For People Living With HIV, A New Public Health Crisis In COVID-19

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CAP CEO Tyler TerMeer had the pleasure of talking with OPB’s Crystal Ligori for a segment of OPB’s “All Things Considered”. To hear the entire conversation with Tyler and Crystal, use the audio player at the top of this page. We have also attached a copy of the article written by Crystal Ligori and Jenn Chavez below for your convenience. The original copy of this interview, including the audio conversation, can be found here.

With the spread of coronavirus in the Pacific Northwest, many health care and social services have shifted more toward telemedicine and virtual support in order to maintain social distancing.

That includes the Cascade AIDS Project, which has been providing HIV services and advocacy in the Pacific Northwest since the 1980s. Since the pandemic began, the organization has largely shifted away from providing in-person services in favor of giving support by phone, email and telehealth.

Tyler TerMeer, the group’s chief executive officer, told OPB’s “All Things Considered” that its work is geared toward creating access to services for people who need them, no matter what’s happening in the world around them. 

In addition to HIV and sexually transmitted infection screening and support services, CAP also provides social services for people living with HIV, including rent assistance, help addressing food insecurity, and making sure unhoused people with HIV stay connected. Those have become even more important amid the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. On the health care front, the organization has worked on making sure home HIV test kits and safer-sex supplies are available to community members, despite the in-person separation. They’ve also begun to provide COVID-19 testing. 

“[We recognized] that people who we currently serve and members of the broader LGBTQ+ community and beyond would need access to COVID-19 testing,” TerMeer said, “and that we could offer that to the people that we serve but do it in a culturally affirming way.”

TerMeer acknowledged that transitioning to a telehealth model was difficult. “When I made the decision that we were going to this new model, it is in some ways such a far step away from who we are under our mission of an organization,” TerMeer said. “We built Cascade AIDS Project on the ability to provide in-person, compassionate, trauma-informed, client-centered care.”

TerMeer said while group leaders recognize that going virtual is not ideal, the services they provide are vital, and thus need to continue by any means available. 

The mental health impacts of the pandemic on people living with HIV, as well as the LGBTQ community, is another concern. TerMeer acknowledged that people in those communities, global pandemic aside, have a long history of trauma and isolation.

“This time of being back in a period of isolation where they can’t have that social connection is very difficult for some of them. They are perhaps on their own, and their only outlet for social connection had been coming to see us for our social service programs, or for our social support program where they met with their peers,” TerMeer said.

Post-traumatic stress has been triggered by current events, especially for some long-term HIV survivors or members of the LGBTQ community who served as caretakers during the early years of the HIV epidemic.   

“They’re reliving a very difficult chapter of their life where people were sick and dying around them,” TerMeer said.

The recent death of AIDS activist and Act Up founder Larry Kramer has brought that era of the HIV epidemic back into the national spotlight, in the context of current events. But as TerMeer and his colleagues have heard from some members of CAP’s “Aging Well” support group, the recent comparisons of the coronavirus pandemic and the HIV epidemic are not helpful. In fact, many would highlight the stark differences between the two. 

During those early days of the epidemic, “you didn’t see a front-page New York Times article that talked about the 100,000 deaths in the community. That happened years into the epidemic of HIV, and was page 18 news,” TerMeer said.

Long-term HIV survivors are sometimes put off by the comparison, he said, because society didn’t respond to and care about the LGBTQ community in the same way back then, as people living through the epidemic faced stigma, discrimination and fear.

“It was really LGBTQ people and their friends and their family that had to start a revolution, that started a movement that allowed us to get us to where we’re at today in the HIV movement. It wasn’t a societal shift, a societal shutdown that got us to this point,” TerMeer said.               

In all of the Cascade AIDS Project’s current priorities — addressing trauma and PTSD, providing essential healthcare and financial assistance, maintaining social connections — TerMeer added that racial equity is kept front and center. From discussions about data collection and contact tracing to considering how face coverings have in the past put some people of color at risk of being profiled, TerMeer said CAP is putting a racial justice framework on all its conversations about COVID-19. 

