MINUTES
Members Present: Rasheed Ford (Co-Chair), David Klotz, Freddy Molano, Marcelo Maia, Marcy Sedlacek, Maria Rodriguez, John Schoepp, Steve Hemraj, Arthur Fitting, Shavonn Stallings, Reginald Brown, David Martin
NY HIV Planning Council, DOHMH, PHS, NYS, CHAIN, and Guests Present: Doienne Saab, Abraham Omeyoma, Daniel Bickram, Kimbirly Mack, Michael Navejas, Sara Kramer, Johanna Acosta, Cristina Rodriguez-Hart, Laura Moya Adams
Agenda Item #1:
Welcome/Moment of Silence/Minutes/Announcements
The meeting was opened by Rasheed Ford. A moment of silence was held. Previous minutes were acknowledged. No revisions were requested of the meeting minutes from March.
Agenda Item #2:
Recommendations on Chemsex and Crystal Meth Use among LGBTQ+ Communities
Doienne Saab led a presentation and discussion on the draft recommendations and resource guide addressing Chemsex and crystal meth use, with a specific focus on harm reduction, client-centered care, and culturally affirming practices.
Recommendation 1 – Adopt a Culturally Safe, Trauma-Informed, and Harm Reduction Approach
- Obtain consent before discussing sex- or drug-related behaviors and monitor emotional safety.
- Support client-led goal setting to reduce use and engagement in crystal meth-driven chemsex; an abstinence only approach should not be focus if it doesn’t meet client’s wants or readiness.
Recommendation 2 – Provide a Safe Space for Conversations
- Address underlying reasons for use, including trauma, racism, stigma, homophobia/transphobia, and socioeconomic challenges.
- Integrate sex-positive, anti-stigma language throughout client engagement.
Recommendation 3 – Promote Ongoing Staff Training
- Provide training on chemsex fundamentals, safer use, stigma, and trauma.
- Make trainings available for frontline-staff including peers, case managers, and medical providers.
- Emphasize hydration, nutrition, and rest before and during comedown.
- Encourage clients to limit dating app use associated with chemsex.
Recommendation 4 – Offer Harm Reduction Materials and Safer Use Supplies
- Distribute safer sex-party kits with usage instructions.
- Include drug checking tools and provide referrals to drug checking sites if supplies are unavailable onsite.
- Pair supplies with education to reinforce autonomy.
Recommendation 5 – Encourage Peer and Community Engagement
- Hire and train peers in culturally affirming care.
- Collaborate with LGBTQ+ organizations such as Ballroom We Care and the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
- Consult with individuals of lived experience into program design and evaluation.
Recommendation 6 – Refer to Affirming Substance Use Providers
- Create closed-loop referral systems with follow-up to ensure
- Partner with behavioral health, harm reduction, and peer support providers to deliver services that might not available at originating site.
- Ensure referrals address HIV care, substance use, mental health, and life coaching.
Committee Feedback & Discussion
Members and staff discussed contingency management therapy as an effective treatment for crystal meth and its future inclusion into programming, peer training, and safe syringe distribution. There was strong support for ensuring client-centered care across all service categories. Staff from the NYC Dept. of Health confirmed support for harm reduction and clarified that abstinence is not required for services.
Agenda Item #3:
Chemsex Resource Guide
Following the recommendations Doienne Saab presented the accompanying Crystal Meth-Driven Chemsex Resource Guide. The digital guide will include links and descriptions of resources to support both providers and clients address crystal meth-driven chemsex, arranged under categories such as harm reduction, mental health, holistic care, and staff trainings.
Key resources in the guide include: NYC drop-in groups such as the NYC DOHMH supported MTH/NTC programs – Recharge, Crystal Meth Anonymous, drug checking programs, sex and relationship therapy, acupuncture and wellness treatments, and specialized trainings. The guide will be able as a living document on the NY HIV Planning Council website and will be updated periodically.
Next Steps
Edits and feedback discussed during the meeting will be incorporated into a final version. The recommendations and the resource guide will be submitted to the full Planning Council for approval and then sent to the Recipient. Future follow-up will evaluate uptake and effectiveness.
Adjournment
The next Needs Assessment Committee meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2025.
