Anti-Stigma and Education Campaigns

Disclaimer

Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.

Summary

Develop anti-stigma and education campaigns specifically focusing on aging with HIV, the LGBTQ+ aging population and addressing sexual health with aging New Yorkers.

Justification

In 2022, 57% of individuals diagnosed with HIV were over the age of 50 with a significant number much older. Older adults with HIV as well as from the LGBTQ community seek aging services in NYS.  Although the new Long-Term Care Facility Residents’ Bill of Rights for LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers and People Living with HIV was passed as an anti-discrimination law in 2023. Stigma for these communities is significant. HIV stigma and its intersections with other stigmas1 have been identified as significant barriers to achieving the goals of the National HIV AIDS Strategy, and to quality-of- care outcomes for people with HIV (PWH)2. Notable barriers to positive health outcomes, such as HIV viral load suppression, include lower medication and visit adherence, higher instances of depression, and lower quality of life3. LGBT adults in the U.S. are a growing population who have historically experienced health disparities. Past research shows that LGBT adults face increased challenges when it comes to mental health outcomes and access to care, experiences with serious mental health issues (particularly among trans adults), their physical health (including higher rates of disability among younger LGBT adults), and barriers to accessing and affording needed care. 

Full Proposal

Develop education, training and awareness about HIV and the needs of people with HIV and the LGBTQ+ population, in collaboration with the AIDS Institute, for staff in long-term care facilities, caregivers, and aging related health and community providers.

• Develop a training curriculum on HIV and the treatment needs of people with HIV.
• Develop a training curriculum on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and provide LGBTQ+ resources.
• Include topics on HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and policies on confidentiality in curriculum.
• Include the Long-term Care Bill of Rights for seniors living with HIV and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in curriculum.

MPA Council Commentary

This proposal is categorized as near-term. Development of materials for this campaign could require a Request for Proposals. Funding for this proposal would be subject to the annual budget process and the availability of resources. Education to reduce stigma is also a component of proposals regarding substance use disorder and providing care to service recipients through OMH. The AIDS Institute could work with NYSOFA and with other Divisions of DOH to identify the best avenue for developing the proposed materials, in coordination with the other stigma-linked education campaigns.