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LIVING POSITIVELY
June 2015
Being positive is
not just a status
POSITIVE
Pride
2
contents
In Every Issue P8 Member Support p9 Support Groups p11 Programs for members p16 Ongoing activities p18 Holistic services
p5 Prevention & Education: STD Awareness Month p6 Meals Program p7 Nutrition: Is Coffee Good for You?
p10 3rd Thursdays p14 Community Pharmacy
p19 Staff Directory
Looking for volunteer opportunities?
Then the Boston Living Center might be
the place for you!
Just contact our volunteer coordinator,
Tammy Blocker, and fill out an application .
You must be at least18 years old and be able to
pass a CORI background check.
Call today! 617-236-1012 ext. 227
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special events
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special events Upcoming Workshops! June
HIV Cure and
Vaccine
Research
update
July
Women,
Menopause,
Cardiovascular
Health, and
HIV
August
The Future of
HIV Treatment
September
HIV/AIDS
Funding Update
Gear up for Boston Pride with the BLC! Join us for
a few fun and festive events during Pride week!
Film screening
Wednesday, June 10th
2:00pm
Drag
Friday, June 12th 2pm
w/special guest Lakia
Mondale! Sign up at the front desk
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prevention and education
New and Improved Tenofovir Combination
Submitted for FDA Approval Gilead is seeking approval for a new drug combination that
includes the improved version of tenofovir, tenofovir
alafenamide (TAF), and would effectively replace Truvada.
This new and improved medication shows less burden on
kidneys and a lesser impact on bone density, making it
easier for the body to handle.
Broadly Neutralizing Antibody Suppresses HIV in
Clinical Trial A new study confirms the potential of broadly neutralizing
antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV in humans. Broadly
neutralizing antibodies are one of the keys to developing a
successful HIV vaccine.
Women in PrEP Trial Feared They Would Have to
Leave Study if They Reported Low Adherence Post-study interviews and computer questionnaires
conducted with former participants in a trial of pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP) that reported zero effectiveness show
that participants concealed their low adherence to the
study pills because they feared they would be asked to
leave the study. This means that it wasn’t PrEP that was
ineffective, but that people just weren’t taking it. There is
still hope for PrEP in the form of vaginal gels for women!
WHAT’S THE WORD ON
THE NEWEST HIV
RESEARCH?
Upcoming Workshops!
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Monday Night Dinners 6:00pm - 7:00pm Enjoy a delicious dinner
in the company of other members. Dinners are planned to meet the specific nutritional needs
of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Tuesday - Friday Lunches 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Enjoy a hot, nutritious lunch in the Dining Room.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TAKE-OUT YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR BLC ID CARD.
Boston Living Center dining room community agreements:
Be kind and treat everyone with respect and dignity Keep our voice down (use an indoor voice) Keep our eating area clean Take only what we will eat during lunch, leaving some for others Refrain from talking during announcements Not engage in the harassment or bullying of others Take cell phones out of the dining room before answering or
making a call Not roughhouse or fight Keep an orderly line and not cut in front of others Give compliments not just complaints Practice courtesy– saying excuse me and thank you to other
members and to volunteers and staff
meals program
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nutrition
1. Canola oil is made from rapeseed
plants, which are toxic. FICTION: Canola oil comes from the crushed seeds of canola
plants — not rapeseed plants, which are, in fact, harmful. Rapeseed
oil contains high levels of erucic acid, which is linked to heart dis-
ease and is not allowed to be sold in the US. Canola Oil also
happens to be one of the healthiest oils (behind olive oil) because it
has less saturated fat and more heart-protective omega-3s than
other vegetable oils.
Some foods, like celery, have negative calories
FICTION: The theory is that digesting certain foods burns more
calories than those foods provide. This urban legend is based on the
thermic effect of food (TEF), which simply means the amount of ener-
gy the body uses to digest a food. Sadly, there are no negative-calorie
foods. The TEF generally ranges from 10 percent to 20 percent of
the calories in a food. A 7 calorie stalk of celery still leaves you with 5.
Muscle can turn to fat ( . . . and vice versa)
FICTION: Can an apple turn into an orange? The same applies
to muscle and fat. Muscle and fat tissues are entirely different, and
therefore they can never transform from one to the other. When
you stop exercising your muscle mass declines. Eating more calo-
ries than you burn off is what causes the gain of fat tissue. And
likewise, when you up your exercise routine, you'll add lean tissue
and might start burning excess body fat, but your fat didn't turn into
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member support
New Member Welcome and Orientation Thursdays - 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 10:30am - 12:00pm Bring a letter from your doctor indicating your HIV status, a photo ID, and income verification to become a member. All services at the BLC are free of charge to members. If you are unable to attend group orientation please contact Carmen Rios @ 617.236.1012 x222 for an individual appointment. Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) Tuesday, June 9th 1:30pm - 2:30pm The BLC Consumer Advisory Board is a diverse group of men and women living with HIV committed to being leaders in this community. They serve as the voice of BLC membership to staff and as pioneers in creating new programs and vision. The CAB meets monthly to review current programs, policies, and Center issues as well as offer suggestions for change.
