| Releases & Statements
HIV-Positive Woman Says “Women need a place of their own”
A report released today, Thursday, September 25, 2003 by the Office of the Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum found that while the proportion of women to total HIV/AIDS cases reported in New York City is skyrocketing, services specifically targeted for women have not kept up with the increased need. Women now comprise 32 percent of the total HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in New York City , up from 23 percent in 1992. Yet, only 5 percent of the City’s Ryan White-funded programs are specifically geared towards women.
“Women living with HIV/AIDS are entitled to more services. With women now comprising almost one third of the total HIV/AIDS population, New York City needs more programs tailored to meet their needs. This means programs that take in to account pregnancy, childcare, and other healthcare issues particular to a woman’s needs.”
The report details how issues specific to women, including lack of early detection, and inadequate follow-up care, are going largely unaddressed by Ryan White Title I-funded HIV/AIDS services and programs in New York City.
Of 23 Ryan White-funded outpatient medical care programs, only two specifically target women.
Of six Ryan White-funded supportive counseling programs for HIV infected individuals, only two specifically target women.
Of six Ryan White-funded transitional housing programs, only one is specifically for women. Of four housing placement assistance programs, only one specifically targets women.
Of ten custody-planning programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS, only one specifically targets women.
Of 28 harm reduction programs, only five specifically target women.
Ryan White Title 1 funds are distributed in New York City by the HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council, a community body under the Mayor’s Office of AIDS Policy Coordination (MOAPC).
Recommendations from the report include:
Incorporating discussion of HIV treatment options and prevention of perinatal transmission in to supportive counseling programs.
Developing women-focused substance abuse services.
Improving housing availability for women with HIV/AIDS and their children.
Increasing participation of women in clinical trials.
Providing onsite childcare at medical facilities.
“When I go to most AIDS service organizations, I feel discriminated against. Most of the services are geared toward men, and it makes me not want to go. I have brought other women in to these groups and they also prefer not to go because of how they are treated. You’re already hurting, and this discrimination doesn’t help. It’s as if we’re not even recognized as being part of the family. Women need a place of their own,” said J.R. Lark, a 54-yr. old HIV positive woman who was diagnosed in 1997.
“Historically, New York City has been challenged in serving women, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty, domestic violence and substance abuse. New York City needs a collective effort, which includes fair distribution of funds from Ryan White and other government resources, to assist these women,” said Ana Oliveira, Executive Director of Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
"This report is especially timely as both the number of women living with AIDS, and the number of new HIV infections among young women, especially in New York City communities of color, has increased. This report clearly demonstrates a need for more services and resources that address the HIV related needs and risks for women in this city," said Tracie Gardner, Director of New York State Policy, Legal Action Center and Member, Women's HIV Collaborative of New York.
“The poverty of women does not only refer to economic status. This paucity of services for women is across all levels, including HIV/AIDS. It’s unfortunately a similar scenario that the Public Advocate’s report describes: women last, women missed, women dismissed. It is time to set aside resources for women with HIV/AIDS to reverse current patterns. Negligence towards the needs of women will ultimately impact children, the next generation, and our entire community,” said Marie Saint Cyr, Executive Director, Iris House.
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