After 40 Years HVCS Continues to Promote HIV/AIDS Healthcare
With its primary focus on HIV/AIDS healthcare, the non-profit organization Hudson Valley Community Services has grown drastically to serve struggling drug users with scheduled appointments, prisoners and immigrants.
Since 1983, HVCS has expanded beyond HIV/AIDS care management and lends a hand to those in need of care coordination. Assisting individuals who struggle with food insecurity, HVCS operates a SNAP food stamp access and education program in three Mid-Hudson counties.
By visiting the HVCS website, patients can fill out a from addressing their needs and struggles such as hunger and gain assistance from the SNAP food stamp and local food drives.
Drug prevention programs are encouraged within the organization to assist drug users and addicts who have fallen reliant on dangerous medications and narcotics.
Jeannette Ortega, Program Assistant at HVCS, Poughkeepsie has dedicated a year to the non-profit organization and enjoys every minute of it as she “gives back to the people in need.”
The history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic is more extensive than many may believe as the first reported case was found in 1981 continuing to present time.
Advances in HIV prevention, care and treatment offers hope for a long and healthy life to those living with the virus and individuals who may be at risk.
Ortega states, “We like to work with the community that is currently living with HIV or AIDS. We provide them with resources such as assistance with food pantries because their food bins run out, just to help them get by for 3–4 days.”
“We get to have amazing workshops here…we also help out with resources such as rent, Con Edison bills, and we just make sure that they actually go to their appointments,” Ortega explains.
Recently, emergency services such as food pantries, food drives and housing support for all clients in need of living assistance have been modified within HVCS bringing in greater assistance.
According to the Hudson Valley Community Services website, “HVCS’ mission is to promote prevention and wellness for all people, to encourage life-affirming decisions maximizing their quality of life, and to coordinate care for those living with complex health conditions…We envision a world where people live healthy lives and have access to the coordinated care they need.”
HVCS is a division of Cornerstone Family Healthcare, with a mission to provide high quality health care services to all people. Founded in 1967, Cornerstone has been responsive to meet the needs and demands of local communities while serving to better their health, well-being and quality of life.
Sandy Rivera is a licensed clinical social worker with a speciality in behavioral health working for Cornerstone Family Healthcare located in Newburgh.
Rivera states, “We provide many options of health care and work with community organizations like HVCS to help patients and people in need of proper care.”
The partnership with Cornerstone Family Healthcare started in 2021 leading to greater success and recognition in many events that have taken place, such as the “Benefit Breakfast Supporting HVCS’ Emergency Food Closet Program”.
While also assisting in the quality of life for individuals in need, HVCS maintains a well planned out calendar of events such as; Free HIV/STI testing at The LOFT and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center.
HVCS has adopted and flourished with a different approach to healthcare through live events, patient on site testing and food drives while also promoting the importance of joining as a community.
