Director of the Niagara County AIDS Task Force, Rev. Jimmy Rowe The Rev. Jimmy Rowe is the Director of the NCATF, part of the overall Disease Prevention Department at the Health Association of Niagara County Inc. (HANCI). In addition to his NCATF duties, Rowe is currently an Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Family Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo and project director of the childhood Obesity and chronic disease self-management programs at the Health Association of Niagara County Inc. (HANCI). Rowe has published more than 35 peer-reviewed articles in the area of trust and communication patterns in clinical health care encounters, pastoral care issues in HIV/AIDS patients, and compliance issues relative to fraud and abuse in Medicaid systems. |
|
|
Coordinator of the Niagara County AIDS Task Force, Richard R. Haynes Richard R. Haynes is a recent addition to the Niagara County AIDS Task Force staff and has been designated the Task Force Coordinator. He is a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) with an assignment by the AmeriCorps Serve New York unit through mid-November 2011. Richard joins a team of four VISTAs working at various agencies in Niagara Falls. He brings our organization a strong communication skill set and a depth of experience developed in his 35 year career as a reporter and editor at The Buffalo News.
|
Our History
The Niagara County AIDS Task Force began in November 1988 with the co-chairs Pat Powell, Public Health Director for Niagara County, and Joe Marino, Executive Director for United Way. We began with the creation of a small emergency account that was provided for individuals and families affected by HIV / AIDS. Initially, those funds were used to provide safe water sources, cover permanency-planning costs, and provide transportation enabling individuals to return to homes and families, as well as provide vital medical communication phone service. Also, the fund assisted individuals by covering needs until they could be linked to other community services such as Public Assistance, Catholic Charities, food pantries, Community Mission, etc.
When Niagara County services grew and became more structured, established by Niagara County AIDS Service and the Niagara Community Service (ACS), the focus of the fund also evolved. Funds were used to create programs like support groups, client events, scholarships, and the annual retreat at Stella Niagara. The Fund also supports mailings and community awareness activities such as World AIDS Day and is still periodically tapped when a client need is not met through other resources.
The Task Force began World AIDS Day annual recognition in 1994. At that time, there were walks, forums, library displays, legislative and community breakfasts and luncheons, candlelight vigils, and presentations of proclamations from the Niagara County Legislature, cities of Niagara Falls, Lockport, and North Tonawanda. Also scheduled was an event for the Mayors of both cities of Niagara Falls to meet on the Rainbow Bridge for international unity and recognition of World AIDS Day along with the lighting of the Falls in blue and red.
Today, the AIDS Task Force continues it's World AIDS Day Celebration with music, speakers and much more. People from both sides of the Falls enjoy a colorful participation. We continue to enjoy the strong support from our elected officials, especially Mayor Paul Dyster. Follow this link to see photos from our most recent observance.
Our members enjoy increased visibility and decision-making capabilities for the Niagara County community. In 2010, efforts are being made to increase preventative education in late childhood as well as to educate those living with the disease on how to self-manage. For the Preventative Programs, follow this link.
| Mission & Vision | Membership | 501 (c)(3) Not-For-Profit Org. |
|
We are a local effort to combat the HIV / AIDS epidemic. Through community education and prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services, our members are committed to effecting local solutions to this worldwide heath crisis. We look forward to the day when our existence is no longer necessary, when the Human Immunodeficiency Virus has been conquered and Acquired Immune Disease Syndrome cured. |
The Niagara County AIDS Task Force current membership includes:
|
The Niagara County AIDS Task Force is a component of the Disease Prevention Department at The Health Association of Niagara County Inc. (HANCI). Founded in 1927, HANCI is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes wellness, independence and a healthy lifestyle across the lifespan. HANCI is licensed by the State of New York and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. |