Reducing Risk and Building Pride

New York State has one of the highest prison infection rates of HIV in the country. Additionally, LGBTQ individuals are three times more likely to be incarcerated than their non-LGBTQ counterparts, leaving them at greater risk for infection. This Pride Month, we are highlighting the symptoms and solutions to this public health concern through an interview with Alexandra Fisher, Fortune’s Substance Use Counselor and Health Educator.

Most U.S jails and prisons prohibit access to condoms and clean needles— preventative measures that exist to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Without them, the likelihood of transmission increases. This risk is further compounded by a lack of education about how to stay safe. Consequently, as Alexandra says, “people come out [of prison] often sick when they were not sick when they went in.”

To combat this, Alexandra works to educate Fortune participants about self-care, spearheading Fortune’s StreetSmart workshop, an HIV prevention and education program featuring regular group discussions. She also acts as liaison between participants and the myriad of social support programs Fortune provides, which helps them stay healthy as they reenter into the community. Still, a lot of it, she says, is case management: “You need x,y, and z. How do I get [it for you,] and how do I make it approachable?”

Making treatment approachable is essential. Past experiences with discrimination often leave participants distrustful of institutional care and reticent to accept treatment. “A lot of people don’t trust the system in any way shape or form, and that includes doctors and… people who might report to anyone,” Alexandra relayed.

Queer and gender-nonconforming persons are also likely to experience harassment by correctional officers and medical personnel while justice involved. In fact, one study states that 57% of LGBTQ  persons reported experiencing verbal assault and 27% reported sexual assault by prison staff.

Nonetheless, though traumatic experiences with institutional care providers can hinder participants from seeking medical attention, Alexandra is resolute when she says “I can’t push my agenda on someone who’s not ready…even if I so badly want to know [that] they’re healthy.” Instead, Alexandra works alongside each participant as a confidant and educator. Her goal is “always to help people advocate for themselves.”

This year, with the support of the MAC AIDS Fund, Fortune is expanding participant opportunities for advocacy through a new outreach internship program in its David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy. The program offers paid opportunities for participants passionate about improving policies impacting people living with HIV/AIDS and justice system involvement. Program interns will address issues affecting this portion of the population by participating in and organizing advocacy events, engaging in community education, and empowering others to share their lived experiences.

Through this program and more, Fortune is proud to advocate alongside participants for increased access to vital health care and financial support programs, including resources provided by New York City’s HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA). It’s a part of the continuum of genuine care that permeates through each service we provide. As Alexandra says, “We’re so fortunate to be in this building with so many people who care so much.”

For Pride Month and beyond, the Fortune community is working together to ensure that neither medical diagnoses nor justice involvement is a roadblock to a bright, possibility-filled future.

---

Article written by Aya Abdelaziz

CATEGORIES:

• Health Services,

TAGS:

Share this Event

Back