If there’s one event that brings festive cheer and good spirits all around, it’s ACRIA’s annual holiday dinner. And last night, the organization teamed up with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) to up the game on their HIV/AIDS programming. The honorees, Phillip Picardi, Nan Goldin, and Alan Cumming, were greeted by friendly faces including Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, Monica Lewinsky, and Neve Campbell. Read the rest at Vogue.com here.
WWD: ACRIA Holiday Dinner Honors Nan Goldin, Alan Cumming
On Thursday night, ACRIA and GMHC brought cheer to the Angel Orensanz Foundation for its annual holiday dinner benefit. One of the last events of New York’s fall gala season, the night still felt charged, attended by the likes of Donna Karan, Jason Wu, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, and Monica Lewinsky. Read more at WWD here.
SF Chronicle: Older HIV patients struggle with loneliness and depression — and lack of services
“The older adult population dominates the epidemic. A lot of people still don’t know that,” said Stephen Karpiak, senior director for research at ACRIA and a co-author of the survey report. “We’ve done a very good job to this point (in the epidemic) but we’re not prepared to do the next leg, which is a difficult one. And the older adult is feeling abandoned.”
Read the entire article, featured on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, here.
Landmark Report Documents Stark Challenges of Older Adults Living with HIV in San Francisco
Recommends Strategies to Improve Policy, Care, and Services
65% of people living with HIV in San Francisco are age 50 and older; nationally, more than 50% of people with HIV are age 50 and older
Full copy of the report: https://bit.ly/2AhRvJV
San Francisco, CA—Older adults living with HIV in San Francisco face staggeringly high rates of mental health issues and levels of loneliness, as well as experience a dire need for regular social connections and health care coordination, according to a landmark new report by the ACRIA Center on HIV and Aging at GMHC released Sunday.
The report, issued as the first part of the multi-site Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) 2.0 project, demonstrates in stark terms that living with HIV as an older adult presents a unique set of challenges—and requires a complex set of coordinated solutions. More than 50% of all people living with HIV in the United States are age 50 and older, and by 2020, 65-70% of people living with HIV will be age 50 and older.
“While there is increased awareness that there is a critical need for both more services for, and more research about, older adults living with and affected by HIV, our nation is not fully prepared for the medical and social implications of the growth of this population,” said Stephen Karpiak, PhD, Senior Director for Research for the ACRIA Centers at GMHC and a Co-Principal Investigator of ROAH 2.0. “We hope that the fresh insights from this timely study—which come just as adults age 50 and over are becoming the majority of all people with HIV in the United States—will inspire action to address the many challenges older adults with HIV face.”
In San Francisco, where 65% of people living with HIV are age 50 or over and the cost of living is among the highest in the country, the need to know more about older adults with HIV is particularly pressing. Though most participants reported that their HIV is well managed and that their health is “excellent” or “good,” 41% reported that their health is “fair,” “poor,” or “very poor.” They also reported a high burden of physical symptoms and diseases other than HIV.
Furthermore, survey participants said that they contend with hunger, low income, and burdensome housing costs. Many also said they lack ways to get help with the activities of daily living or care should they fall sick or be injured.
The findings of the report underline the importance of providing older adults with HIV with medical services guided by the principles of geriatric medicine (an approach tailored to the complex needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions, e.g., multimorbidity and associated risks of polypharmacy), enhanced access to mental health treatment and social support, trauma-informed care that acknowledges the repercussions of a history of trauma and avoids re-traumatization, and programs to help ease the financial burden of living in a high-cost city on a low fixed income.
Other notable findings in the San Francisco ROAH 2.0 study include:
Rates of depression and PTSD were extremely high: 38% of participants scored as having moderate to severe depression and 35% scored as having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using conservative criteria. About half (51%) of the participants reported childhood sexual abuse.
Participants show a high prevalence of multimorbidity (having two or more chronic illnesses). They report a heavy burden of illness and physical symptoms: On average, they reported experiencing seven symptoms or diseases besides HIV in the past year. Data shows that the older adult with HIV is evidencing higher rates of illnesses typically associated with aging (cancers, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes). Multimorbidity is associated with elevated risk for polypharmacy.
Three-quarters of participants said their needs for emotional support were not fully met, and just over one-fifth said they needed “a lot more social support.”
The most frequent need among participants (and the need that was most often unmet) was having opportunities to socialize or meet others.
Nearly 60% of the participants reported that their housing costs account for about half, or more than half, of their income.
A brief assessment showed that 19% of participants were food insecure (meaning they have uncertain or insufficient access to food) and 25% experienced both food insecurity and hunger.
The full study, a successor to a pivotal ACRIA study of 1,000 older adults with HIV in New York City in 2006, will ultimately include almost 3,000 older adults living with HIV in sites across the United States, including New York City, Upstate New York, Chicago, and Alameda County (the East Bay), as well as San Francisco. Results will help social researchers and care providers across the country develop more services geared specifically toward people living with HIV who are over the age of 50.