“There should be nothing about us, without us,” TerMeer said. “That’s how the HIV movement was built, and that’s how public health crises should be addressed,” TerMeer said.

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About Cascade AIDS Project

Founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is now the oldest and largest HIV-services and LGBTQ+ health provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, with more than 100 employees working across four locations. Our organization seeks to prevents new HIV infections; support low-income people living with HIV; and provide safe, welcoming, and knowledgeable healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Through our vital health, housing, and other social services, we help ensure the well-being of more than 15,000 people each year.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org

About OPB

OPB is the state’s most far-reaching and accessible media resource, providing free access to programming for children and adults designed to give voice to community, connect Oregon and its neighbors and illuminate a wider world. Every week, over 1.5 million people tune in to or log on to OPB’s Television, Radio and Internet delivered services. As the hub of operations for the state’s Emergency Broadcast and Amber Alert services, OPB serves as the backbone for the distribution of critical information to broadcasters and homes throughout Oregon. Oregon Public Broadcasting is a statewide network that includes OPB Television, an affiliate of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and OPB Radio, presenting local news coverage and the programs of National Public Radio (NPR), Public Radio International (PRI) and American Public Media (APM). The OPB Web site is opb.org.

We Must Choose A New Tomorrow

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Today I am tired. Today I am overwhelmed. Today I am sad, anxious, angry, and frustrated. One of the most difficult parts of my role as the CEO of CAP and Prism Health is finding strength to be a light in the dark. I have sat here searching for the right message to send to you, and if I'm honest with myself, I don't have the strength today for eloquence. So many names weigh heavy on my heart and mind -Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Andre Emmett, George Floyd, Tony McDade, and on and on. So many lives taken for no cause, and with no justice. 

It has been one week since the unjust murder of George Floyd and in the last 72+ hours an environment of civil unrest has become the reality in communities across our nation and right here in our own backyard. There is a clear difference between the peaceful protest / marches of thousands and the destruction and looting of the few. I know and acknowledge that often the media, our elected officials and beyond don't always make that clear. By doing so they dilute the critical message and intent of these peaceful protests. That Black Lives Matter. That the response we are seeing across the country (peaceful or not) comes from being pushed too far and comes from something that has been stewing in this country for decades. That even if people don’t condone it or understand it, that there is a reason that all of this is happening. 

This moment is a culmination of the pain of racism, the fight for justice, dignity, life and human rights. 

Our community is not new to this moment. We have been a part of it time and time again - during the civil rights movement, together at stonewall, in the suffrage movement, and during the height of the AIDS Epidemic. Through it all, we have remained strong, steadfast, and resilient. And while we wax nostalgically on these great moments of social progress, we forget all of the blood, sweat, tears, suffering, and pain it took to make those changes a reality. We fail to acknowledge the trauma and violence that so many of our people, specifically our Black and other Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC), experience every single day of their lives. We invoke the names of Sylvia, of Marsha, of Miss Majors, but we continue to shy away from the very real work of addressing the systems, including within our own movement, that marginalize and threaten those who have offered everything, including their lives, to bring about lasting change.

But today is not about the past. Today is about the present. It is about each and every one of the millions of Black lives that experience racial injustice on a daily basis. It is about the inequity that exists in jobs, healthcare, and education for our BIPOC communities. It is about the rampant racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia that have cost the lives of thousands of beautiful Black and Brown bodies who had so much to give this world. Today is about action. We can either continue to ignore the responsibility we carry and the work we still need to do to truly move forward to a better future, or we can stop dead in our tracks and acknowledge the truth of our history and its resulting inequities. We can choose a new tomorrow. We MUST choose a new tomorrow.

CAP and Prism Health are committed to identifying and eliminating manifestations of racism across our systems to create a more equitable tomorrow. We are committed to a tomorrow that values all Black and Brown lives. We are building a tomorrow that improves the lived experience of our BIPOC clients and community through health equity and racial justice. And above all, we demand a tomorrow where Black lives aren’t forfeit for simply existing.

