Black History Month 2024

Every day emails on New York BIPOC community

individuals, allies, organizations and more.

Lisa's work at ACR impacts LGBTQ+ Communities of Color in many ways. In Syracuse, Utica, and Watertown, the Q Center offers programming for youth, young adults, allies, and parents of gender nonconforming children. Services include: youth groups, homework assistance, computer lab access, drop-in hours, young adult groups & activities, as well as special and family events throughout the year. In Syracuse, the QTs of Color is a specialized group ages 13-25, cofacilitated by a person of color.

To reach and engage the community, ACR staff and volunteers are individuals who are representative of the communities served, and many are LGBTQI+ or TGNCNB. Ryan White services for People With HIV, serve many individuals who are LGBTQI+, approximately 50% of whom are BIPOC, and over half of these clients are over 50. Communities of Color Men's HIV/HCV/STI prevention initiative for all men of color, both LGBTQI+ and others at risk. This program offers free testing, linkage & navigation services, prevention education, and conducts community outreach in both Onondaga and Oneida counties.

Watch Lisa's TEDx Talk here.

Lisa Dunn Alford, a resident in Syracuse, is a senior executive servant leader, connector, mentor, TEDx speaker, and community volunteer who seeks to create and inspire positive change and an impactful living for herself and others. She has been the CEO of ACR Health since June 2021 and previously served as the Commissioner of the Department of Adult and Long Term Care Services for Onondaga County. Lisa has experience working in nonprofits and county government as well as extensive local, regional, and statewide networks. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from Hampton University, and a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University, and Executive Certificates from Syracuse University and Georgetown University. In her spare time, however, she enjoys reading, dancing, singing, and practicing yoga.