Adherence Program
The Albany Treatment Adherence Program (ATAP)
The services of the Albany Treatment Adherence Program are available to anyone who is HIV positive- whether they are on medications or contemplating taking medications. Our services are offered through a network of providers in the Capitol District and in the Kingston area at the Mid-Hudson Care Center.
The focus of ATAP is to provide clients with the tools needed to be successful at taking their antiretroviral therapies. Our strength is in utilizing a team approach with the client being an active member of the team. Education is provided on HIV disease, the importance of medication adherence, and the use of adherence aids and tools.
Counseling is done at a series of visits, based on the client's need, by members of our staff, which includes, a pharmacist, AIDS Certified registered nurses and peer advocates working collaboratively with our case management staff and community case managers who assist clients in overcoming barriers to adherence, such as, problems with housing, food, insurance, transportation, etc..
On-site adherence support groups are available weekly for clients to discuss adherence issues and concerns. Penny Trieb CSW, our mental health counselor, facilitates this group in cooperation with our peer counselors.
All referrals to our services come from the client's primary medical provider.
Our designated Adherence Staff includes:
- 6 registered nurses: Leslie Westphal, Kathleen Purcell, Yolanda Melendez, Nicole Taylor, Cynthia McDaniel and Barbara Yusko.
- 2 Peer counselors: Sylvestor Bell and Pedro Rivera
- Our pharmacist, Dr. Christopher Miller
