Remembering Humberto Cruz

Photo: David Nager/Alliance

Photo: David Nager/Alliance

Alliance is deeply saddened at the passing of a friend, an ally, and a leader in our community, Humberto Cruz.

Our organization honored Humberto at our 20th anniversary event, acknowledging his longstanding commitment to serving those with HIV and AIDS and to ending the epidemic.

Many of you likely crossed paths with him, in his positions in New York State government (such as the Department of Health’s AIDS Institute), in community-based organizations, or on boards such as the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

Throughout his life, he was committed to our community. His insight, persistence and dedication to shepherding lifesaving measures – in policy and in practice – will continue to inspire positive change that many of us strive to achieve in our work.

I feel truly blessed to have known Humberto, and am heartened knowing that so many people that we encounter every day are healthier and leading longer, richer lives in large part due to him. We are all part of his legacy, and I applaud Humberto for never backing down, and for his endless contributions to our community.

- Sharen I. Duke, Executive Director/CEO

News12 Covers the Positive Homes Campaign

Yolanda M., an Alliance Peer, is featured as part of our Positive Homes campaign

Yolanda M., an Alliance Peer, is featured as part of our Positive Homes campaign

Alliance is helping formerly homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions make a home this holiday season.

The Positive Home for the Holidays campaign, provides home starter kit that includes items like kitchen supplies, toiletries, and linens. Yolanda M., an Alliance Peer, was featured by News12 Brooklyn as a recipient of one such kit.

You can help others like Yolanda create positive change by making a contribution at www.alliance.nyc/positivehomes.

Alliance in the News on World AIDS Day

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Burton

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Burton

Alliance’s mission and the work of our staff and Peers was highlighted by several media outlets on World AIDS Day 2018. See below for a full roundup.

Marking 30 Years of World AIDS Day

WAD2018.jpg

Statement from Sharen I. Duke, Executive Director & CEO, The Alliance for Positive Change, on the 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2018:

”As we mark the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2018, we reflect on the lives of those we've lost to AIDS and encourage all New Yorkers to get tested. This year’s theme is ‘Know Your Status’ and we are working to break down barriers to testing — stigma, fear, and discrimination — so that everyone gets tested and connected with prevention or care. While 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, 1 in 7 do not even know they have the virus. For those who test positive, early treatment is imperative to a healthy outcome. HIV is no longer the death sentence it was when we commemorated the first World AIDS Day 30 years ago, and we are working with New York State to end the epidemic here by 2020.

At Alliance for Positive Change, for the past 28 years, we have helped New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS get the care and support they need to feel better and create positive change for themselves and others. We are a community united in our fight to end HIV, and we stand in solidarity with the millions living with HIV worldwide.”

For information on free and confidential HIV testing in New York City, visit alliance.nyc/get-tested.

In Response to the Tree of Life Synagogue Attack

stronger.jpg

All of us at Alliance are heartbroken by the violent, senseless, and ignorant attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh this weekend. We mourn for the victims and their families, who were confronted by this heinous act for simply practicing their faith. We will continue to fight against bigotry, intolerance, and hatred, and to advocate for inclusivity, acceptance, and love. It is more important than ever that we stand together for what is right.

MTV Shares Empowering Story of Alliance Heroes

Gary Higgins, a Peer Education and Training Specialist at Alliance, shares his experience of being diagnosed with HIV with MTV and Logo—and how his “sheroes” Sharen Duke (Alliance CEO) and Brenda Starks-Ross (Alliance COO) built him up and gave him confidence again.
 
This empowering video spotlights those living with HIV and the people who supported them no matter what. Diane Delph-Tiglin, an Alliance Peer and Trainer, is also featured alongside Gary! At Alliance, we make sure everyone who walks through our doors is lifted up, loved, and given the tools they need to thrive. As Gary says, Sharen, Brenda, and Alliance supported him “mentally and spiritually” throughout his journey.

You, too, can be a hero! Donate today to create positive change for New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions. And, don’t forget to share Gary, Sharen, and Brenda’s inspiring story!

Summer of Testing

Photo: David Nager/Alliance

Photo: David Nager/Alliance

The number of new HIV infections is going down in New York City, but now is not the time to be complacent. It is estimated that one in seven Americans with HIV do not know they are infected, and certain groups continue to bear a disproportionate burden of new infections, including women of color and young men who have sex with men (MSM).

Every New Yorker can do something to protect themselves and others: take an HIV test. Testing is the gateway to prevention services and education

This summer, we aim to raise $5,000 through our Summer of Testing campaign to fund HIV testing and counseling services, so that all New Yorkers are armed with the information they need to live healthy and productive lives.

A&U Highlights PREP’s 50th Graduation Ceremony

Some of the PREP Cycle 50 graduates photographed before graduation, at the Midtown office of Alliance, after they gave their final presentations and speeches. (Photo: Alina Oswald)

Some of the PREP Cycle 50 graduates photographed before graduation, at the Midtown office of Alliance, after they gave their final presentations and speeches. (Photo: Alina Oswald)

A&U Magazine spoke with Alliance Executive Director/CEO Sharen Duke about our renowned Peer Recovery Education Program (PREP) and recent graduates of our 50th cycle. PREP empowers New Yorkers affected by HIV/AIDS, chronic health issues, and substance use to help others overcome health challenges.

Harm Reduction on BronxNet

Alliance's Velia Hernandez, Associate Director of Outreach, and Evelyn Lopez, Chief Program Officer, recently sat down to discuss our harm reduction programs -- including overdose prevention training -- with BronxNet, in English and Spanish! Watch both interviews below:

Open: Alliance for Positive Change

Dialogo Abierto: La Alianza para el Cambio Positivo