FPWA has been involved in addressing the myriad policy and program issues around HIV and AIDS since 1987. FPWA believes health care is a basic human right that must be guaranteed to all persons in every just society regardless of age, income, employment status, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, health status, pre-existing conditions, geographic location, immigration status or ability to pay. Through our policy, advocacy and research initiatives, FPWA is committed to dismantling social barriers such as stigma, discrimination, poverty, racism, homophobia and gender inequality that impede efforts of HIV prevention and access to care.

With an emphasis on women, children and family, our primary objectives are to raise HIV and AIDS awareness in communities of color; to mobilize and organize community members into coalitions to respond to HIV and AIDS-related community needs; and to monitor policy issues that directly impact the HIV infected/affected communities of color in New York State and highlight the need for resources and social reform. FPWA advocates for policies including those that will:

• Support the notion that people living with HIV or AIDS require a comprehensive and coordinated continuum of care
  
• Invest in HIV prevention and education services in communities of color
  
• Allocate prevention and care resources based on sound and evidence-based public health policy
  
• Protect patient’s rights, privacy and confidentiality

State

• Enhance women-focused HIV and AIDS prevention and care needs

• Enhance funding for the Communities of Color HIV and AIDS Initiative

For more information contact Esther W. Y. Lok, MPA, M.Ed., Assistant Director.

*HIV and AIDS Content Notice: This website contains HIV prevention messages that may be considered controversial by some viewers. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, materials on this website may address these topics.