Alliance for Positive Health

Mpox can spread to anyone through:

Direct contact with mpox rash, scabs or body fluids.
Prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions.
Intimate physical contact such as s*x.
It takes two vaccinations for the best protection.

Join us this Thursday, August 29th, for Naloxone Distribution Day!

Narcan administration and overdose responder training will be provided at every location participating. In addition, The Hep C Navigation team from Hudson Headwaters will be offering testing at Community Action and the Warrensburg Hudson Headwaters locations.

Please note that for locations listed as towns only, details will be given over the phone only by Katherine Chambers from Hope & Healing at 518-744-3576.

We’re looking forward to a day of support, education, and community building!
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

*This day is a collaborative effort, alongside our partners Hope and Healing, Hudson Headwaters, Hep C Navigation, and Warren County Public Health.*

: "While mpox cases are extremely low in New York, cases continue to be diagnosed. There's still a risk of resurgence. We're taking proactive measures to encourage those at risk to get fully vaccinated by getting both doses." Learn more: Learn more: health.ny.gov/mpox

📣 We need your help. 🤝

With an influx of community members in need, we are seeking volunteers to assist us with providing food to our neighbors. 🍽️

Duties may include:
📦 Picking up food from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and delivering to one of our offices
🥦Packing food pantry bags
🍎Distributing food pantry bags to individuals/families at our office
🍊Documentation of food pantry bag distribution

Schedule:

Albany Office:
 Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
 Tuesday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (pick up food pantry in Latham and unpack in Albany)

Hudson Office:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10 a.m. – 2.p.m.
 2nd Friday of the month 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (pick up food pantry and unpack)

Schenectady Office:
 Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Glens Falls Office:
 Monday or Friday from 11:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, please sign up at the link below: bit.ly/3WU0Z7r

Join us on August 29th for Naloxone Distribution Day!

Narcan administration and overdose responder training will be provided at every location. In addition, The Hep C Navigation team from Hudson Headwaters will be offering testing at Community Action and the Warrensburg Hudson Headwaters locations.

Please note that for locations listed as towns only, details will be given over the phone only by Katherine Chambers from Hope & Healing at 518-744-3576.

We’re looking forward to a day of support, education, and community building!

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

*This day is a collaborative effort, alongside our partners Hope and Healing, Hudson Headwaters, Hep C Navigation, and Warren County Public Health.*

🎫🎫 Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Columbia-Greene Garden Party! 🌸🌼

Join us on Saturday, September 7th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Foreland in Catskill, NY.

We are looking forward to another wonderful afternoon filled with delicious hors d'oeuvres, live music, a curated wine pull, and a live auction featuring local goods and experiences.

Hope to see you there!

To learn more, visit: allianceforpositivehealth.org/in-action/garden-party/

To purchase tickets, visit: allianceforpositivhealth.harnessgiving.org/events/1781

Check out some flicks from last year's event. 📷

📅✏️ Mark your calendars!

You’re cordially invited to the Alliance for Positive Health's 2024 Columbia-Greene Garden Party! 🌸🍃🪴

🗓️September 7, 2024
⏰3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
📍Foreland, Catskill NY

Join us for an afternoon of:
- delicious hors d’oeuvres 🍤🧀
- live jazz melodies 🎷🎶
- a curated wine pull, 🍷🎟️ and
- a live auction featuring local goods and experiences. 🛍️🍽️🏞️

We hope to see you there!

To learn more visit: www.allianceforpositivehealth.org/in-action/garden-party/
To purchase tickets visit: www.allianceforpositivhealth.harnessgiving.org/events/1781

We're hosting a pop-up event at our newest satellite office with our friends the Albany Damien Center and the Alliance for Positive Health!

Join us at 200 Green Street next Wednesday from 12-3pm for a community BBQ where you can learn more about how we support you:

➡️ Wednesday, August 21 from 12-3pm
➡️ 200 Green St. Front Patio

The Cultural Humility/Anti-Stigma and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed. We will provide you with details for the rescheduled training as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!

