About Us Amethyst Today
Amethyst Today
Currently, AWP’s programs and services are directed toward women, children and families living in Coney Island and its surrounding communities. Programs and services include the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute funded Peer Outreach Education Program that provides street outreach and HIV Prevention Education and, until recently, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention funded HIV Counseling, Testing & Referral (CTR) services program; our New York State Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (NYSDOHMH) funded Access and Maintenance in HIV Care Initiative; a 75-hour, semi-annual Community Educational Workshop Series focused on a range of public health topics including HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, viral hepatitis, health & well-being and violence prevention; and our participation in National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) HIV prevention activities.
Since 2004 Amethyst has tested more than 500 persons yearly and has a documented six-year seropositivity rate of 4.0%, among the highest rates in NYC. Amethyst has provided on-site and mobile HIV testing, pre and post test counseling and referral services, targeted and enhanced outreach services, community presentations, health communication and public information activities; community-wide events on World AIDS Day, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; national HIV Testing Day; and National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. In addition, Amethyst provides intake, assessment and referral services to individuals and families in crisis. Each year, Amethyst provides no-cost services to more than 2,500 persons while coordinating efforts with other community and faith-based organizations, local businesses, schools, civic organizations, and government agencies.
AWP is currently funded by federal, state and local government as well as various foundations and corporations in order to address the complex needs of women at risk of substance abuse, HIV infection, and domestic violence. AWP has received from the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to provide HIV counseling, testing and referral (CTR) services; the New York State AIDS Institute to provide for outreach and HIV prevention education; the New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYSDOHMH) to facilitate access and retention in HIV care, and several small legislative grants that support program operations. In addition, AWP has received funding support from corporations and foundations including the United Way, the Daphne Foundation, the New York Women’s Foundation, the New York Foundation, the New York Community Trust, the Carnegie Corporation, and National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA).