Meeting of the Needs Assessment Committee
Co-Chairs: Emma Kaywin, Rasheed Ford
October 9, 2025 2:00 – 3:32 PM
By Zoom Video Conference:
(https://health-nyc.zoomgov.com/j/16087736946?omn=1619377716)
Members Present: Emma Kaywin (Co-Chair), Laura Moya Adames (PC Staff), Raffi Babakhanian, Billy Fields, Freddy Molano, Marcy Sedlacek, John Schoepp, Jennifer Irwin, Fay Barrett, Terry Troia, Arthur Fitting, Susan Mellender, Cesar Nunez
NY HIV Planning Council, DOHMH, PHS, NYS, CHAIN, and Guests Present: David Klotz, Michael Navejas, Abraham Omeyoma, Doienne Saab, Lilian Ha, Maiko Yomogida, Adriana Eppinger-Meiering, Cristina Rodriguez-Hart, Nkiruka (Kiki) Nwokoye, Rodney Butler, Naimah Ahmed, Jorge Cruz.
Agenda Item #1:
Welcome/Moment of Silence/Minutes/Announcements
The meeting was opened by Laura Moya Adames. A moment of silence was held. July meeting minutes were acknowledged and approved with no changes.
Announcements included the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month by Doienne Saab and updates on the provider’s conference at the Academy of New York Medicine shared by John Schoepp.
Agenda Item #2:
Laura Moya Adames and Doienne Saab presented four proposed topics for the Needs Assessment Committee’s planning year. The presenters emphasized the importance of feedback from committee members to refine the topics and prioritize areas of focus.
Discussion Highlights:
•
Photovoice Project: A participatory research method using photography to amplify the voices of people with HIV. Members expressed interest in leveraging this method to capture the voices of people with HIV, particularly in advocating for Ryan White Part A funding. Concerns about funding and implementation were raised, including the need for participant incentives and access to technology (e.g., cameras or smartphones). Members proposed exploring low-cost solutions such as utilizing participants’ smartphones for photography, and a collaboration
with the
Consumers Committee in implementing the project, ensuring that the project remains community-driven and in alignment with the RWPA goal of advocacy. Specifically, the Needs Assessment Committee would develop a framework for the Photovoice Project and present it to the Consumers Committee for their input and potential leadership in executing the initiative.
•
Long COVID and HIV: Exploring the intersection of HIV and long COVID, addressing compounded risks and unmet needs. Presenter highlighted the urgency of addressing the intersection of HIV and long COVID, noting the higher prevalence of long COVID among people with HIV (43% compared to 30% in the general population). The need for tailored interventions and further research was emphasized. A member anticipates that this issue will become more prevalent in the future and that the health condition of those with HIV and Long COVID could further deteriorate in the upcoming years, making this a topic which is in alignment with the PC’s mission.
•
Artificial Intelligence and HIV: Examining the potential of AI in HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment while addressing ethical concerns. While promising, members agreed this topic could take a backseat due to current pressing issues. Concerns about ethical challenges, data quality, and equitable access were discussed. A member highlighted the value of utilizing AI as mental health support, while adding that there is need for guidelines to avoid the hazards stemming from this alternative use of the technology.
•
Immigrant Communities: Addressing barriers faced by immigrant communities living with HIV. This topic emerged as the most urgent. A member shared anecdotal statistics on recent immigrants and their rates of positive test results for STIs, including 84 diagnoses of HIV, with a majority of those being newly diagnosed. Members also shared stories of immigrants avoiding care due to fears of public charge rules and ICE activity. Suggestions included exploring new care models and updating recommendations to address the increasing barriers these communities are experiencing.
After the discussion, members ranked the topics in order of priority by voting on a poll hosted on Mentimeter. A total of 16 committee members voted. The results were as follows:
1.
Updating Ryan White Part A Guidance for Recently Arrived Immigrant Communities (12 participants raked this topic in 1st place of priority)
2.
Long COVID and HIV (9 participants raked this topic in 2nd place of priority)
3.
Photovoice Project (7 participants raked this topic in 3rd place of priority)
4.
Artificial Intelligence and HIV (10 participants raked this topic in 4th place of priority)
Next Steps: The committee will begin work on updating recommendations for immigrant communities, followed by exploring the intersection of HIV and long COVID. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13th, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Members will discuss potential adjustments to earlier meeting times.
Adjournment
Laura M. concluded the meeting thanking the Cmte. and co-chairs for their presence and engagement during the meeting. The committee looks forward to a productive year ahead.
