Meeting of the
PRIORITY SETTING & RESOURCE ALLOCATION COMMITTEE
Monday, May 11, 2026
By Zoom Videoconference
3:05 – 4:55pm
DRAFT MINUTES
Members Present: Marya Gilborn (Co-chair), Raffi Babakhanian, Matt Baney, Joan Edwards, Billy Fields, Camila Gomez, David Klotz, David Martin, Scott Spiegler (for Guadalupe Dominguez Plummer, ex-officio), John Schoepp, Diane Tider
Members Absent: Paul Carr, Marcelo Maia, Stella Safo, MD
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Doienne Saab, Johanna Acosta, Scott Spiegler, PhD, Adrianna Eppinger-Meiering, Laura Moya Adames, Abraham Omeyoma, Frances Silva, Arnelle Vincent, Jamille Williams (DOHMH); Arya Shahi, Barbara Silver, Gemma Ashby-Barclay (Public Health Solutions); Angela Aidala, PhD (CHAIN Study)
Agenda Item #1: Welcome/Introductions/Minutes
Ms. Gilborn and Mr. Carr opened the meeting, followed by introductions and a moment of silence. The minutes of the April 13, 2026 meeting were approved with no changes.
Agenda Item #2: CHAIN Report: Barriers to Care
Mr. Klotz explained that the CHAIN Study presented to this Committee in November 2025 on Service Needs and Utilization. The Committee requested a follow up on three service areas where there was high need but low utilization (food, substance use services, mental health). This is to inform the ranking scores for the “Service Gaps/Needs” criterion in the PSRA ranking tool.
Dr. Aidala gave a recap of the Needs and Utilization report and explained that the follow up looks at the characteristics of those with service gaps, factors correlated with those gaps, and self-reported reasons for not receiving or seeking help. For Mental Health (MH), service barriers included: lack of insight into MH needs, not knowing where to get help, and not believing that services will help. Characteristics associated with service gaps are young (ages 18-34), Latino, transgender, and unstable housing. Those with unmet MH needs also often reported current hard drug use, needs for permanent housing, transportation and food services.
For substance use services (AOD), the service gap was very high (94%), with structural and logistical reasons for not seeking help. Younger age, Black and Latino and transgender identity, and unstable housing were correlated with service gaps. Low MH functioning and need for food, housing and transportation services were all correlated with AOD service gaps.
Gaps in food and nutrition services (FNS) were as high as 68% in NYC. Barriers included not knowing where to go and eligibility issues (income and immigration status). Characteristics of PWH with FNS service gaps include: youth, Black and Latino, female and transgender, unemployed and foreign-born. Also, homeless people had universal FNS need. The gaps in nutritional counseling were also very high with similar characteristics. Predictors of FNS needs include not working, experiencing homelessness, and needing MH or transportation services.
Mr. Klotz explained that the Committee kept scores for Gaps/Needs for all other categories in the ranking tool at their previous levels. FNS is currently ranked at the highest level (8) and MH and AOD ranked 5.
A motion was made, seconded and approved 9Y-0N to increase the Gaps/Need ranking score for MH and AOD to 8.
Agenda Item #3: NYC Food & Nutrition Services Cost Analysis
Mr. Klotz explained that the Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) category will have new programs as on March 1, 2027, based on the revised service directive approved by the Planning Council. The Recipient has developed a cost analysis that will help the Committee make a recommendation for a new allocation for these categories for the GY 2027 application spending plan (and again for the actual spending plan next year).
Ms. Acosta described general client eligibility, as well as eligibility for the two specific categories under the FNS umbrella: Food/Meals (F/M, a HRSA non-core service) and Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT, a HRSA core service). Overall goals and service types, as laid out in the directive, were reviewed. Currently, there are 11 FNS programs (all bundled into a non-core service category), which began in 2020. Challenges and successes of current programs were described (e.g., budgetary constraints, ability to spend program funds and enhancements). The rise in food costs was noted, as well as the $910,000 enhancement for GY 2026 approved by the Council.
Proposed staffing models were explained. Both categories include a program director and data entry. F/M includes dietary aide/kitchen helper, chef, and driver (for home-delivered meals). MNT includes registered dietician and patient navigator. It was noted that all MNT programs must be provided by a F/M contractor, so that some staff may be shared (director, data entry). Staffing plans will be part of proposals and discussed during contract negotiation and must be approved by the Recipient prior to program start date.Salary ranges for each staff position and costs for program items (e.g., vouchers, pantry bags) were provided (based on an analysis of similar programs). Program costs were given for a range of providers based on program types (e.g., those who provide both congregate and home-delivered meals).
With the current FNS allocation, the Recipient would be able to fund 9 F/M and 3 MNT programs. They would need to ensure geographic coverage across the EMA. An additional $1,631,248 would allow for the addition of two more F/M programs. This would allow new programs to meet client demand and account for the increased costs for food.
A summary of the discussion follows:
- Costs will vary by program depending on what service each program is contracted to provide.
- There will be the possibility of F/M and MNT programs sharing some staff (e.g., program director, data entry)
- Salary ranges were based on real-life salaries for programs in NYC.
Therewas a consensus in the Committee to put the $1,631,248 enhancement in the GY 2027 application spending plan for consideration in July.
Agenda Item #4: Public Comment
Mr. Schoepp reported that the HIV clinic at Queens Hospital Center has been renamed for late former Council member Dr. Joseph Masci.
The next Committee meeting will be on June 8th.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
