Workers Certified in HIV, Hepatitis C and Harm Reduction
Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that the first 45 people have graduated from the New York State Peer Worker Certification Program in HIV, Hepatitis C, and Harm Reduction. These new peer workers will be key players in the Governor's Ending the Epidemic initiative that aims to reduce the number of new HIV infections in New York State to an estimated 750 annually by the end of 2020.
"New York has established itself as a national leader in fighting against the AIDS epidemic and these newly certified peer workers will help to build upon the progress that we have made," Governor Cuomo said. "These trained individuals will provide support, education and assistance to New Yorkers living with these diseases across this state."
To be certified as a peer worker, a person must have "lived experience" related to HIV, Hepatitis C, and/or harm reduction services. Research shows that peer workers who share their life experiences with people in similar situations are able to help them achieve better health outcomes. Certified peer workers are employed by community based organizations and hospitals, in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Peer workers are considered part of a care team, are assigned to clients, provide services such as patient navigation, assistance getting to appointments, and support group facilitation. In addition, peer workers can help someone struggling with HIV and/or HCV overcome the stigma and discrimination that can undermine treatment adherence.
Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Peer workers are uniquely suited to work with people who need assistance accessing HIV, HCV or harm reduction services. These graduating peer workers will be able to provide the compassion and understanding that encourages at-risk individuals to take steps to ýprotect themselves or to get tested and linked to care."
To become certified, a peer worker is required to:
"New York has established itself as a national leader in fighting against the AIDS epidemic and these newly certified peer workers will help to build upon the progress that we have made," Governor Cuomo said. "These trained individuals will provide support, education and assistance to New Yorkers living with these diseases across this state."
To be certified as a peer worker, a person must have "lived experience" related to HIV, Hepatitis C, and/or harm reduction services. Research shows that peer workers who share their life experiences with people in similar situations are able to help them achieve better health outcomes. Certified peer workers are employed by community based organizations and hospitals, in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Peer workers are considered part of a care team, are assigned to clients, provide services such as patient navigation, assistance getting to appointments, and support group facilitation. In addition, peer workers can help someone struggling with HIV and/or HCV overcome the stigma and discrimination that can undermine treatment adherence.
Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Peer workers are uniquely suited to work with people who need assistance accessing HIV, HCV or harm reduction services. These graduating peer workers will be able to provide the compassion and understanding that encourages at-risk individuals to take steps to ýprotect themselves or to get tested and linked to care."
To become certified, a peer worker is required to:
Complete at least 90 hours of training, which is provided free of charge by AIDS Institute training centers and other partners;
Complete a 500-hour practicum or work experience with an acceptable supervisory evaluation;
Pass a test on relevant subject matter;
Agree to follow a formal code of ethics; and....
Complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year.
The certificate is awarded through SUNY Stony Brook’s School of Health Technology and Management.
Peer workers will help reduce new HIV infections by encouraging persons with HIV to take medications to achieve viral suppression and working with at-risk populations to avoid infections by using pre-exposure prophylaxis, condoms and clean syringes. The initiative is supported by the AIDS Institute’s training initiative and state Ending the Epidemic funding. There are approximately 300 additional individuals currently enrolled in the certification process.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
The certificate is awarded through SUNY Stony Brook’s School of Health Technology and Management.
Peer workers will help reduce new HIV infections by encouraging persons with HIV to take medications to achieve viral suppression and working with at-risk populations to avoid infections by using pre-exposure prophylaxis, condoms and clean syringes. The initiative is supported by the AIDS Institute’s training initiative and state Ending the Epidemic funding. There are approximately 300 additional individuals currently enrolled in the certification process.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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