The Women Behind the Mission: Transforming HIV Care at STAR
At the STAR Program, women have been central to our mission from the very beginning—driving innovation, advancing equity, and shaping a more inclusive future for HIV care. In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we honor the trailblazing women whose leadership continues to transform the lives of women living with and impacted by HIV in Brooklyn and beyond. Since 1990, the Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Program at SUNY Downstate has led the charge in providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to women’s needs. Co-founded by Dr. Jack DeHovitz and Dr. Howard Minkoff, STAR has built a legacy of culturally responsive, patient-centered services—from gynecological and prenatal care to mental health and case management. This legacy lives on through an incredible team of women leaders at STAR and SUNY Downstate. Dr. Deborah Gustafson and Dr. Tracey Wilson co-lead the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS), a landmark national research effort studying HIV in women. Their work explores the intersection of HIV with mental health, aging, and healthcare access—critical issues in communities like Central Brooklyn. Dr. Susan Holman, a longtime champion of public health, has directed WIHS and MWCCS since their inception. Her earlier leadership in Downstate’s Perinatal HIV Transmission Study helped change the landscape for maternal care and HIV prevention. Other powerhouse women pushing the field forward include Dr. Tonya N. Taylor, who develops prevention strategies for older women; Dr. Sabina Hirshfield, leading digital outreach through eHealth initiatives; and Dr. Ashley Grosso, whose research examines stigma and structural barriers to care. Each of these leaders plays a vital role in STAR’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes through innovation, research, and community-centered care. Their collective impact can be felt across our programs, outreach campaigns, and clinical services—reminding us that the fight against HIV is deeply human and led by those who care boldly and act fearlessly. We are proud to stand with these women and continue building a future where every woman has access to the care, respect, and resources she deserves. 🔗 Read the full article from the Office of the President
🌟 Join Us for STAR’s Youth Empowerment Summit by the THEO PROGRAM
“The Success Express Way” – Thursday, May 22, 2025 The STAR Program’s Adolescent Education Program (AEP) is proud to invite youth, families, educators, and community members to our upcoming Health, Education, and Career Summit — an exciting opportunity to engage, inspire, and empower Brooklyn’s next generation of leaders. 📍 Location: PHAB Conference Center, SUNY Downstate📅 Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hosted in partnership with the Brooklyn Association of Teen Educators (B.A.T.E.S. Network), this year’s summit is themed “Youth Empowerment: The Success Express Way” — a powerful reminder that with the right tools and guidance, every young person can build a path toward success. 🎤 What’s in Store: Young attendees will have the opportunity to hear from professionals working across STEM, public health, education, and clinical care, and connect directly with mentors who are passionate about helping youth thrive. This is more than a summit — it’s a space to explore your goals, expand your network, and access the knowledge and encouragement needed to make informed decisions about your future. 💼 Dress to Impress! This is a professional growth opportunity — we encourage all attendees to dress for success and show up ready to learn, connect, and grow. 🔗 RSVP Today Secure your spot and help us spread the word!📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.theoprogram.org to register. 📣 Help Us Reach More Youth Please share this event with young people in your network — especially those interested in health careers, leadership development, and education. Together, we can continue to uplift and support Brooklyn’s youth with the resources they need to succeed. For questions or additional details, please contact:📧 Marian Searchwell – marian.searchwell@downstate.edu📧 Chelsea Madramootoo – chelsea.madramootoo@downstate.edu📧 Christine Rucker – christine.rucker@downstate.edu At STAR, we believe in the power of youth voice, leadership, and opportunity. Let’s build the future together — one connection at a time.
Impact of geographic mobility on PrEP and HIV care outcomes among Latino gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
José E. Diaz, PhD, Research Assistant Professor and Fellow, Translational Program of Health Disparities Research Training in Downstate’s STAR Program is conducting this study, in collaboration with Hong Van Tieu, New York Blood Center. Immigrant and migrant Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) experience disparities in HIV prevention (e.g., lower PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence; later and more advanced HIV diagnoses) and HIV treatment (e.g., lower ART adherence; less viral suppression; greater care disengagement) relative to their peers. This study addresses the critical knowledge gap regarding the impact of geographic mobility on HIV prevention/treatment outcomes among this group. Geographic mobility refers to the short-or long-term movement or travel of individuals, which can include short-term trips for sexual partnering, relocation for seasonal work, domestic or international travel to visit family, and international migration. We will utilize survey data, qualitative in-depth interviews, and novel geographic mobility mapping to characterize mobility patterns and their links to status-relevant HIV prevention/treatment outcomes (via biomarkers and self-report) among 80 immigrant and migrant Latino GBMSM in New York City (NYC). Findings from this study have the potential to inform tailored interventions to improve PrEP/HIV care among mobile Latino GBMSM men. In addition the findings may prove timely, as conversations and policies related to immigration (and travel) raise serious concerns for HIV prevention/treatment efforts among immigrant and migrant Latino GBMSM.
