Project AFFIRM presents the 2016 Awards to Health Providers
Project AFFIRM, our study on the risk, vulnerability, and resilience of transgender individuals in the context of identity development, presented its 2016 Health Provider Awards on October 7, 2016, at the 6th Annual Transgender Health Conference in New York City.
The annual forum, organized by Community Healthcare Network and held at the Michael Schimmel Center for Arts at Pace University, attracts both health providers and community members who are interested in learning and sharing up-to-date information about transgender health.
The conference seemed like the ideal venue for our staff to present our 2016 Health Providers Award.
One commonality that has emerged throughout many of Project AFFIRM's interviews is the significance of having meaningful relationships with healthcare providers. In fact, many participants noted that these relationships could be “lifesaving.” Therefore, we felt it was crucial to recognize healthcare providers in New York City who are true champions in providing direct clinical services to the community, linking transgender people to competent services, and creating training opportunities for healthcare providers.
Project AFFIRM's staff at the 6th Annual Conference on Transgender Health
Project AFFIRM's advisory board members presented a nominating committee with a list of providers in New York City who ensure that community members receive competent and sensitive healthcare. After a review, the committee identified our 2016 awardees.
Dr. Robert Murayama, Medical Director of APICHA Community Health Center, was the recipient of the 2016 Health Provider of the Year Award.
Ms. Kim Watson, Board Member of Project AFFIRM, presents the 2016 Health Provider of the Year Award to Dr. Murayama. Phil Miner, Director of Grants and Communications at APICHA, accepted the award.
Dr. Murayama oversees APICHA’s Community Health Clinic as well as provides primary care. He began his tenure at APICHA in the early 1990s as a volunteer trainer for staff on standards of medical care for people living with HIV/AIDS. He is a board certified internist and HIV specialist with over 20 years of experience specializing in the medical care of people living with HIV/AIDS, and in primary care for the LGBT community. He received his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and a masters degree from Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Most notably, in 2011 Dr. Murayama helped launch the Transgender Health Clinic—a clinic that offers a full menu of health services for the transgender community, including mental health, hormone therapy, and support during transitioning and beyond -- all within a primary-care model that promotes health and wellness.
Dr. Luis Freddy Molano, Vice-President of HIV and LGBTQ Programs at Services at Community Healthcare Network, was the recipient of the 2016 Education and Advocacy Award.
Will Mellman, Coordinator of Project AFFIRM, and Renato Barucco, Coordinator of The Program for the Study of LGBT Health, present the 2016 Education and Advocacy Award to Dr. Luis Freddy Molano.
An advocate for quality healthcare for everyone throughout his career, Luis Freddy Molano, MD began his career as a family practitioner in South and Central America before joining Community Healthcare Network in 1989. In the new position, Dr. Molano coordinated programs for the homeless, substance users, young adults, and adolescents at risk for HIV. Throughout the years, Dr. Molano took on other roles, including Center Director for CHN’s Bronx Health Center and Associate Executive Director for the Women’s Health and HIV Prevention Programs at CHN. In 2004, Dr. Molano created the first community-based transgender health program in the South Bronx.
Dr. Molano is the founder of the New York City Transgender Health Conference.
Project AFFIRM's staff and board members congratulate Dr. Murayama and Dr. Molano and sincerely thank them for their dedication and hard work on behalf of the transgender community.