Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

The evolution of APICHA (Asian and Pacific Islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS) from an organization focused on HIV/AIDS work some two decades ago to a full-blown community-oriented health care center today is best summed up in the speech delivered by the organization’s chief executive officer, Therese Rodriguez during its gala last week.

"Tonight’s story is all about taking risks. The world before us is both familiar and new. APICHA must meet the next challenge—achieve sustainability for its programs and services. Healthy competition, I agree is risky. It is a new way. It is good for the business of serving our community. APICHA has evolved. To be true to its past, to sustain the present, we are taking a leap of faith!" Rodriguez exclaimed.

Just a year ago, APICHA was affected in a huge way by the very deep economic crisis that hit the country. In fact, last year’s gala event to celebrate their 20th anniversary happened during the time when they had to move to a new facility in such a short notice because their old home was being turned into a condominium.

There was also "gossip in the ‘hood was APICHA was about to close due to financial strains."

"We must have created a buzz as we looked for solutions to bridge and sustain our rapid growth. We were evolving into a medical home with a large patient base of uninsured/uninsurable A&PIs, immigrants and LGBTs. Also we were looking around to restructure our loan with Citibank, the loan we needed because we were forced to relocate," Rodriguez shared.

These challenges did not deter the organization’s officers and staff because they persevered and continued working hard for the community. As a result, APICHA emerged stronger, with a clear vision of its new direction and mission.

APICHA is now a "medical home" not only for people living with HIV/AIDS but also for Asians and Pacific Islanders, immigrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community members who go to the organization for its gay-affirming medical providers and staff who understand their culture and speak their language.

Simply put, APICHA’s original role in the community has expanded exponentially.

Last July, APICHA received the National Level 3 recognition as a Physician Practice Connections–Patient-Centered Medical Home, the highest level of recognition achievable from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA).

"That means APICHA delivers superior care using standards firmly rooted in medical evidence. A medical home is a place where all of a patient’s primary care can be addressed and medical care is coordinated," Rodriguez explained.

Rodriguez and John Chin, APICHA’s chair of the board of directors reported that the passage of the Affordable Care Act (also known as the national health reform law) in March and the presentation by President Barack Obama in July of the National HIV and AIDS Strategy are the big breaks that APICHA has been waiting for.

ACA will provide $11 billion to build and expand community health centers and the Obama administration’s vision to close the health disparities in our communities will reach the most marginalized and vulnerable populations if it succeeds in nurturing organizations that have a proven record in reaching those populations.

"APICHA has the singular distinction of taking on a difficult issue. We know that even the most hard-to-reach people are reachable because we have. We have proven that with culturally competent providers, people remain in care. Confronting stigma and discrimination head-on, we have and do, bring positive health outcomes. It is just, and it is measurable," Rodriguez said.