Meet PATF's pharmacy team and support PATF through United Way
PATF e-Perspectives
Issue 62/ September 2016
Meet PATF's pharmacy team
PATF's pharmacy operates through a partnership with Coordinated Care Network and offers an easy, confidential way for clients to get the medications they need, all without copays. Our pharmacy features medications shipped directly to clients and special adherence programs--such as medication reminders--for any client who would like to enroll. Plus, pharmacy revenues help fill funding gaps for many of the services we provide! 
Denise Gonzales-Foster
Denise joined the Coordinated Care Network team in 2104, bringing with her over 30  years of pharmacy experience. Denise is PATF's Specialty Care Representative and is the primary point of contact for pharmacy clients. Once a clients has signed up for the clinic, Denise sets up medication delivery and calls them on a monthly basis to see if they have been experiencing any difficulties with side effects or with adhering to their medication.

Denise is the mother of two sons and enjoys time with her family and working for her online candy business in her spare time.
Christa Eans
Christa is PATF's Clinical Pharmacist and is a specialist in HIV medication. Christa graduated from the University of Pittsburgh's School of Pharmacy with a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmaceutical Science and with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She brings several years of experience in specialty pharmacy including disease state management of HIV, hepatitis C, pulmonary hypertension and multiple sclerosis.

Christa is always available to speak with clients by phone and when the clinic opens, she will hold office hours so clients may speak with her face-to-face.
 
In her free time, Christa enjoys travelling, boating, and walking her dog, PJ.
Support PATF with your United Way or other workplace contribution

You can  empower someone living with HIV/AIDS to make a fresh start with just a few mouse clicks when you designate Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force for your United Way or other workplace campaign contribution.  Living with HIV/AIDS can be challenging even under the best of circumstances, but for many HIV/AIDS is accompanied by poverty, risk of homelessness, mental health issues, other health concerns such as hepatitis C and substance abuse issues. For more than 600 of these individuals ,  PATF is a bridge to a healthier more manageable life. PATF provides comprehensive support services ranging from medical case management to affordable housing and emergency financial assistance. In the words of one of our clients "[PATF] has been awesome in my journey thus far. I am appreciative of the services given by the program such as helping with my first month's rent when I moved." Please consider designating PATF through your workplace campaign.
 
A copy of the official registration and financial information for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
 
Buy ticket for PATF's The Bacchanal

PATF brings you a night of dancing, drag and druids in celebration of the fall equinox on Saturday, September 24 at Ace Hotel Pittsburgh. Moon Baby hosts the evening, DJ Bella provides the beats and drag performers Bebe Beretta, Karmageddon, Cherri Baum, Akaisha and others perform throughout the evening. Included in admission is a signature cocktail and light food, with cash bar available. Click on the image above to purchase tickets! 
PATF in the news
Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force hires director for new East Liberty Clinic
The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force has hired a director to lead its new medical clinic in East Liberty.

According to task force officials, Dr. Sarah McBeth is an internal medicine specialist who received some of her clinical training in the midst of the HIV epidemic in Africa.

Jason Herring, director of programs and communication at the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, said the idea to start the task force's first-ever medical clinic sprang from the challenges of treating an aging HIV-positive population.

"As people age with HIV, they're developing different issues that are usually associated with people that are much older, so: bone density issues, mental capacity issues, heart disease issues," Herring said. "There's a lot of different issues, so we were seeing the need for more care."

Herring said McBeth is now helping with the hiring of other medical professionals at the clinic.

Hear the full story from 90.5 WESA.

Newsmaker: Dr. Sarah McBeth
Noteworthy:
The Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force appointed McBeth as director of its new health clinic. The 31-year-old organization has not had a health clinic until now.

Background:
After completing medical school, McBeth came to UMPC for her residency because of its international opportunities. She spent four months in Beira, Mozambique, which has a high prevalence of HIV. The experience inspired her to continue studying and treating the disease when she returned to Pittsburgh.

Quote:  
"It's important for people to know we have new tools to prevent HIV. We want to help people living with HIV get on treatment that improves their health and reduces the risk of them transmitting HIV to a partner."

Read the full story from Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Join the conversation on social media with us!
We'll be announcing the opening date for our clinic -- along with a special ribbon cutting event -- soon! Stay tuned to our social media for details. 
Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force  | 412-345-7456 |  [email protected] | patf.org

Questions or comments about e-Perspectives? Please contact editor Andrew Ptaschinski at [email protected] .