Meeting of the
CONSUMERS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 19, 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, Asia Betancourt, Billy Fields (Finance Officer), Newton Francis, Charmaine Graham (Consumer-at-Large), Ralph Henderson, David Klotz (Governmental Co-chair), Lawrence Francis, Newton Francis, Yves Gebhardt, Adanna Joels, David Martin, Rob Walker
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Abraham Omeyoma, Laura Adames, Doienne Saab
Guests Present: Justin LeGreci,
Agenda Item 1: Welcome/ Moment of Silence/Minutes
John opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. Billy led with a moment of silence, giving thanks for the work of the Planning Council.
The minutes of April 21, 2026 were approved with no edits.
Agenda Item 2: Presentation—NYS Peer Worker Certification Program
Justin explained that the Peer Worker Certification Program was launched in 2015 with three specialized tracks. He emphasized that the idea for a certification program originated from the community, with the primary goal of developing and promoting a professional peer workforce. The original specialized tracks included HIV, Hepatitis C, and Harm Reduction. Between 2022 and 2024, additional tracks in PrEP and Criminal Justice were added. He also noted that participants may earn college credits through Stony Brook University; of the nearly 300 individuals who have been certified, 30 have received college credits.
Justin shared that anyone with relevant lived experience is eligible to become a state-certified peer worker. Requirements for certification include, but are not limited to: 90 hours of training, a 500‑hour practicum, passing a knowledge exam, submitting a resume, and receiving approval from the Program Review Board.
He then highlighted several related programs within the New York State Department of Health, including the Peer Certification Academic Center, the Expanding Employment Opportunities for People Living with HIV Training Center, the Leadership Training Institute, and the Benefits Counseling Project.
Justin outlined the benefits of the peer program for peer workers, agencies, and clients. For peer workers, benefits include increased employment opportunities, higher income, and a strengthened sense of purpose. For agencies, benefits include improved client engagement and reduced no‑show rates. For clients, benefits include better adherence to care, improved retention in care, and increased likelihood of maintaining viral suppression.
Following the presentation, members offered comments and asked questions. Justin was asked whether income earned through peer certification work could affect public benefits; he responded that it could, but that the impact varies by individual case. Charmain asked whether someone without lived experience in a specific competency area could still be certified in that track; Justin clarified that lived experience is required for each competency. Abraham and Newton shared that they are both certified peer advocates and spoke about how valuable their training and experience have been.
Agenda Item 3: Immigrant HIV Health Survey: Final Results
Michael presented the final results of the immigrant health survey. The survey yielded 71 completed English responses and 62 Spanish responses, for a total of 133 completed surveys. In addition, 25 provider surveys were submitted.
A key finding showed that immigration‑related fear remains a significant barrier to care. Notably, 81% of respondents reported that fear of immigration enforcement affects their ability to access HIV and other essential services. These concerns directly influence engagement in care, including picking up medications, attending medical appointments, and seeking social services.
Despite these challenges, many respondents described positive experiences with their providers, noting that most agencies demonstrate strong cultural and linguisticcompetency. Social service organizations and faith‑based groups were also identified as important sources of support.
Agenda Item 4: Immigrant HIV Health Subcommittee Update
Michael provided an update on the work of the Immigrant HIV Health Subcommittee. He informed members that the informational/resource palm card being developed by the subcommittee must go through the agency’s Communications process. He explained that, in his discussion with the Director of External Affairs, it was made very clear that all public‑facing materials—including text, imagery, graphics, and translations—must follow the full review and approval protocol. This process is extensive and, once translation into multiple languages is included, can take several months to complete.
The update was not well received. Charmaine and several other members expressed frustration with the length of the process and emphasized the urgency of making the palm card available sooner. Michael reiterated that these procedures are agency policy and cannot be bypassed or expedited informally. He stressed that the subcommittee must adhere to established protocol to ensure accuracy, compliance, and proper approval.
Agenda Item 5: Other Items
- United States Conference on AIDS — Abraham reminded members about the upcoming United States Conference on AIDS, scheduled for September 17–20 in Anaheim, CA. He encouraged members to apply for available scholarships and noted the value of attending this national gathering.
- Mental Health First Aid Training — Abraham also provided an update on Mental Health First Aid training. In the next Planning Council year, a more comprehensive update will be provided, including inviting a trainer to present on the curriculum and assess member interest. As in previous discussions, the Committee responded positively to the idea.
- Crystal Meth Addiction, Recovery, and HIV — Michael and Abraham introduced the proposal to make crystal meth addiction, recovery, and HIV a major focus for the next Planning Council year. The idea was strongly supported by Consumer Committee members, who emphasized the urgency and relevance of the topic. Michael proposed organizing a Town Hall modeled after last year’s CAB Town Hall, an idea that was also enthusiastically received.
The brainstorming session that followed generated significant momentum. Members suggested inviting providers who specialize in addiction and HIV care, individuals in recovery to share lived experience and effective recovery strategies, and agencies offering treatment and rehabilitation services. Michael noted that, given the scope, urgency, and community interest, this topic—and the Town Hall itself—has the potential to become the largest and most impactful event the Planning Council has ever hosted.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comment
Lawrence mentioned that attorneys have helped individuals in HASA that were being evicted. Billy encouraged continued collaboration between PC committees.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting of the Consumers Committee will be virtual, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 2-4pm via Zoom.
Links
Links from the meeting chat are listed below for your reference.
https://www.hivtrainingny.org/Home/PeerCertification
https://www.hivtrainingny.org/FAQDocs/PeerCertificationFAQ2.pdf
https://www.hivtrainingny.org/Home/PeerCheckList
https://www.hivtrainingny.org/FAQDocs/BCbrochure101420.pdf
https://nyhiv.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Chemsex-Recommendations-_PC-approved-5-22-25.pdf
