Press Release: Big News!

(Smithtown, NY) – Options for Community Living, Inc. received special recognition from Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Towns of Islip and Huntington for its work in service of people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island. Through its housing programs and case management services, Options has been at the forefront of care for people living with HIV/AIDS on Long Island since the early 1990s.

“Thanks to the medical advances of the last 30 years, people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives,” said Allison Covino. “Since 1994, we’ve helped thousands of clients living with HIV/AIDS. We continue to focus on helping to end the epidemic and we are grateful to be recognized for our impact on the community.”

On Friday, November 30th, at a presentation commemorating the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day, Options was presented with a citation by Carol Charchalis, Town of Islip Deputy Parks Commissioner and former Deputy of Human Services. “We would like to present Options at this time with a citation… on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day. We thank you for all your efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” said Charchalis at the ceremony.

“When clients living with HIV/AIDS have chronic health conditions and critical needs going unmet — such as unstable housing or not enough money for food — adhering to treatment is extremely difficult,” said Yolanda Robano-Gross, Options Executive Director. “About half of people living with HIV or AIDS experience neurological or psychological impairment — yet mental health care and substance abuse treatment are two of the most common unmet needs in this population.”

Options for Community Living offers a range of client-centered services linking clients with healthcare, psychosocial and wraparound services provided by trained professionals. Studies have shown that with the appropriate supportive services, not only can adherence to medication be increased, but HIV viral loads in the body can be reduced.

Receiving a total of four citations that day, Options was also honored by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, and Town of Huntington Supervisor, Chad Lupinacci.

About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults recovering from mental illness, care coordination services for adults and children with chronic health conditions, and housing and services for people living with HIV/AIDS and other disabilities. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than 1,800 adults and children annually. The agency operates the Options Thrift Shop, which is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Thrift Shop’s phone number is 631.676.4579. For more information about Options for Community Living, Inc., please visit the website at www.optionscl.org or call 631.361.9020.