Meeting of the Needs Assessment Committee
Co-Chairs: Emma Kaywin, Rasheed Ford
February 12th, 2026 2:00 – 4:01 PM
By Zoom Video Conference:
(https://health-nyc.zoomgov.com/j/16087736946?omn=1604653771)
Members Present: Rasheed Ford (Co-Chair), Billy Fields, John Schoepp, Marcy Sedlacek, Terry Troia, Susan Mellender, Reginald Thomas Brown, Shavonn Stallings, Arthur Fitting
Staff Present: NYC DOHMH: Michael Navejas, Doienne Saab, Laura Moya Adames, Abraham Omeyoma, Sara Kramer, Cristina Rodriguez-Hart, Renee James;CHAIN:Maiko Yomogida
Other Planning Council Members Present: Cesar Nunez, Asia Betancourt, Rob Walker, John Goldenbridge
Guests: Guest Speaker, Undisclosed Agency; David Desrosiers, NYC Commission on Human Rights
Agenda Item #1: Welcome / Roll Call / Moment of Silence / Announcements
Rasheed F. welcomed attendees and conducted the roll call. Members, staff, and guests were acknowledged, including a guest presenter who requested anonymity for safety reasons. Billy F. facilitated the moment of silence, reflecting on those affected by HIV, those who have passed, and the challenges faced by individuals living with HIV in the current climate.
During announcements, Billy F. and Doienne S. shared insights from a recent webinar on narrative medicine, emphasizing the importance of connecting with patients on a personal level. The webinar recording will be shared with members.
Agenda Item #2: January Meeting Minutes Review
Rasheed F. facilitated the review of the January meeting minutes. Laura M. A. confirmed no revisions or edits were submitted. The minutes were approved as presented, with a motion by Billy F. and unanimous agreement from attendees.
Agenda Item #3: Topic Presentations
Providers and Clients Perspectives on Immigration Enforcement Landscape
Presenter: Guest Speaker, Vice President, Undisclosed Agency
The guest presenter, who requested anonymity to protect their organization’s ability to work with the immigrant community, shared insights from over two decades of experience collaborating with PWH. They highlighted the critical need for diversified funding to support organizations serving immigrants with HIV, many of which are facing significant funding losses.
To prioritize staff and client safety during the increasing immigration enforcement activities, the presenter’s organization has transitioned its legal team to remote work. Additionally, the organization has enhanced data security, and is prioritizing legal cases with high probabilities of success due to limited resources and high demand. Clients unable to receive direct assistance are referred to other community-based organizations.
The presenter emphasized the importance of coalition-building and shared activism responsibilities, distributing action based on each organization’s risk tolerance. They also outlined upcoming advocacy efforts in Albany to exempt PWH from work requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility, set to take effect in 2027.
Finally, the presenter stressed the need for seed funding and training to help smaller organizations build the necessary infrastructure to better serve their communities.
Providers and Clients Survey on Immigration Enforcement and Access to Service – Preliminary Findings
Presenter: Michael Navejas, PhD, Consumers Committee, NY HIV Planning Council
Michael N. presented preliminary findings from the Consumers Committee’s immigrant health surveys. The following narrative elements are highlights of the thorough presentation:
Approximately 70% of respondents to the client survey reported that immigration-related concerns had impacted their ability to access HIV or other critical services in the past 12 months. This finding was corroborated by over 70% of respondents to the provider survey. Clients primarily cited difficulties in seeking social services, attending medical appointments, and picking up medications.
To address these barriers, clients identified private transportation, telehealth, home visits, and peer support as the most impactful solutions. One provider respondent highlighted the resilience and dedication of clients despite their challenges, stating: “The fears among clients are many, but they are willing and committed to their healthcare.” Recognizing this commitment, providers shared how their organizations have adapted to better support immigrant PWH in accessing essential services.
Over 60% of provider survey respondents reported that their organizations had implemented adaptations to address clients’ immigration-related concerns. These adaptations include telehealth, home-based services, medication delivery, home lab draws, client escorting, and staff training. Additionally, 80% of providers indicated that their agencies had established safety protocols to further support clients.
Attendees also discussed the logistical challenges of escorting clients to appointments and explored the feasibility of telehealth and home visits as alternative solutions.
Updated Recommendations for Improving Access to HIV Services for Immigrants and New Arrivals
Presenter: Laura Moya Adames, MPH
Laura M. A. presented a draft of updated recommendations for RWPA providers, emphasizing a harm reduction approach. The recommendations were grouped into six categories: Strengthening client’s trust in providers, securing the organization’s physical spaces, data privacy for client’s safety, managing transit-related safety barriers, legal support, and balancing operational continuity and prioritization of safety.
Participants provided feedback to enhance the recommendations:
- Cesar N. highlighted the success of virtual court cases as an effective strategy to ensure client safety
- Asia B. addressed challenges in conducting home visits for shelter clients, such as service duplication and limited access to technology. She suggested coordinating with shelter case managers and setting up telehealth stations in social workers’ offices
- John Schoepp proposed repurposing hospital vans for group transportation to medical appointments, emphasizing fixed routes, schedules, and security personnel for safety
- Shavonn S. noted challenges with home-based care, including provider safety, scheduling issues, and high costs for lab work. Recommendations included ensuring proper supplies and addressing logistical barriers like travel and lab processing
- Mobile vans were suggested as a flexible option for clients who are comfortable traveling within their neighborhoods.
- To enhance staff safety, attendees recommended developing escort protocols and providing staff with agency-branded clothing and ID badges to reduce risks.
This feedback, along with findings from the Consumers Committee Survey, will be incorporated into the final recommendations.
Agenda Item #4: Public Comment
At the beginning of the meeting members agreed on forgoing the public comment in service of the packed agenda, utilizing only the initial announcements section for commenting purposes.
Adjournment
Laura Moya Adames concluded the meeting, thanking attendees for their participation and engagement. Members were reminded to provide additional feedback on the recommendations and to continue exploring the draft document. The next NAC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026.
