Meeting of the
CONSUMERS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
M I N U T E S
Committee Members Present: John Schoepp (Co-chair), Marcelo Maia (Co-chair), Gus Angelopoulos, Billy Fields (Finance Officer), Newton Francis, John Goldenbridge, Charmaine Graham (Consumer-at-Large), Ralph Henderson, David Klotz (Governmental Co-chair), Lawrence Francis, Newton Francis, Yves Gebhardt, David Martin, Rob Walker
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Abraham Omeyoma, Laura Adames, Doienne Saab
Guests Present: Gina Gambone, Febuary D’Auria, Jill Williams, Frances Silva, Grace Herndon, Jacqueline Graham, Rose Napoleon
Agenda Item 1: Welcome/ Moment of Silence/Minutes
John opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. He then led with a moment of silence that was followed by David Martin who then recognized the gay community for enduring the AIDS epidemic. He uplifted the LGBT community in celebration of Pride Month. The minutes of May 19, 2026 were approved with no edits.
Agenda Item 2: Public Comment
Marcelo made a comment about Iris Long’s recent memorial.
Agenda Item 3: Presentation—Early Planning for Next NY EMA QM Plan (2027-2030)
Gina Gambone, Director of Quality Management, opened her presentation with an overview of the NY EMA Quality Management Program. She explained that the program’s mission is to ensure that all Ryan White–eligible people with HIV (PWH) in the NY EMA have equitable access to high‑quality health care and support services. This is achieved by adhering to clinical guidelines, promoting consumer engagement, building the capacity of subrecipients to provide client‑centered services, and using available data to disseminate lessons learned and best practices.
Gina then reviewed the program’s leadership and infrastructure, which includes the NYC Department of Health (BHHS, HIV Care and Treatment Program), the NYS DOH AIDS Institute, Public Health Solutions, consumers of HIV services, and RWHAP Part A–funded subrecipients. She also defined key terms—quality management, quality improvement, and quality assurance—and clarified how they differ, noting that quality management serves as the umbrella under which the other activities fall. She then transitioned into a description of the program’s responsibilities and activities, creating a smooth connection between the conceptual framework and the operational structure.
Gina explained that the NY EMA QM Program convenes quarterly with representation from all stakeholders. She noted that in FY2025, CTP launched 27 new programs, and preparations are underway for the launch of 21 new programs in FY2026. She described how QMPI provides ongoing oversight and support to programs delivering early intervention services, housing services, legal services, oral health services, and others. Another major responsibility is the annual provider meeting, which includes breakout sessions; members of the Consumers Committee participated this year by presenting on CABs.
She also discussed program model development, evidence‑based intervention building, and peer learning opportunities, including trainings on evidence‑based interventions. Marcelo asked why consumers are not invited to the provider meeting. Gina explained that space and capacity are limited, and some meetings are designed specifically for providers.
Febuary D’Auria, Director, Ryan White Part A Quality Management Program, led the next portion of the presentation, focusing on quality management and improvement, including QI training for clients involved in QI activities and sharing sessions. Gina then resumed the presentation and reviewed HRSA’s two core requirements:
- To assess the extent to which HIV health services provided to patients are consistent with public health guidelines.
- To develop strategies for ensuring that services are consistent with those guidelines and support the improvement of HIV service quality.
She explained that the Quality Management Plan describes all aspects of the CQM program, including infrastructure, priorities, performance measures, and other components. David M. raised a concern about consumers not being present at the provider meeting, suggesting this may be a missed opportunity. Gina acknowledged his point and said she would consider his thoughts and explore different ways consumer voices could be included. She continued taking questions and noted several consumer concerns.
Gina then covered Health Equity and Consumer Engagement Priorities. She listed six priorities and highlighted the health equity priority, which aims to improve systems to reduce disparities, and the consumer engagement priority, which aims to increase meaningful consumer involvement leading to informed decision‑making. Within these priorities, she discussed listening sessions with providers and consumers, dismantling stigma, the two‑day racial equity training, and Positive Life Workshops. Febuary elaborated on the racial equity training. Gender‑affirming care was discussed, and the Zero HIV Stigma Superhero campaign was mentioned. At this point, Rob W. reflected on the earlier discussion about Client Advisory Boards, noting that CABs were once mandated and expressing his hope that the requirement might be restored.
Gina then addressed NY EMA QM Program challenges. For recipients, challenges included the procurement schedule, understaffing, and barriers to compensating participants. Febuary addressed subrecipient challenges, including competing priorities, staff turnover, limited staff knowledge, and difficulty recruiting clients for QI activities. She noted that these challenges for both recipients and subrecipients are not comprehensive.
Febuary then discussed next steps and conducted a Chatterfall activity, asking, “What does quality mean to you?” Responses included value, research, feedback, excellence, improvement, person‑centered care, and commitment. The purpose was to highlight how participants define quality and how the NY EMA QM Plan (2027–2030) could be improved. David Martin commented on the importance of meeting people where they are, noting that not everyone has the same issues. Lisa B. reflected on the Stigma Superhero imagery, expressing concern about the hyper‑sexualization of Black women and emphasizing the need to consider how images are presented. Marcelo addressed the issue of consumer involvement and suggested that CABs once again be mandated. Febuary asked for suggestions on how consumer involvement could be increased. Rob suggested that consumer members are always willing to volunteer their time. Abraham mentioned the CAB Town Hall the CC held last year and asked whether the CC could encourage subrecipients to reinstate CABs in their agencies.
Jill Williams, Ryan White Senior Training Specialist, then described a training she would like to conduct on Promoting Racial Equity and Client Services. She explained that participants would gain a deeper understanding of racial equity and its effect on health. The training would be two days, include breakfast and lunch, and provide a $50 gift card. Michael N. noted the Committee’s interest in the topic and stated that he would follow up with her to gather more details and input from Members.
Agenda Item 4: The H Line: An overview of Services
Rose Napoleon of the NYS HIV/STI/HCV Hotline then presented “Connecting New Yorkers to Confidential Care.” She explained that the H Line is a free and confidential hotline for HIV, STIs, and HCV. The hotline provides accurate information and connects people to testing, prevention, and treatment. All services are free to New York State residents. They do not prescribe medication; counselors are trained professionals, not medical providers. Services are available in English and Spanish.
She addressed the question of why their services matter, noting that many people do not know where to start when seeking testing or care. She also mentioned stigma, which can prevent people from accessing services, and emphasized that early linkage to care improves health outcomes. Rose explained that the hotline helps with navigating testing, treatment, and prevention options, and assists with finding local services. Marcelo asked about DoxyPEP and whether these services are offered. Lisa thanked Rose for the support the hotline provides. Michael asked about language access and whether services are available in languages other than English and Spanish.
Rose then addressed questions from Members about hours of operation, reproductive services (birth control, abortion), intimate partner violence, and emergency services. She noted that the hotline often follows up on referrals. Rose provided her contact information and invited Members to email her with any follow‑up questions.
Agenda Item 5: Other Items
Due to time constraints, remaining agenda items—including the member recognition event and the United States Conference on AIDS—were not discussed. David K. mentioned Laura’s presentation on upcoming conferences, and Michael indicated that he would pass the information along to Members.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comment
Yves shared a concern about medical research increasingly being influenced by political decision‑making rather than medical expertise.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting of the Consumers Committee will be virtual, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 2-4pm via Zoom.
