Harlem’s St. Mary’s Center, a skilled nursing facility and adult day health care program for people living with HIV/AIDS, is celebrating 20 years of providing quality medical and social services to people living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. To commemorate this milestone, St. Mary’s will host the “20thAnniversary Celebration of St. Mary’s Service to the Community” on Monday, October 15 at Billie’s Black from 6-9 p.m.
Opening in 1992, St. Mary’s Center has become a cornerstone of care for New York’s HIV/AIDS community. It is the only nursing home and adult day program in Harlem, and offers on-site primary care along with social service support, substance abuse support, physical therapy, nutritional counseling and therapeutic recreation such as art and music therapy. It utilizes a holistic approach to healing by engaging the mind, body and spirit in an approach to health and wellness.
“When our doors opened 20 years ago, we did not know what to expect but we knew we were filling a need in Harlem. Communities of color were and continue to be severely impacted by HIV/AIDS. We are grateful to still be able to provide critical supportive services to those affected by HIV/AIDS and will continue until there is no longer a need for us,” explained Holly Argent-Tariq, St. Mary’s Center CEO.
HIV/AIDS has changed from a death sentence to a manageable disease and we have been able to navigate these changes side by side with our clients and residents. At the celebration, clients will speak about their experiences and what the St. Mary’s community means to them. Local officials and community leaders have been invited to join us as well.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Shobha Manaktala at 212-665-5992 or at smanaktala@stmaryscenterinc.com. Tickets are $50 and include buffet and beverages. Proceeds will go to support ongoing health and recreational programs for clients and residents. More details about St. Mary’s Center and its programs can be found at stmaryscenterinc.com.
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