Factsheet

Factsheet

Community Health Action is the only non-profit community-based organization whose mission is dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS education, prevention and services on Staten Island.

It began in October 1988 as an all volunteer effort – a coalition of health care and social service workers, concerned community members, and people personally affected by AIDS.

In 1989, we opened our doors at 25 Hyatt Street, St. George, with 2 staff and a budget of $150,000.

In 1989, fewer than 300 Staten Islanders had ever been diagnosed with AIDS. By June 2001, the number was 2,880 and continuing to grow.
Since 1989, we have provided services for over 1,500 Staten Islanders living with HIV/AIDS, and offered support and assistance to their family members as well.
Last year, we worked with over 650 case management clients, and provided counseling and support groups for an additional 225 clients and family members.
Our Helpline, HIV-CALL, fielded nearly 1,200 calls from both HIV-infected and concerned community members.

Last year, we coordinated 1,340 community outreach events and talked with 27,000 Staten Islanders about HIV prevention and services.
We also conducted 290 public education and training events for 3,980 Staten Islanders, helping them understand AIDS both for personal health and for their work in health and social services.

Staff at four sites, including three storefronts, hosted over 8,200 walk-in visits last year with information, referrals, counseling, client service intakes, and access to computer on-line HIV/AIDS information services.

Today, we have a total of 5 service locations, in St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond and Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, with 74 staff. Staff are assisted by 125 volunteers, who contribute to every area of our work.

We will continue to pursue our mission of developing a community of caring for Staten Island, expanding as we see unmet needs and have opportunities for new and creative programs. Community Health Action is committed to keeping our doors and hearts open, continuing to respond to the community’s needs for education and support, as long as AIDS threatens the health and well-being of the Staten Island community.