“GMHC is committed to being a national leader in the study of older adults living with HIV as we all start to fully grasp the enormity of the challenges faced by the 50-and-over population living with HIV,” said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie. “We hope that service organizations across the country will start to use these findings as they develop services and interventions designed to help this population. Since entering into a strategic partnership with ACRIA in 2017, GMHC has redoubled its efforts to work collaboratively with our older adult communities, launching the Terry Brenneis Hub for Long-Term Survivors earlier this year, relaunching GMHC’s pivotal Buddy Program, and using new data to better tailor our services. We look forward to shepherding more vital research that will help us provide the best possible holistic care for our older clients.”
For a full copy of the report, visit: https://bit.ly/2AhRvJV
Media Contacts:
Cub Barrett: VP, Communications and Public Affairs, GMHC: CubB@gmhc.org
Stephen Karpiak, PhD: Research Director, ACRIA Centers at GMHC: StephenK@gmhc.org
Rebecca Erenrich, MPH: Senior Research and Community Engagement Coordinator, ACRIA Centers at GMHC: RebeccaE@gmhc.org
About GMHC
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is the world's first HIV/AIDS service organization. GMHC is on the front lines providing services to over 13,000 people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Programs include: testing, prevention, nutrition, legal, supportive housing, mental health, and substance use services. GMHC also advocates for stronger public policies at the local, state, and federal levels with the goal of ending AIDS as an epidemic. For more information, visit www.gmhc.org.
About the ACRIA Center on HIV and Aging at GMHC
The ACRIA Center on HIV and Aging at GMHC seeks to address the unique needs and challenges that older adults living with HIV face as they age. ACRIA’s seminal 2006 Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) Study established ACRIA as a leader in research on HIV and aging. The Center conducts qualitative and quantitative research to create an evidence base to advance the formulation of policy, advocacy, and program development. Through research, education, and advocacy, the Center fosters the open exchange and dissemination of information from scientific communities to AIDS service providers and older adults living with HIV. In 2017 ACRIA entered into a strategic partnership with GMHC, the world’s first HIV/AIDS service organization, to create a new and innovative kind of service, research, and policy organization.
10,000 People Participate in AIDS Walk San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (July 15, 2018) – Ten thousand people gathered together on Sunday in Golden Gate Park for the 32nd annual AIDS Walk San Francisco (AWSF), both in support of people living with HIV/AIDS and to defend the dignity and equality of vulnerable populations everywhere.
Walkers raised $1.814 million this year in support of ACRIA, PRC, and Project Open Hand, as well as dozens of other Bay Area HIV/AIDS service organizations.
“AIDS Walk San Francisco provides us with the opportunity to not only show our support for those affected by HIV/AIDS, but to bring attention to the fact that people living with HIV/AIDS need unique services—especially as they age,” said Kelsey Louie, Executive Director of ACRIA. “We’re grateful that so many Bay Area folks came out to support the Walk, and that they continue to support the dozens of organizations throughout the region that are helping people make real progress in their lives.”
The 10-kilometer Walk took place entirely within Golden Gate Park, with the start and finish lines at Robin Williams Meadow.
The day began with the Macy’s Star Walker and VIP Breakfast, followed by the Macy’s Aerobic Warm-Up from the main stage led by fitness celebrity Bethany Meyers. At the Opening Ceremony, celebrities included Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles), Nico Tortorella (Younger), Dale Soules (Orange is the New Black), and longtime supporter ABC-7 news anchor Dan Ashley. Mezzo-soprano Alexandra Urquiola performed “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” and Broadway veteran Leslie McDonel sang “Brave” and “Your Song” to inspire the participants before they stepped off.
At the Post-Walk Show, co-hosted by Nico Tortorella, Bethany Meyers, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Alexis Michelle, participants were treated to performances by renowned R&B artist Deborah Cox; RuPaul’s Drag Race stars The Vixen, Milk, Delta Work, and ChiChi DeVayne; and Dan Ashley. Walk participants filled Robin Williams Meadow, and folks who raised $200 or more enjoyed access to an exclusive VIP lounge.
Since 1987, AWSF has raised more than $90 million for a variety of Bay Area HIV/AIDS care, prevention services, and advocacy organizations and has long been Northern California’s largest AIDS fundraising event.
The Walk’s three lead beneficiaries are all working to end AIDS in the Bay Area and beyond. ACRIA’s research and advocacy programs focus on older adults living with HIV, studying their unique needs and determining the services they need to thrive. PRC connects people affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use issues , or mental health issues to social and health services to help them live healthier lives. And Project Open Hand’s mission is to nourish and engage the Bay Area community by providing meals to the sick and elderly.