eHealth and mHealth interventions to improve HIV viral suppression
Sabina Hirshfield, PhD, Visiting Associate Professor At the intersection of innovation, equity, and impact, STAR’s Dr. Sabina Hirshfield is transforming how we support people living with HIV—one app, one study, one community at a time. From mobile health interventions to groundbreaking research on stimulant use, viral suppression, and aging, her work is helping close critical gaps in care for sexual minority men across the country. Sexual minority men (SMM)—including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men—make up a small portion of the U.S. population but continue to bear a disproportionate burden of HIV. Despite advances in Treatment as Prevention (TasP) and early antiretroviral therapy (ART), many still face systemic barriers to timely care, adherence, and viral suppression. At the STAR Program and beyond, a new generation of eHealth and mHealth (mobile health) interventions led by Dr. Sabina Hirshfield and her national collaborators are reshaping how we reach and support those most affected. These NIH R01 studies are currently in the field. For a full list of publications, please visit here. START: Supporting Treatment Adherence for Resilience and Thriving Funded by NIDA, the START study is a national, mobile health intervention targeting HIV-positive stimulant-using SMM. Co-led by Drs. Sabina Hirshfield (SUNY Downstate), Adam Carrico (Florida International University), and Keith Horvath (San Diego State University), this randomized controlled trial follows 285 participants over 12 months. The goal: improve ART adherence and achieve viral load (VL) suppression. Participants randomized to the intervention receive an app with tools for medication adherence, mindfulness, mood tracking, and health education. Those in the control group receive access to a national online resource hub. This approach prioritizes accessibility and scalability, regardless of whether participants are engaged in formal substance use treatment—reaching individuals both inside and outside major urban centers. The START study has produced three posters by Dr. Hirshfield’s mentees, Michael Daly, rising 3rd year medical student; Paula Pedrani, rising 4th year medical student; and Michael Silver, doctoral student in the School of Public Health, who will present in person at the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, Continuum Conference, June 10–12, 2025. San Juan, PR. Conference Website UrHeart: Linking Drug Use and Cardiac Health A sub-study of START, UrHeart tests the feasibility of collecting home urine specimens for drug screening and cardiac health markers. Participants mail urine samples to a forensic lab to test for 50+ substances—including fentanyl analogs—and for troponin, a marker of heart injury. This innovative approach sheds light on the risks of stimulant use and unintentional fentanyl exposure while offering participants feedback and support. THRIVE 3. This NINR-funded study, Testing the Efficacy of Two Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes and THRIVE 3: Empowering Rural Older Adults with HIV While much of the HIV epidemic is urban-centered, rural older adults face distinct barriers: isolation, stigma, and limited access to care. Funded by NINR, THRIVE 3 focuses on this underserved group. Using a 2×2 factorial design, researchers evaluate two interventions: supportive-expressive peer groups and strengths-based case management. 352 participants from Southern U.S. states—many in the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic priority zones—are being enrolled. Dr. Hirshfield serves as Co-Investigator, expanding STAR’s reach into national efforts to achieve health equity across geography and age. UniquelyU: Understanding and Advancing Viral Suppression In the UniquelyU study, researchers follow 250 newly diagnosed SMM for two years, collecting dried blood spots monthly to track viral load. This NIAID-funded study seeks to identify barriers to achieving and sustaining viral suppression. Co-Investigator Dr. Hirshfield joins a team led by Whitman Walker’s Drs. Ali Talan and Jonathon Rendina to explore factors like stigma, structural challenges, and treatment adherence, all with the goal of strengthening TasP and scaling U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) messaging across communities. At STAR, research is about more than data—it’s about people. Dr. Hirshfield’s work reflects STAR’s commitment to culturally relevant, accessible, and tech-driven approaches to care. These projects are proof that when science meets compassion and innovation, we move closer to ending the HIV epidemic for all—especially those who are too often left behind. Let’s amplify the message: viral suppression is possible, care should be inclusive, and everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS)
