Mission & History
The
Family Center was one of the first designated comprehensive pediatric/adolescent
HIV/AIDS care centers in New York State. When it began, the Family Center
had 1 Doctor, 1 Nurse, 1 Social Worker, 1 Nurse Practitioner, 1 Child Life
Specialist, and 1 Psychiatrist. The small clinic was located in the
basement of the main hospital building. In 1995, the expanding clinic
was moved to a shared space on the 5th floor of the Helmsley Medical Tower. In
2001, we were relocated to the 23rd floor of the Baker building, below the
adult CSS.
Today, we have an interdisciplinary team of 18 people providing care for
children and adolescents, from birth 24 years. In addition,
the program provides two distinct services to the HIV infected and affected
youth of New York City – On-site medical care and an outreach program.
Mission (On-site Medical Care)
The Family Center provides outpatient primary and specialty medical care on the 23rd floor of the Baker Tower of New York Presbyterian Hospital on East 68th Street in Manhattan. Although our clinic is physically located on the Upper East Side of New York City, our patients are from all five boroughs.The Family Center for Special Studies prides itself on providing patients with quality, comprehensive care that addresses their medical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. The program is staffed by Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Social Workers, a Chaplain and several Outreach Workers/Counselors and Testers. We have access to an OB/GYN, Nutritionist as well as a Child Life Specialist. We also offer youth and families access to clinical trials and research protocols for medications and behavioral interventions.
In addition, as part of their on-site medical care, patients are offered a number of support groups and educational programs. These offerings include:
Pre-Teen Girls and Boys Support Group
This is single sex group that is catered toward HIV+ individuals who are between the ages of 9-12. All of the pre-teen group members must know their HIV + diagnosis prior to joining the group. The group runs for an hour and a half, once a week for eight weeks. Some of the topics that are discussed in this support group include medication adherence, coping with HIV diagnosis, sexuality, healthy relationships, school issues and family.-
Teen Support Group
The teen support group is co-ed and includes members who are between the ages of 13-18. All of the teens in this group are aware of their HIV + status and have the opportunity to express themselves freely in the support group. This group stresses socialization and support among its members and include group outings such as a trip to the movies and a dinner out in New York City. Teens are also exposed to workshops in photography, poetry and arts and crafts to serve as creative outlets for expressing themselves. Some topics that are discussed in this group include, healthy relationships, disclosure to friends and family, safe sex practices, and medication adherence. The teen group meets for two hours, once a week for 9 consecutive weeks. -
Parents Support Group
This group is led by a Social Worker for caregivers and parents that are caring for an HIV+ adolescent. The group runs during lunch for 5 weeks straight and includes topics such as disclosure, behavior management and how to deal with school failure or difficulties that their adolescent may be experiencing. -
Project Teach for Pre-Teen Girls and Boys
Project Teach was established to educate pre-teen boys and girls about their bodies and the changes that occur during puberty. This group runs for an hour and a half, once a week for six weeks and is facilitated by a Nurse Practitioner and a Nurse Specialist. -
Life Skills Workshops for Adolescents
The Life Skills workshops are designed to take a hands on approach in educating and empowering our youth to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood while gaining many valuable life skills for their future. The workshop series includes adolescents who are between the ages of 13-21. Some of the topics that are covered include money management, college preparation, job skills and self care knowledge. Many of the workshops include field trips out into the community. For example, the money management workshop is conducted at a local bank where the adolescents learn how to open a bank account and manage their money. The adolescents are also exposed to real life material such a job and college applications. The workshop series runs for two hours, once a week for six weeks.