This moment is a reminder that we cannot relent in our pursuit of equity and racial justice. I am committed to this pursuit, but I cannot bear that burden alone. We must all work together if we want to dismantle decades of institutionalized racism in our communities and our culture. We must all work together to stop the senseless loss of Black lives. And We MUST ALL work together to create an equitable tomorrow for our friends, families, communities, and our country, because our lives depend on it. As a Black man, my life may depend on it. Together we can create this change. Together we can create a better tomorrow. 

I Am With You,

Tyler

Prism Health Earns Federal Health Center Status

Portland, OR | March 11, 2020 – Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is very pleased to announce that Prism Health has earned Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike status from the United States Health Resource & Services Administration.  In order to achieve this designation, health centers must demonstrate that they serve an underserved area or population, offer a sliding fee scale discount, and provide comprehensive services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. 

 “The board and staff of CAP and Prism Health are delighted to achieve FQHC Look-Alike status! The region deserves a high quality and innovative healthcare option that recognizes the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.  We are honored by this designation and will continue to challenge ourselves to provide culturally relevant care for all members of our community regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” said Tyler TerMeer, CEO of Cascade AIDS Project and Prism Health.

Prism Health provides high quality, culturally relevant care through a comprehensive patient-centered approach that integrates primary care with behavioral health, pharmacy, and social services. Everything about Prism Health, from the team of providers and support staff and services offered, to intake forms, policies, and even the physical design of the building have been informed by members of the LGBTQ+ community and aim to create a safe welcoming environment. As an FQHC Look-Alike, Prism Health is poised to increase primary health accessibility to the LBGTQ+ community and beyond. 

“This is an important achievement for our community, further demonstrating our commitment to welcoming, safe, and non-judgmental healthcare experience for everyone” said Mandy McKimmy, Prism Health Medical Director, “This integrated model along with our designation as an FQHC Look-Alike will allow us to better serve those patients who are in most need of our services.”

Prism Health provides complete primary and preventative care to anyone, including those who are uninsured or who have commercial insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. Services include primary care, behavioral health, chronic disease management, specialized LGBTQ+ care, supportive services, specialized HIV and STD care & treatment, referrals to specialists, laboratory services, insurance enrollment, and pharmacy services.

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About Cascade AIDS Project
Founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis, Cascade AIDS Project (CAP) is now the oldest and largest HIV-services and LGBTQ+ health provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, with more than 100 employees working across four locations. Our organization seeks to prevents new HIV infections; support low-income people living with HIV; and provide safe, welcoming, and knowledgeable healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. Through our vital health, housing, and other social services, we help ensure the well-being of more than 15,000 people each year.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org

About Prism Health
Prism Health provides compassionate healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. More information can be found at www.prismhealth.org.

About FQHCs
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) lookalikes, also known as Community Health Centers, are in every state across the nation. FQHCs are authorized under Section 330(A) of the Public Health Services Act to provide healthcare to the medically underserved. More information about the Health Center Program can be found at: bphc.hrsa.gov/about/index.html.

Pharmacy Construction Begins at Prism Health

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, OR — Prism Health is excited to announce that an in-house pharmacy will be coming soon to our Belmont location! Construction on the pharmacy began in earnest on 1/21/2020, with the goal of being built out in 8 weeks. The new pharmacy space will include the Avita Pharmacy, our pharmacy partner. 

In addition to a knowledgeable staff, free delivery, and online refills, Avita supports our efforts of delivering compassionate and affirming healthcare by offering Financial Assistance, LGBTQ+ Care and Support, Gender Care, PrEP + STD Expertise, and Community Education + Awareness. "When you fill your prescriptions with Avita, you can feel good knowing you're helping support your community and the mission of helping everyone get better together."

The new space will also include a provider pod, a new conference room, and bike racks. Beyond the new pharmacy space, the current back room (which houses Jake Maginn, Prism's Patient Navigator; Freddie Mora, Prism's Epic Site Specialist; Dr. Antoniskis, Prism's MD; and PIVOT) will be getting an overhaul to allow for more stations and better design. We are so excited for this growth at Prism Health and look forward to being able to offer even more personalized, compassionate, and affirming care for our patients with this addition!