Deborah Gustafson, MS, PhD and Tracey E. Wilson, PhD are Co-Principal Investigators of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) / Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) / Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) is a collaborative research effort that aims to understand and reduce the impact of chronic health conditions—including heart, lung, blood, and sleep (HLBS) disorders—that affect people living with HIV. For decades, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), had supported the separate MACS and WIHS cohort studies. MACS was a study of gay and bisexual men, while WIHS was a study of women who had other risk factors for HIV. In 2019, the NHLBI became the primary steward of the new MWCCS. For this effort, the NHLBI is working in close collaboration with the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) as well as several co-funding institutes across the NIH. The STAR Program’s Women’s Interagency Health Study (WIHS) had been following women living with HIV and a comparison group of at-risk HIV uninfected women for 30 years. Data gathered here at Downstate have contributed to over 900 publications to date on a range of topics including the impact of HIV on women’s health, aging, cardiovascular health, genomics, hepatitis C, pulmonary conditions, renal issues and neurocognition. The NIH refunded the Brooklyn study site as one of 14 centers to participate in the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). All of the former WIHS sites as well as the former MACS sites, which had been following men for over 40 years, are enrolling participants into a common protocol. Participants in the MACS and WIHS are asked to participate in the MWCCS. Researchers are also recruiting new participants with a special focus on hard-hit population groups, such as black and Hispanic men and women and residents of southern states. The MWCCS is designed to investigate a spectrum of questions relating to the basic science, clinical science, and epidemiology of HIV infection in the US, with a focus on comorbidities among men and women living with HIV. Major areas of investigation include: cardiovascular and pulmonary, neuropsychological, aging, cancer, psychosocial, and health disparities. Enrollment into MWCCS began in 2021 and more than 5,700 participants have been enrolled. More information about the MWCCS can be found at http://mwccs.org or by contacting Susan Holman, Brooklyn Site Project Director at susan.holman@downstate.edu or Susan Brockmann, the Brooklyn Site Study Coordinator, at susan.brockmann@downstate.edu.
STAR Program Tackles Mental Health Stigma
By: Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC Jose Iorio The STAR Health Center Breaking Barriers: STAR Program’s “Stop Mental Health Stigma” Campaign Leads the Charge A Movement for Change 🔗 Watch the full campaign video here! In a time when mental health discussions are still clouded by stigma and misinformation, the STAR Program at SUNY Downstate Health and Sciences University is leading the charge to create real change. Backed by funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health, the “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign is more than just an awareness initiative—it’s a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and empowering communities to talk openly about mental health. With the expertise of Jose Iorio, media and marketing consultant for the STAR Program, and Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC, Behavioral Health Director at STAR Health Center, the campaign is making a tangible impact by using innovative outreach strategies to challenge stereotypes, engage communities, and promote mental well-being. The Power of Personal Stories and Digital Outreach One of the most powerful tools in the fight against mental health stigma is storytelling. Through the STAR Program’s Stigma Reduction Project, the campaign amplifies the voices of those with lived experiences and mental health professionals, offering real, relatable perspectives that help break down misconceptions. Social media plays a crucial role in this initiative. Jose Iorio highlights how multilingual content, personal testimonials, roundtable discussions, and interactive quizzes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are reshaping conversations about mental health. These efforts are particularly effective in reaching younger audiences (ages 18-34), encouraging them to engage, learn, and support one another. The campaign also collaborates with key community organizations like the Adolescent Education Program (THEO), ensuring its message extends to high school and early college students—especially within African American and Caribbean communities—who are often underserved in mental health conversations. More Than Awareness: A Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Beyond digital advocacy, the “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign takes a hands-on approach to improving mental health literacy and access to resources. Michelle Melendez emphasizes the campaign’s diverse initiatives, which include: ✅ Suicide prevention training✅ Mental Health Awareness Month events✅ Workplace mental health programs✅ Culturally tailored resources for diverse communities By addressing social determinants of health and public policy issues, the campaign also works to influence systemic change—ensuring mental health care is more inclusive, accessible, and equitable. A Commitment to Community and Future Impact The campaign’s