Stick around after the show for dancing with Prephab and Superior Sounds. Seating is limited and there will only be a few standing-room show-only tickets available at the door, so head on over to http://heelsforhope2016.eventbrite.com for advance tickets!

Scheduled to perform:

Katarina Mirage

Valkirie Hall

Victoria Precise

Coco Caine

Max Pleasure

with hosts Ryan Doughty and Kiley J. Winn!

CDC Releases Report on Lifetime Risk of HIV Diagnosis

Monday, February 29th, 2016

The CDC recently released an updated estimate of lifetime risk of being diagnosed with HIV in the United States. The good news: overall lifetime risk in the US dropped from 1 in 78 in 2005 to 1 in 99. If you live in New York State, the risk is 1 in 69.

However, the study showed very stark disparities among certain risk groups and race/ethnic groups.

LifetimeRisk_HIV_transmissiongroup

Gay and bisexual men have the highest overall risk, but risk varies severely by race and ethnicity, too.

LifetimeRisk_HIV_msm

To ensure that things don’t go this way–and so we can reverse these trends–make sure you know your status and get the help you need to stay as healthy as possible. Talk to our Regional Prevention Initiative or CHAPS to see how we can help.

Loyal Sponsors Return for the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk/Run

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

As the new year gets going (is it already mid-January??), we’re turning up the heat on preparations for the 2016 Hudson Valley AIDS Walk–and RUN! We’re excited to announce the return of several loyal event sponsors who have made the commitment to helping us end AIDS in the Hudson Valley.

Stop and ShopThanks to Stop and Shop on Route 9 in Poughkeepsie for signing on as our Healthy Snack Sponsor. Employees will be on site that morning with plenty of fresh fruit, water and granola bars for hungry walkers and runners! Stop and Shop also provides financial support.

Welcome back to the Crafted Kup (Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie) as our official Coffee Sponsor! Enjoy free refills of gourmet java from a great local small business.Crafted Kup

 

 

Superior Sounds returns as our own version of the AV club, providing sound and DJ services. They’re huge supporters of HVCS and we’re huge fans in return.

Superior Sounds

 

 

 

 

Last but certainly not least, we welcome longtime supporter Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union as a Walk/Run sponsor. Hudson Valley Federal Credit UnionThey’ve sponsored other events in the past, so they’re still a returning sponsor but NEW to the AIDS Walk/Run!

Now’s a great time to sign up as a walker, a team or as a runner: get a jumpstart on training on our Walk/Run page!

2016 is HVCS’ 30th Anniversary!

Monday, January 4th, 2016

On March 3, 1986, the small volunteer organization that was the Mid-Hudson Valley AIDS Task Force filed for incorporation and recognition as a tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. That group eventually registered a “DBA” or “doing business as” and was known as AIDS-Related Community Services, or ARCS, until 2012. At the very end of that year, faced with proposed changes to Medicaid (which impacted our Medicaid-reimbursed COBRA case management program) and an expanding portfolio of services beyond HIV/AIDS, the agency changed its name to Hudson Valley Community Services or HVCS. Even though we have a relatively new name, our core mission and services remain the same. We believe it’s an amazing feat to have lasted this long, and we’ll be rolling out special initiatives and events throughout 2016. Watch for more details and more information as the year proceeds!

New Board Officers Elected

Thursday, October 15th, 2015

HVCS’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce a new slate of officers, including a new Board President. Andrew S. Evans, Jr. took the helm after former chair Paul Callagy decided to step down. “HVCS’ Board is in a terrific place,” Paul said during his resignation speech. “We have a new, energized membership, and it’s time for some new leadership.” Paul served on the Board for eighteen years and was President for over fifteen years.

Andrew Evans works for the Dutchess County Department of Health. He joined the Board in 2012, and he lives in Beacon. The other newly-elected officers include Vice President Michael J. Hall, a Milton resident and a professor at Dutchess Community College. Aretha Thompson was elected as Secretary; she is a manager at Citizens Bank and lives in Beacon. Another Beacon resident, Andrew Bell, was elected as Treasurer. He works as a financial consultant for Global Employment Solutions/IBM.

Congratulations to the new Board officers, and we send our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Paul Callagy for so many years of dedicated service.

NYS Issues Urgent Warning About Syphilis

Monday, October 12th, 2015

Infectious syphilis is increasing in New York State, with a 13% increase in New York City and a 44% increase in upstate New York between 2013 and 2014. In many areas, the number of cases has more than doubled in this period. The highest burden of cases is seen in New York City and surrounding counties (which would include the Hudson Valley). Cases are mainly among males, especially gay men and men who have sex with men.

We encourage everyone to be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of syphilis. Having unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, or a new sex partner can all increase the risk of syphilis infection, as well as other STI’s and HIV.To learn more about syphilis, visit our RPI team or http://bit.ly/NYSDOHSyph. Call (845) 471-0707 x12 to schedule a test, or stop in at one of our testing events. You can also check out the basics on our website.

 

Health Services Coordination Available in Orange & Sullivan Counties

Sunday, October 11th, 2015

Do you know an Orange or Sullivan County resident living with chronic health conditions that doesn’t have insurance?

HVCS now offers FREE Health Services Coordination for uninsured individuals with chronic health conditions or mental health illnesses. The HSC Program can:
• Assess health needs and refer them to resources
• Refer them to food and housing sources
• Inform them about insurance options
• Enroll them in the NYS health insurance marketplace, including Medicaid
• Serve as contact to NYS health insurance marketplace

Our Coordinator is a Certified Application Counselor.

Our step-by-step guidance from application assistance to enrollment in Health Homes can help individuals who are already overwhelmed by chronic or mental health condition get one step closer to the healthcare and social support they need. Visit our website for more information, or contact our Health Services Coordinator directly!

Check Out Our NEW Hudson Valley AIDS Walk Video!

Monday, March 30th, 2015

Get ready for the Hudson Valley AIDS Walk, HVCS’ biggest fundraiser of the year! Join us on the Walkway Over the Hudson on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with lots of free snacks, coffee, vendors, music and fun for all ages. This is the only fundraising walk that benefits local people living with HIV/AIDS and we need your help to end AIDS in our lifetime. Together, we can make it happen!

Special thanks to care manager Frankee Ryan, long-time volunteer Patrick Decker and Solaris 3 Productions for making this happen!