Spirituality Group Every Monday at 7pm in the library.
Please take the time to bring in your current income verification that is no more
than 60 days old. This is required from each member every 6 months.
See Reception or Member Services for a listing of the income verification documents you may use.
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support groups
G.L.e.M. -Grupo Latino en Movimiento-
Todos los 2do y 4to miercoles del mes
10 y 24 de junio desde las 1:30pm
Grupo de apoyo en Español
para nuestra comunidad latina ,
abierto a mujeres y hombres,
donde puedas informarte y compartir experiencias vividas
relacionadas con el VIH. con el proposito de tener una vida
mas saludable y mas productiva!
Para mas informacion pueden contactar a Stan Flores, 617-236-1012 o escribir por correo electronico a [email protected]
Thriving The 2nd & 4th Monday of the month– June 8th and 22nd 4:30pm-6:00pm
Thriving is a bi-weekly support group for and
by women who have been living with HIV/
AIDS for 15 or more years. It is peer co-
facilitated and is ongoing and open to all wom-
en who are long-term survivors and are mem-
bers of the BLC.
For more information about Thriving and/or to sign-up, contact Tonia Hines at 617.236.1012 x241 or [email protected], or just stop by the BLC.
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3rd Thursdays
Understanding the Heroin Epidemic in Boston
June 21st
1:45-3:30pm
George Johnson Room
In March 2014, Governor Deval Patrick declared a public health emergency to combat the growing abuse of opiates, directing first responders across the state to carry Narcan, a drug that can counteract the effects of opiate overdoses, and pledging
$20 million to increase treatment and recovery services.
But what progress has been made since March 2014?
Come hear clergy from BostonWarms, Sarah Mackin from AHOPE needle exchange, and a representative from the state
speak about the impact of the closure of the Long Island bridge on the heroin epidemic in Boston and the most recent updates
on actions being taken by providers, legislatures, and community members to combat the epidemic.
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Healthy Relationships
This is a fun & interactive 5 week group for men or women that
will help you build skills to manage the stress of disclosure,
practice assertiveness, AND MORE!
These skills are applied to three life areas:
Disclosing HIV status to family and friends Disclosing to sexual partners Building healthy and safer relationships
Stay tuned for new updates!
To sign-up or learn more about this cycle, please contact: Morrigan Phillips, Clinical Director 617.236.1012 x245 or [email protected]
Receive a $25 gift card for coming to ALL 5 groups and other incentives will be given out weekly!
Healthy Relationships does not tell people that they should disclose.
programs for members
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Bridges for Life Program A great way to start the day!
Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 12:00pm -Open to women & men
Bridges is a drop-in medication adherence program, with a harm reduction focus, for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Groups address the factors that impact medication adherence with topics including mental health issues such as depression and anger management, substance use and recovery, medical/health issues and homelessness. Bridges offers a way for participants to gain support and information and to learn new coping skills. Members also choose to attend the group each day of the week, or on the day that particularly addresses the issues that are most relevant.
Topics explored: Monday ...... Gearing up for the Week Tuesday ...... Relating to Self and Others Wednesday My Body, My Health Thursday .... Moving on up Through HIV and Recovery Friday .......... Burning Desires
Breakfast is from 9:30am - 10:30am (only) Group starts at 10:30am - 12:00pm (no entry after 11am) For more info contact: Larry Kessler 617.236.1012 x238 or [email protected]
programs for members
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programs for members
The L.I.F.E. Program- Learning Immune Function Enhancement
Engage your mind and body to manage stress and boost your
immune system! This is a 12 week interactive course that is held on Tuesdays or Thursday from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
Topics Include: Learning Healing Techniques Coping w/ Stress Communication w/ Providers Healing from Grief & Depression
Fun incentives and snacks will be provided.
For more information about the next cycle of L.I.F.E.® at the BLC , contact :Morrigan Phillips at 617.236.1012 x245 or [email protected], Jeff Webb at [email protected]
Stay tuned for new dates!
Are you a LIFE Graduate? If you are a graduate of a previous cycle of L.I.F.E. & are looking to reconnect
with the LIFE program , do some co-factor checking-in, meet up with other LIFE grads & share information and get support? Come join us for LIFE Goes On, a new monthly meet up group for LIFE program graduates. This group meets on the last Thursday of the month from 2-3:30pm in the George Johnson Room.
Next meeting will take place in June 25th. We’ll have snacks, coffee and raffle prizes plus good conversation, networking and health information.
