"…It’s nice to know that
there’s a place where you can go to get the help you
need when you live in a community that still do not want to
deal with this epidemic…."
HIV/AIDS continue to ravage communities
of color, making its mark felt in increasing proportions on
women. According to statistics released by the New York State
Department of Health, among cumulative female AIDS cases,
53.7% are Black; 30.9% Hispanic; 14.9% White; 0.3% Asian/Pacific
Islander and 0.03% Native American. The epidemic presents
unique public health challenges requiring innovative and culturally
appropriate interventions and programs that are designed to
target those at highest risk for HIV infection.
 |
| CWHA Community Outreach Team in Prospect
Park |
Since 1988, CWHA has responded
to this challenge by providing outreach, education, counseling,
case management, peer education, support groups and harm reduction
activities. These services are directed to HIV infected and
affected individuals in the Caribbean-American community.
In addition to the known risk factors, the challenge of providing
HIV related services to Caribbean immigrants are magnified
for a variety of cultural, immigration-related and access
reasons. A significant portion of the population served are
immigrants from the circum-Caribbean region who may speak
a language other than English (Spanish, French and Creole
and more recently, Russian). Although they share the same
basic health care needs as the rest of the population, they
have additional issues and needs because of their immigration
experience and cultural differences. Many of these clients
are not aware of the range of services available to them.
In addition, some clients are reluctant to openly discuss,
matters of sexuality with family members, friends or even
health care providers.
 |
| CWHA's HIV/AIDS Counselor with client
|
Further, HIV/AIDS is still a tabooed
subject in many of the Caribbean countries. Therefore, immigrants,
especially new immigrants, may not be readily receptive to
obtaining HIV/AIDS education, and many individuals who are
HIV infected fear informing their relatives. Over the past
year, over 10,000 persons were touched through a variety of
outreach, education and direct service methods. Our dedicated
team go over and beyond the call of duty to make an impact
on this deadly epidemic and to assist those in need. But,
perhaps the best way to describe their commitment is to hear
from their clients. Here’s what they have to say!
"….If you ever need a
lifeline or a shoulder to lean on, a willing ear and a tender
heart, it only takes a phone call to some of the few people
who care. Thank you CWHA." "……You
keep saying you’re only doing your job. Maybe you are,
but you are excellent at it. Your assistance and your nurturing
approach only made the process easier. Thank You CWHA".