Advocates aiming to end the state’s HIV epidemic are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to create four new streams of funding totaling $36 million and expand access to HIV housing supports outside of New York City. The End AIDS NY Community Coalition comprises nearly 100 health care centers, hospitals and community-based organizations. Seth Pollack, director of the advocacy department for Housing Works, an advocacy group aiming to end the HIV epidemic, said he was disappointed to see the lack of proposals in Hochul’s executive budget to tackle the epidemic. “Generations of AIDS activists have fought like hell for every medical and policy advance we have, from PrEP to overdose prevention centers,” Pollack said in a statement shared with POLITICO. “The Governor and our lawmakers should expect that same energy during this budget process.” The coalition is seeking $6 million to create more equitable access to PrEP, the medication prescribed to prevent HIV, across the state. Use of the medicine has been slow, particularly for people of color, women and New Yorkers over 50, the coalition reports. Advocates would like to use the funds to bolster outreach and services that could reduce disparities. An additional $10 million is being sought out to support older New Yorkers living with HIV, who are estimated to make up roughly 70 percent of the population impacted by the disease by 2030, the coalition reports. “Despite years of widespread community support, we still don’t have rental assistance for people living with HIV outside New York City,” Perry Junjulas, executive director of Albany Damien Center, said in a statement shared with POLITICO. “We can end homelessness for people with HIV statewide, and there’s still time for the Governor to amend her budget to make that happen.” The group is also calling for $10 million to fund overdose prevention centers and pass legislation that would allow the centers to co-locate with syringe exchange programs. They are urging the state to use the funding to create 10 centers across the state where individuals can exchange used syringes for sterile equipment and use pre-purchased drugs under the supervision of a trained professional. “There’s excitement brewing in New York and across the world about the efficacy of new, long-acting HIV prevention medications that require only twice-yearly injections,” said Kimberleigh Joy Smith, executive vice president of policy and advocacy for the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center. “These innovative treatments have the potential to be transformative, accelerating our progress toward ending the AIDS epidemic, but New York must act now.” IN OTHER NEWS: — United Hospital Fund has been tapped to serve as the statewide Health Equity Regional Organization — or HERO — under New York’s $7.5 billion Medicaid 1115 waiver amendment, the Department of Health announced Friday. The HERO will collaborate with the Medicaid program, health care providers, community members and academic partners to monitor and assess implementation of the waiver, which is designed to address enrollees’ health-related social needs. Specifically, United Hospital Fund will be responsible for data aggregation, analytics and reporting; regional needs assessments and planning; regional stakeholder engagement sessions and program analysis during the demonstration project, which is set to expire March 31, 2027. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services authorized up to $125 million in funding for the HERO when it approved the state’s waiver amendment last year. That investment will help the Health Department lay the groundwork for a new, statewide health data infrastructure. ON THE AGENDA: — Tuesday at 9 a.m. The Senate’s aging committee will meet. — Tuesday at 1 p.m. The City Council hosts an oversight hearing on New York City’s opioid settlement fund investments. — Wednesday at 8 a.m. The state Trauma Advisory Committee will meet. — Thursday at 10:30 a.m. The state AIDS Advisory Council will meet. — Thursday at 1 p.m. The HHC Capital Corporation hosts its semi-annual meeting. — Thursday at 3 p.m. NYC Health + Hospitals’ board of directors meets. GOT TIPS? Send story ideas and feedback to Maya Kaufman at mkaufman@politico.com and Katelyn Cordero at kcordero@politico.com. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You’ll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day’s biggest stories.
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