See Jeff Webb or Morrigan Phillips for more information
L I F E
L.I.F.E goes on…
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community pharmacy
FREE CONFIDENTIAL EDUCATION AND
SCREENINGS FOR STI’S & HEPATITIS C
EVERY 2ND Monday FROM 4pm- 7pm in the Community Pharmacy with Joe
EVERY 3RD Thursday FROM 11 am– 2pm in the Counseling Room located on the 2nd floor of the BLC with Irene
Please remember that cold and flu season is here, Community Pharmacy has flu and pneumonia shots available for those that are interested in getting a head start on the cold and flu season. Stop by for more information or any questions you might have.
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community pharmacy
Our neighbors at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are hosting the Medication Adherence table located in the art studio. Please stop by for FREE blood pressure screening, ill boxes and blister packing details, and sign up for in-pharmacy vaccinations. Ask the pharmacy any questions regarding current and evolving treatment options, disease state and medication side-effects management and adherence strategies. These services, as well as many others will be available to you every other Monday during
dinner and alternating with every other Wednesday during lunch.
We at Community, A Walgreens Pharmacy are very proud to be working with
VPI and BLC in helping people “Get, Stay, and Live Well”
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Language Exchange Table
Join us in the Dining Room to increase your Spanish or English conversational skills! Wednesdays– 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th Fridays– 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 12:00pm - 1:30pm Friday Flick Fridays - 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
1:45pm - 3:45pm Join us at the BLC for a showing of popular movies in the George Johnson Room! Movie title will be selected the day of. Open Art Studio Thursdays– 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
1:30pm - 3:30pm Come express your creative self in the art studio with artist Luiz Pena! Beaded Jewelry Class with Sond Every other Tuesday: June 2nd, 16th and 30th
1:30pm - 3:00pm Prisoner Outreach Project Every 3rd Tuesday of the month during lunch Tuesday– June 16th Letter writing and outreach to fellow HIV+ people and BLC members currently incarcerated in Massachusetts jails and prisons. It takes just 15 minutes!
ongoing activities
BLC P.O.P
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ongoing activities
Cyberspace Computer Room Mondays 12:00pm - 7:45pm Tuesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Wednesdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Thursdays 12:00pm - 5:45pm Fridays 12:00pm - 4:45pm
Have a computer question? Stop in and meet with one of our Cyberspace volunteers! Check the calendar posted on the door to Cyberspace for current volunteer schedules.
Chat Before Dinner Mondays - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 5:00pm - 6:00pm Peer Leader Jeff Webb facilitates this informal open forum. Come by and discuss whatever is on your mind! Clay Sculpting Classes w/Janice Every other Wednesday June 3rd and 17th
Sign-up at the front desk– Space is limited
Walking Group Every Tuesday & Thursday June 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th Meet in the lobby 1:45pm
We’re Back!!!
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Holistic practices create an environment that makes possible intensive healing on the physical, emotional, mental, & spiritual levels. All members can access these services.
Yoga Yoga is back every Wednesday from 11:00am to 12:00pm! Sign-up at the front desk.
Massage Massage is available to all members once every two months.
Please sign up at the front desk. Please provide 24hr notice for massage appointment cancellations. No shows will result in a 3 month suspension from massage services.
Reiki Reiki is an ancient Japanese system of healing that means “universal life force”. During a Reiki session, the therapist gently places his hands on the client’s body which allows the energy to flow through the body to relieve stress and reduce pain. Sign up at the front desk for a Tuesday afternoon session! Reiki can be done once a week and it does not affect eligibility for massage appointments.
holistic services
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directory
Member Services Staff Directory
Carmen Rios- Member Services Manager x222 Danisha Williams- Medical Case Manager 617-823-1517 Tonia Hines- Member Services Specialist x241 Morrigan Phillips- Clinical Director x245 Amanda Stegmann- Manager of Nutritional Services x256 Caitlin O’Gallagher- Prevention and Education Specialist x261 Jeff Webb- Peer Leader x243 John Bradley- Peer Leader x255 Mario Rodriguez- Peer Leader x233
Peer Support Team
Peer Leaders help members empower themselves and develop effective
strategies for living healthy lives. Peers Leaders can relate to you and your situation because they are also members who have “been there, done that.”
Peer Leaders are trained to actively listen, as well as provide you with encouragement, knowledge, & emotional support.
To connect with a peer leader stop in the Member Services office.
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Boston Living Center Mission Statement
To foster the wellness of all HIV positive people and respond to the changing needs of the HIV/AIDS
community. Through peer leadership and support, we strive to enhance and enrich the lives of our members by providing education, treatment information and support
services with the goal of empowering members to live productive lives and participate within their families &
communities.
The Boston Living Center
29 Stanhope Street Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1012 - phone (617) 236-0334 - fax
http://www.vpi.org/boston
BLC Member Hours Mon. 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Tues., Wed., & Thurs. 12:00pm - 6:00pm Fri. 12:00pm - 5:00pm
You can contact our Concierge Staff for more information about any of our programs or
services. They can connect you with the right person and provide you with excellent customer service. You can reach them at 617.236.1012 ext. 0
