MINUTES
Members Present: Rasheed Ford (Co-Chair), Doienne Saab (PC Staff), Billy Fields, Freddy Molano, Marcy Sedlacek, Maria Rodriguez, John Schoepp, Steve Hemraj, Shavonn Stallings, Jennifer Irwin, Reginald Brown
NY HIV Planning Council, DOHMH, PHS, NYS, CHAIN, and Guests Present: David Klotz, Michael Navejas, Maiko Yomogida, Mary Ann Chisson, Shanyah Mitchell, Sara Kramer, Johanna Acosta, Cristina Rodriguez-Hart
Agenda Item #1:
Welcome/Moment of Silence/Minutes/Announcements
The meeting was opened by Doienne Saab. A moment of silence was held. Previous minutes were acknowledged. No revisions were requested of the meeting minutes from March.
Agenda Item #2:
CHAIN 2024 NYC Needs & Utilization Report – Maiko Yomogida and Shanyah Mitchell, The Columbia University CHAIN Project Team
Maiko Y. and Shanyah M. of the Chain Project presented on the key findings from the latest CHAIN report, which analyzes trends in service needs and utilization among people living with HIV (PLWH) in New York City between 2015 and 2024.
The CHAIN study was designed to identify what services PLWH need, where they seek care, which populations remain underserved, and what barriers they face. The findings aim to inform Ryan White Part A planning by identifying areas with high need and low service utilization, particularly among vulnerable subgroups.
Across the three study periods (2015–2017, 2018–2020, and 2021–2024), the demographics of participants shifted slightly, with an increase in older adults (aged 50+) and a decrease in young adults (18–29). Over time, participants reported more stable housing and fewer instances of homelessness, though employment rates remained low.
Several service areas showed changes in need and utilization. Notably, the need for rental assistance increased while the need for permanent housing placement decreased. The need for professional mental health care and non-medical case management services declined, but utilization also dropped, suggesting continued gaps in access.
The report highlights three service categories with particularly high levels of need but low utilization in the 2021–2024 period: professional mental health care, food services, and nutrition counseling. These areas remained underutilized despite persistent or growing demand.
Certain subpopulations were found to have more complex or unaddressed needs. These include transgender individuals, people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, those who are unemployed and not seeking work, and individuals with current or past substance use. Younger adults (under 50) were more likely to need services such as case management, mental health care, transportation, and housing placement. In contrast, older adults (50+) were more likely to need home care, nutrition counseling, and rental assistance.
Individuals with substance use issues, those diagnosed after 2011, and those with poor mental health were less likely to utilize needed services, indicating significant barriers to care.
Doienne S. emphasized that these findings guide planning efforts to better reach underserved populations and improve service delivery in areas where need remains high but access is limited. Targeted strategies are recommended to improve engagement and outcomes for these vulnerable groups.
Agenda Item #2:
NAC Year in Review and Accomplishments
Doienne S. presented the key activities throughout the 2024–2025 year, including educational presentations, data reviews, and the development of service recommendations to inform Ryan White Part A (RWPA) planning.
October 2024
The committee welcomed new members and reviewed the NAC’s background and workplan. Members viewed a presentation on destigmatizing sex work and approved recommendations to improve RWPA services for people engaged in sex work.
November 2024
Members received presentations on crystal meth use among MSM and an overview of DOHMH’s harm reduction program for methamphetamine users.
January 2025
The committee reviewed the impact of a harm reduction program and approved recommendations and a resource guide to support clients who engage in chemsex-driven crystal meth use.
March 2025
Presentations included an introduction to the CHAIN study and findings from the HIV & Serious Mental Illness Workgroup on addressing unmet behavioral health needs.
May 2025
Members received presentations on Chemsex 101 and the impact of crystal meth use within the House and Ballroom community among Black and Brown individuals.
July 2025
The committee reviewed findings from the latest CHAIN Needs and Utilization Report, highlighting key service gaps and trends among PLWH in NYC.
Adjournment
Doienne S. concluded the meeting thanking the Cmte. and co-chairs for their hard work, dedication and participation throughout the planning year.
The next Needs Assessment Committee meeting will be announced.