The Premier Sponsor of AIDS Walk San Francisco 2018 is Gilead. The Walk’s Grand Sponsors are ABC7 and Quest Diagnostics. Major sponsors include Gap, Kaiser Permanente, Levi Strauss, The Examiner, and SF Weekly. Principal Sponsors are BIO-RAD, Chevron, ViiV Healthcare, Team Cannabis, and Wells Fargo. Supporting Sponsors are Marriot San Francisco Marquis and Williams Sonoma California. Event Sponsors are A Black Tie Affair, Adobe, Ellie Mae, Jones Day, Recology, and Seyfarth Shaw. The Co-Chair Supporting Sponsor is Baker McKenzie.
We've Moved!
Please note that as of July 10, ACRIA has moved to 307 West 38th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. Email and phone numbers remain the same. We look forward to welcoming you to our new location!
WWD: Jason Wu, Ross Bleckner Honored at ACRIA Holiday Dinner in New York
“We first met in the year 1206 B.C.,” kidded Peter Marino of his longstanding friendship with artist Ross Bleckner. The famed New York architect, shading his face behind a pair of jet-black aviators, joined the crowd who braved freezing temperatures Thursday night to support ACRIA’s annual holiday dinner.
Bleckner, who helped found the nonprofit in 1991 to research, educate and prevent HIV and AIDS, was among the evening’s honorees at the fund-raiser held at Cipriani 25 Broadway’s majestic Italian Renaissance-style building in lower Manhattan, which was originally built as the Cunard Line’s grand ticketing office.
“Tonight is [Ross’] night and I’m happy to be here for him,” remarked Calvin Klein who later stood in the center of the towering room to present his friend with ACRIA’s Founders Award. “He’s really passionate about this organization.”
THR: Diane Kruger Toasts Jason Wu at ACRIA Holiday Dinner
...After a standing ovation, [Ross] Bleckner said he knew that people would look back on that time and ask, "Where were you then? What did you do to try to make things better?"
"Since we started this dinner 22 years ago, when it was just a few people in a restaurant somewhere in Chelsea, that did make things better," he said. "You did it by showing up here year after year, because you understood there is no true culture without empathy."
Vogue.com A Very Merry ACRIA Dinner With Diane Kruger, Jason Wu, and More
Visit Vogue.com here for the full article and slideshow
The weather outside was frightful last night but Cipriani Wall Street offered cozy respite for the guests of ACRIA’s 22nd annual holiday fundraising event. The dinner, awards presentation, and paddle-raise auction began with cocktails served around a towering, frosted Christmas tree. Guests, including Saskia de Brauw, Casey Fremont, Cordell Broadus, and Kelly Rutherford, gathered to honor four individuals and their significant contributions to HIV and AIDS awareness.
Guests then found their way to their tables, festively arranged with garlands, holly, and candles aplenty. First up, Raf Simons and Peter McGough took to the stage to honor Anne Collier and Matthew Higgs, followed by Diane Kruger who honored close friend Jason Wu, and, finally, Calvin Klein presented Ross Bleckner with his award.
Vogue.com: La Ligne Hosts a Miami Beachside Brunch for ACRIA Artists Ending AIDS Fund at GMHC
View story and slideshow on Vogue.com here
With a gentle breeze rolling in off the Atlantic, guests casually dined in the luxurious sand-set tent at Miami Beach’s Nautilus hotel for this year’s ACRIA Artists Ending AIDS Fund at GMHC brunch. Here, Meredith Melling and Valerie Macaulay, founders of stripe-driven womenswear brand La Ligne, showed off their artist-designed caftans—featuring the work of Katherine Bernhardt, Zoë Buckman, Ariel Dill, Barbara Nessim, Betty Tompkins, Anne Vieux, and Wendy White. Proceeds from the pieces benefit ACRIA’s young women’s program—and in fact the whole project was female powered.
As Champagne was poured, Benjamin Anderson Bashein, ACRIA’s executive director, explained that “we solicited artists that we thought would best fit the cause. They’re all female artists who did work that spoke to the issues that were important to them.” Melling, whose New York City–based brand is female founded and operated, added that it was the La Ligne team who decided upon the piece that the collaborators would embolden. “We thought we had the perfect item,” she told Vogue. “A caftan that we knew ACRIA’s network of artists could customize as if it were a canvas.”
Notable guests, including Luis Morais, Logan Horne, and Jeremy Kost, strolled in to browse the items and enjoy the ocean view, and Sixty Hotels cofounder and creative director Jason Pomeranc stopped in to show his support. During Art Basel, brunch has always been an opportunity to catch one’s breath—but at the La Ligne brunch it was done with social consciousness and a desire to support ACRIA and GMHC’s mission of realizing a world with AIDS. As Bashein made clear, “We were founded by folks in art, fashion, media, and design. This is always where we have drawn our support from. It made sense for us to have a presence here. It’s where our people are.” - David Graver