CAP Commemorates World AIDS Day With Sixth Annual Heroes of HIV Luncheon

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Portland, OR — December 1st marks the 32nd anniversary of World AIDS Day – a time for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show their support for people living with HIV and to remember those who have lost their lives in the epidemic.

CAP will commemorate World AIDS Day by honoring the individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to fighting the epidemic in our community at third annual Heroes of HIV luncheon. Taking place at the Hilton Portland Downtown on December 5th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, the event will honor individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV in our community. This year’s honorees are:

Myrna Yvonne-Williams

Ms. Williams’ work with HIV/AIDS began in 2003, with a Memorandum of Understanding between The Portland Chapter of The Links and CAP. The first event was an HIV/AIDS Symposium held at Portland Community College, Cascade Campus. Each year, Ms. Williams has facilitated monthly meetings with The African American AIDS Awareness Alliance (A6) in planning meetings with CAP and other organizations in hosting HIV/AIDS events throughout the year. Those events are:  World AIDS Day, The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, The Balm in Gilead Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, HIV Testing Da and My Friend Who Has AIDS Project, Ms. Williams’ work with A6 has been supported by grants from CAP, The Links Incorporated, the Oregon Health Authority, the NW Health Foundation and Kaiser Hospital Foundation. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ms. Williams has worked within the organization on its HIV/AIDS activities.

Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer

Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer has spent over 30 years working to increase access to health care, reduce poverty, and promote cross-cultural understanding. Advocacy for people living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS is personal for her. In his final months, the Representative cared for her father who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1986. He passed 18 months after his diagnosis.

Since she was appointed to the Legislature in 2011, Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer has been a trusted champion for the Cascade AIDS Project. Most recently, she was a chief supporter for two of CAP’s priorities in the 2019 session to modernize Oregon’s HIV/AIDS-related statues to promote accuracy and reduce stigma, and requiring cultural competency continuing education for medical providers in our state. The Cascade AIDS Project is honored to have such a champion for our community in the Legislature and we are grateful for her work to improve the lives the people living with HIV. 

Multnomah County Health Services Center

As part of Multnomah County’s Federally Qualified Health Center, the Health Services Center (HSC) has provided high-quality, patient-centered HIV and primary care services in Oregon since 1990. They are the only Ryan White-funded medical provider in Oregon and currently serve approximately 1,400 people living with HIV in Oregon. HSC utilizes a medical home model to provide team-based care and embraces a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach in all that they do. Their services include primary and HIV speciality care, HCV curative care, nurse case management, behavioral health, medical case management, patient navigation, on-site lab services, Medication Assisted Treatment, and art therapy. 

HSC is also a preceptorship site for the Mountain West AIDS Education and Training Center to train other healthcare professionals and healthcare organizations to integrate high quality, comprehensive care for those living with or affected by HIV. In March 2019, HSC implemented Rapid ART Start as their annual quality improvement project, aiming to get those newly diagnosed with HIV access to HIV medications within 5 days or less. HSC is honored to work collaboratively with an active Client Advisory Council and many community partners to innovatively and efficiently meet the changing needs of our community.

OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is deeply committed to standing with great organizations that serve the community we call home. That’s why they chose to partner with Cascade AIDS Project. In 2019, OnPoint supported CAP through the credit union’s Refer a Friend campaign, resulting in a $44,750 donation to CAP. This generous support covered the cost of a full year’s worth of HIV test kits (over 4500), allowing CAP to continue providing free and confidential HIV testing in our community. 

OnPoint and its employees also champion CAP’s work through annual support of our Art Auction, AIDS Walk and Heroes of HIV Luncheon. OnPoint Community Credit Union looks forward to continuing to grow its partnership with Cascade AIDS Project to help advance its mission to empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare.CAP’s mission is achieved through communities and organizations uniting to solve the fight against HIV.

More information about the event can be found at www.heroesofhiv.org.