Congratulations to our Red Ribbon awardee, Nicole Babu! Nicole is our Harm Reduction Data Entry Specialist in the Plattsburgh office. Staff and clients alike agree that she always exudes a positive attitude and goes above and beyond. We are grateful to have you on our team, Nicole!

*The Red Ribbon Recognition award is an internal recognition program for employees that exemplify dedication to their position and the work of the agency.

🔔🔔 📅📅 Reminder!

Our Harm Reduction team will be at Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls on August 10th for a community training in collaboration with Lower Adirondack Pride.

The Cultural Humility/Anti-Stigma and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training will begin at 2:00 and commence at 3:30 pm. Following, there will be a time for community engagement, discussion, and a question and answer period.

All are welcome. If you are looking to make a difference in our community and help foster a safer, healthier environment, we hope you will join us.

This is a free event, but registration is required: http://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSeBiODMhzN9.../viewform...

Looking for free and confidential HIV, STI and/or Hep C Testing?

We offer walk-in testing each week at our Albany and Schenectady Offices. You can visit our Albany location on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Schenectady on Wednesdays.

🕒 Testing runs from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. with an hour lunch break from 12-1 p.m.

📍 Albany Office: 845 Central Avenue, Suite 202, Albany NY 12206
📍 Schenectady Office: 155 Erie Blvd, Schenectady NY 12305

Our testing team is here for you throughout the entire process. All you have to do is walk through the doors, and we will guide you through.

As we continue to enjoy the summer season, we thought it would be a good time to discuss some seasonal factors and health considerations to keep in mind to optimize safety and fun!

☀️ Sun Safety & HIV: Take proper precautions and be protected against the UVs! Certain HIV medications can increase sensitivity to the sun. Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about yours. And of course, follow general safe sun practices like limiting exposure and lathering up with sunscreen.

🏖️ 🎉 Summer Fun and HIV Prevention: Attending more gatherings, vacations, festivals, meeting new faces – it’s all a great part of summer! However, it can be a time where people lack engaging in safe s*x. If you are on HIV medication, maintain your routine. If you are HIV negative, be sure to use safe s*x methods, like condoms or PrEP. (Remember, PrEP does not protect against STIs!)

✈️ 🧳 Travel & HIV: Make sure to pack enough medication and your prescriptions. Plan ahead of time and research the location you are going to ensure you will have access to healthcare if necessary.

🍺 Substance Use & HIV: Often, summer celebrations include indulgences like alcohol other substances. The use of alcohol and drugs can affect adherence to medication, and overall well-being. Be smart and safe when making these decisions and know the risks.

We love hearing from our clients. Our staff works hard to ensure we are providing the best support possible, and when we hear statements like these it warms our heart.

🌟 Today is National African American Hep C Action Day! 🌟

At the Alliance for Positive Health, it is our mission to combat HIV and its related epidemics, including Hepatitis C. Like HIV, Hepatitis C disproportionately affects African American communities, and it is often linked to the same social determinants of health that impact our fight against HIV.

We ask that you join us today in raising awareness, promoting testing and treatment, and sharing resources that help support those affected by, or at risk of Hep C.

If you or someone you know is looking to be tested for Hep C, please visit our Albany office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am-4 pm, or Schenectady on Wednesdays. (Please note there is no testing from 12-1 as there is a break for lunch).

You do not want to miss The Elements House Ball, happening this Saturday at the Albany Capital Center! Join us for an evening filled with vogue, self-expression, and music. Walk the runway, or simply enjoy the show – you do NOT want to miss this event!

Doors will open at 8 pm and the first category will be called at 8:30 pm. Entry is free, but attendees must be 18+. There will be cash prizes!

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/events/1021812039539082/

Join us on August 10th at Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls for a community training in collaboration with Lower Adirondack Pride.

The Cultural Humility/Anti-Stigma and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training will begin at 2:00 and commence at 3:30 pm. Following, there will be a time for community engagement, discussion, and a question and answer period.

All are welcome. If you are looking to make a difference in our community and help foster a safer, healthier environment, we hope you will join us.

This is a free event, but registration is required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBiODMhzN9EOjZjeCrkN0VmXEd9rMr_SF7JQF5cPfbYZUeLA/viewform?usp=send_form

Community BBQ happening today at 200 Green St! Come visit us at a great pop-up event with partners In Our Own Voices, Damien Center and the Albany Housing Authority.

