IRIS HOUSE ADDS 4500 SQ FT IN NEW SPACE AS PART OF SERVICE ENHANCEMENT
On September 22nd, Iris House, A Center for Women Living with HIV, Inc officially added 4,500 sq ft of newly renovated office space at 2389 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (between 139th and 140th street) in Harlem. The new space, built out to the agency’s specs, will accommodate the agency’s growing housing services program and provide a warm and welcoming environment for clients as well as a state-of-the-art work space for staff. The entire space is designed to enhance the client experience, service delivery and outcomes and at the open house, held on September 21st, clients, staff and stakeholders raved about the design and all stated that they are looking forward to adding the space to the Iris House family of services.
The new space is less than 2 blocks from Iris House's main offices at 2348 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, thus enabling clients to readily access the full array of Iris House services, including Food and Nutrition services, HIV prevention and education, emotional wellness groups, health education workshops, and life skills training to name a few. Beginning with the welcoming lobby, the space's vibe is definitely new, modern and sleek with muted and warm undertones. Case Managers have a private and comfortable workspace designed to enhance the client experience and ensure privacy and confidentiality; the individual workspaces are complemented by several interview rooms and a conference room with comfortable seating designed for case conferences, support and other groups and program staff discussions. The large individual offices allow for program managers to oversee and interact with program staff and clients while ensuring privacy and ample natural lighting. The large conference/meeting room can accommodate bigger groups and is equipped with virtual technology to meet the demands of the day in providing the full array of services. As well, the open concept break room area provides a place to relax and permits staff to interact on a more casual basis.
Ingrid Floyd, Executive Director, at the open house discussed the concept that she along with a great team including Aaron Vinson, architect from AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Susan Da Fonseca, furniture designer, formerly of Office Furniture Heaven and currently with Indoff and Marlene Lalota of AHF designed over 18 months. She indicated "I wanted a sleek and modern feel and a space that did not feel clinical but welcoming for clients, staff and the community and we were able to achieve just that with the new space." The office is open from 9 am to 5 pm Mondays - Fridays. If you want to schedule a tour please contact Brigitte Davis, Executive Assistant, at 646-548-0100 *226.
Photo Credit: Keston Duke Photography
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Iris House launches new social media campaign, Simply Glow’d, in honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
New York, New York, February 6th, 2021- Iris House announces the release of Project Glow-Simply Glow’d a public health awareness social marketing campaign funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA). Simply Glow’d aims to promote HIV, STI and Hepatitis C testing and substance use and mental health services among youth and young adults ages 13 to 29 year olds in East and Central Harlem and the South Bronx.
Simply Glow’d utilizes local youth social media influencers who create and share personalized social media messages about self-efficacy, healthy behavioral choices and solidarity among their peers in an effort to promote HIV testing and safe sexual behaviors. Simply Glow’d influencers represent youth from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ, queer and non-binary youth, youth of color, college students and youth affected/infected by HIV, substance use and mental health disorders. Simply Glow’d promotional content will be posted on various social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Simply Glow’d comes from knowing and owning your HIV/STI/HCV status as well as Keeping it 100 by getting tested, using condoms and staying mentally healthy! Simply Glow’d encourages youth to shine by making positive choices. #GetThatGlow #GlowUp!
“We are really excited about our latest campaign, Simply Glow’d, created by the marketing team of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.” Says Iris House Executive Director, Ingrid Floyd. “This new campaign shines the light on the need to engage young people in discussions on how to end the HIV epidemic, teaching them how to make healthy sexual decisions and allowing them to Glow and be proud of the decisions they make.”
In NYC, almost 10,000 youth under the age of 29 are living with HIV; over 40,000 youth between 13-24 years old were diagnosed with an STI; and alcohol continues to be the most widely used substance among America’s youth. At the end of 2018, an estimated 1.2 million people were living with HIV- of those numbers, 482,900 were among Black/African American people.
Welcome to Iris House!
Iris House saves lives through comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families, and under served populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in a safe, family-centered environment by passionate, professional and culturally competent staff.
Iris House was named for early HIV Activist Iris De La Cruz, whose passion for our cause was instrumental in establishing our programs.
To fulfill our mission, Iris House offers practical, family-centered services that promote prevention and education while addressing the day-to-day realities of living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension, Depression and other health disparities plaguing our communities.
Iris House was named for early HIV Activist Iris De La Cruz, whose passion for our cause was instrumental in establishing our programs.
To fulfill our mission, Iris House offers practical, family-centered services that promote prevention and education while addressing the day-to-day realities of living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Diabetes, Obesity, Hypertension, Depression and other health disparities plaguing our communities.
HIV, AIDS, women, black, african-american, latino, sexually transmitted infections, sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis c, connection to care, HIV Testing, STD Testing, STI Testing, support services, soup kitchen, pantry program, condoms, New York City, Plainfield, New York, New Jersey, Education, Prevention, Women as the Face of AIDS Summit, Harlem 2021
