AGENCY TESTIMONY
History and evolution of HASA since 1985
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ยท
67 sec
John Rojas provides a historical overview of HASA, tracing its origins and evolution since 1985. He highlights the significant changes in the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the city's response over the past four decades.
- HASA began as the Division of AIDS Services in 1985
- New York City was among the first municipalities to provide critical services for those affected by HIV and AIDS
- The epidemic has changed dramatically since the 1980s, with medical advances improving life quality and longevity for those with HIV
- HASA continues to play a crucial role in stabilizing vulnerable populations and combating stigma
John Rojas
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HASA began as the division of AIDS services forty years ago.
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In 1985, dedicated New York City Policymakers, Advocates, Clinicians, and public servants saw the prejudice and ignorance this vulnerable population faced.
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In the face of that prejudice and ignorance, they joined together to stand up a city dedicated program serving individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
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Much has changed since 1985 when the epidemic began to rapidly spread across our city and the nation, and the city was the epicenter of HIV AIDS epidemic.
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At that time, there were no effective treatments, and people did not live long after they became ill.
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New York City was among the first municipalities to stand up a range of critical services and support for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
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Today's today's epidemic is vastly different from decades past.
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Medical advances along with critical services provided by HASA have allowed low income New Yorkers with HIV to live long, high higher quality lives.
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But much remains to be done, and HASA continues to play a crucial role in stabilizing this vulnerable population, combating stigma, and take tackling the inequities that persist.