Stop by for some free hot dogs, soda, giveaways, and of course, resources and support!

Join us!!

We're hosting a pop-up event at 200 Green St. tomorrow!

Join us and friends from the Albany Damien Center and the Alliance for Positive Health for a community BBQ at our newest satellite office. Stop by:

➡️ Tomorrow, July 24 from 12-3pm
➡️ 200 Green St. Front Patio

Today is Zero HIV Stigma Day.

Join us in spreading awareness, talking honestly and openly, sharing facts and education, and dispelling misconceptions about HIV. When there is less fear and discrimination, people are more likely to be tested and treated. Breaking HIV stigma can create a healthier, safer, and more compassionate world!

Together we can end the stigma.

✨ 🎉 Join us in celebrating International Drag Day as we put the spotlight on 3 local drag artists right in our community! 🌈

Meet Lexxi Pro, Typhoid Mary and Queenie Royale.

Lexxi Pro, who you may recognize as Alliance for Positive Health staff member, Colin, has been performing as a drag artist for 3 years now. "Drag has been something where I’m able to combine performance art, stunts, and visual arts all into one incredible form of entertainment. RuPaul’s drag race was definitely a big inspiration for me, I discovered it at a time where I was struggling with a lot of fear and shame about my q***rness, so finding a TV show that celebrated it definitely had a huge impact on my journey of self-love. After years of watching drag on TV I finally got to go to my first gay bar and see my first drag show senior year of college, and once I felt that energy, I knew it was something I needed to experience myself and share with others.", stated Lexxi.

Typhoid Mary has been doing drag for 5 years and producing shows (Typhoids Takeover) for 3 years. When asked about their inspirations and beginnings, they responded: "Drag for me started out as a way to creative work through the traumas and pain of my past romantic relationships. In a way, it was my therapy – just as expensive too. I had watched drag race growing up and been a fan of my local scene for some time before the thought of myself actually doing drag had even crossed my mind. My first performance was actually down in Poughkeepsie, not in Albany. I figured I'll try it once, out of town, that way if I make a fool of myself or don't like it – no one needs to know! My first performance was to “Bellyache” by Billie Eilish – I'm sure there is still footage of it somewhere on my instagram!” You can find Typhoid Mary at Nine Pin Ciderworks twice a month – every second Tuesday for Trivia and every fourth Thursday for DRAG ME TO NINE PIN: a monthly drag r***e. Merch is also available at typhoidmary.threadless.com!

Queenie began doing drag 6 months ago. She was inspired to do drag by her drag mother, Miss Sparkle Royale, who made an open space for q***r individuals and a sense of home through her ballroom organization. She came into the drag scene from the ballroom scene and has been known as the voguing diva. Her signature look is yet to come but her signature dance moves are the catwalk and dip which she’s been told she does effortlessly!

Let’s hear it for these amazing drag artists!

Unsure of your status? Visit our Albany office today for free and confidential walk-in HIV, STI & HEP C Testing!

Each week we offer testing on Tuesdays & Thursdays at our Albany office, and on Wednesdays in Schenectady from 9-4 p.m.

Just walk through our doors and we'll guide you through!

*Albany Office: 845 Central Avenue
Suite 202, Albany NY
*Schenectady Office: 155 Erie Blvd
2nd Fl, Schenectady 12305

As we experience high temperatures, we want to remind you of a few tips and precautions to take to ensure you remain safe in the heat.

Stay hydrated! 💧
Wear appropriate clothing. 👕🩳
Be mindful of temperature and time. ⏰☀️

!

Wishing a happy and safe 4th of July to all! 🎆🎇🎉🍔🌭🍦

In honor of the holiday offices will be closed today. Normal hours will resume Friday, July 5th.

Our Capital Region Harm Reduction team is out in our community today doing routine community sweeps. We are trained to safely dispose of syringe liter and clean up other liter along the way! If you are interested in having a sweep in your community, please reach out to our Harm Reduction team at 518-641-1097 (call or text)!