STOPMentalHealthStigma.com website serves as a hub of resources, education, and engagement, drawing thousands of visitors and generating insightful data on public attitudes toward mental health. These insights help shape future outreach efforts, ensuring they reach the most vulnerable and underrepresented communities—especially young men, who are often less likely to seek help. The STAR Program’s commitment to fighting stigma was also showcased in a major presentation for the “NY State Community Mental Health Anti-Stigma Projects.” Introduced by Dr. Jack A. DeHovitz, STAR Program Director, the session highlighted the campaign’s transformative impact and its role in advancing New York State’s Strategic Plan for Mental Health Stigma Reduction. Join the Movement The fight against mental health stigma requires everyone’s participation. Whether by sharing personal stories, engaging with social media content, attending community events, or advocating for mental health education, we all have a role to play. The STAR Program’s “Stop Mental Health Stigma” campaign is not just about changing minds—it’s about changing lives. Together, we can create a future where mental health is understood, accepted, and supported. For more information, visit STOPMentalHealthStigma.com or contact:📩 Michelle Melendez, MS, LCSW, CHC – michelle.melendez@downstate.edu📩 Jose Iorio – jose.iorio@downstate.edu About the STAR Program The STAR Health Center is recognized as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, offering comprehensive, patient-centered care for Brooklyn’s diverse communities. Learn more at STAR Program Website.
How Effective Is PrEP in Preventing HIV?
When it comes to preventing HIV, knowledge is one of our most powerful tools—and so is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). Whether you’ve heard it mentioned in conversations or seen it advertised, PrEP is a revolutionary prevention option that has changed the landscape of HIV care. But how effective is it, and why should you consider it? Let’s break it down. What Is PrEP and How Does It Work? PrEP is a medication designed for people who are HIV-negative but at higher risk of contracting HIV. It works by creating a protective barrier in your body, preventing the virus from establishing an infection if you are exposed. There are two main forms of PrEP available today: Both forms are highly effective at stopping HIV when used correctly and consistently, providing a simple yet powerful layer of protection for individuals who are at risk. The Numbers Don’t Lie Studies have demonstrated that PrEP reduces the risk of HIV transmission through sex by about 99% when taken as prescribed. For people who inject drugs, the risk is reduced by at least 74% with correct use. This level of efficacy makes it one of the most reliable HIV prevention methods available today. It’s important to note, however, that PrEP isn’t a replacement for other protective measures, like condoms. Instead, it enhances prevention by adding another defense mechanism, especially in high-risk scenarios. Who Can Benefit from PrEP? PrEP is targeted towards individuals who are at an elevated risk of contracting HIV. This includes: It’s also worth noting that PrEP is for everyone—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or background. Specialized versions, like Descovy, have even been tailored for specific groups, providing flexibility and inclusivity in HIV prevention. Addressing Common Misconceptions Despite its proven effectiveness, misconceptions about PrEP persist. Here are some key myths debunked: By gaining an understanding of these facts, we can begin to erase the stigma and encourage greater adoption of this life-changing medication. Why PrEP Matters For individuals and communities, PrEP is more than just a pill or an injection—it’s empowerment. It gives people the ability to take control of their health, reduce anxiety about HIV, and enjoy greater peace of mind. Additionally, widespread use of PrEP has the potential to significantly lower HIV transmission rates, bringing us closer to the goal of ending the HIV epidemic. It’s not just a personal tool; it’s a community initiative that protects everyone. Take the Next Step If you’re considering PrEP or want to learn more, the best place to start is with a healthcare provider. They can assess your risks, discuss your options, and help you find the PrEP solution that works for your lifestyle. Also, if cost is a concern, many assistance programs exist to make PrEP affordable or even free for those who need it. No one should feel that price is a protection barrier. Protect Yourself Today PrEP is a game-changer in HIV prevention, offering highly effective protection tailored to the needs of diverse individuals and communities. Whether through pills or injections, it represents a commitment to your health and empowerment. Taking the steps to stay informed and consult with a healthcare provider could be your most impactful decision for sexual health. Will PrEP work for you? That’s a conversation worth having. Start today to secure a healthier future. Feel free to share this post and help spread the word about PrEP. Together, we can educate, empower, and protect our communities!
