Tag: Healthcare

PRC’s Mighty Real Fundraiser – An amazing achievement!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

On Friday, October 4th, PRC’s Mighty Real fundraiser brought an unforgettable night of celebration, compassion, and community to The Pearl in San Francisco. With more than 200 attendees, the energy in the venue was electric as we embraced this year’s theme: Imagine | Inspire | Act. Thanks to our generous guests and supporters, we raised over $200,000 to support PRC’s life-changing services! 

Mighty Real Fundraiser rooftop reception

The evening began on the rooftop, where guests gathered to enjoy the rare San Francisco heat, taking in the views while connecting with fellow compassionate changemakers—many dressed fabulously to reflect their “Mighty Real” selves. Our extraordinary volunteers set the stage for the event, decorating the venue, welcoming and checking in guests, and playing a key role in several fundraising activations. 

One lucky guest who purchased a blinky ring raffle entry walked away with a treasure chest of luxury goods and experiences valued at over $7,500, including a signed guitar donated by our Spirits and Innovator Sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Many others donated to our wine pull, leaving with a mystery bottle of wine for a game that blended fun and philanthropy. 

The live auction was full of excitement. It offered trips to Portugal and Puerto Vallarta, a year of dining at some of San Francisco’s finest restaurants, and framed and signed Golden State Warriors championship memorabilia. 

A special shout-out goes to Chevron, our largest supporter of the night, contributing an incredible $20,000 between their sponsorship and the Fund-a-Need match.

As the night moved into the main ballroom for dinner, our guests heard inspiring words from Master of Ceremonies Jon Moscone, Hostess Extraordinaire Donna Sachet, Mayor London Breed, Senator Scott Weiner, and PRC CEO Chuan Teng. 

This year’s awards recognized the incredible contributions of several honorees. Steven Ames Brown received the Sylvester Community Pillar Award for his tireless efforts to ensure that Sylvester’s and other artists’ royalties continue benefitting PRC and other nonprofits. Steven has also been instrumental in representing BIPOC musicians for decades, securing the royalties they deserve. 

Dr. Monica Gandhi was honored with the Vanguard Leadership Award for her pioneering contributions to HIV/AIDS medical advancements and her leadership as the Medical Director of Ward 86, one of the first dedicated HIV clinics in the U.S. Her work has been invaluable in removing stigma and providing compassionate care.

The Outstanding Corporate Partnership Award went to Marsh McLennan Agency, who has been a close partner to PRC, working alongside our People Experience team to provide staff with the best benefits. Their continued support, including securing a grant for PRC from the Barney and Barney Foundation, has been invaluable. 

A particularly memorable highlight of the evening came from Basil Martinez, a former PRC client and now PRC’s Workforce Development Program Coordinator. Basil captivated the audience with his powerful story of recovery, sharing the experiences that brought him to PRC. His honest recounting of setbacks and personal transformation moved everyone in the room, showing that with the right support, positive change is not only possible—it’s something we see and support at PRC every day. 

As the program wrapped up, guests hit the dance floor with tunes from DJ Adrian Loving, celebrating a night of incredible impact and opportunity for our clients. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make the night such a tremendous success, including PRC Board Members and Event Chairs Michael Niczyporuk and Darren Smith, our Mighty Real Committee members Colin Hartke, Phillip Keeling, Michael Kyle, Camellia Ngo Peabody and John Peabody, Brian Schneider, and Nichole Wiley, our generous sponsors and in-kind donors, our dedicated volunteers, and all who attended. Your support continues to make a real difference for the community we serve. 

Thank you for making this year’s Mighty Real a night to remember! 


Presenting PRC’s 2023/24 Impact Report

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

We are excited to present PRC’s 2023/24 Impact Report, centered around the theme of our clients’ journeys and how they Imagine, Inspire, Act. 

This report highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting low-income and unhoused individuals living with HIV, mental illness, and substance use disorders. Through proven strategies and compassionate services, we continue to advocate for lasting change and improved client well-being.

This publication also represents a complete design refresh to be much more photo-and story-centric. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Explore the report

Our clients inspire us daily with their resilience, determination, and love for life. Their journeys remind us that change is possible. When we imagine a brighter future, we inspire one another and act with purpose. The dedication of our team, alongside the steadfast support of partners like you, drives this progress. 

We invite you to explore the report and see how PRC is delivering on its mission. You’ll read the inspiring story of AJ, a former client who now works at PRC, giving back to the community that supported him. His story is just one example of how we’re making a tangible difference.

Together, we are creating a healthier, more hopeful future for all.

In community,

PRC

Mental Healthcare is Changing in California. Join Us in Changing it for the Better!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Mental health. Substance use. Homelessness. Solutions. Investment.
These words typify our experience as San Franciscans, Californians, as Americans. But how often to we push beyond the buzzwords and have meaningful dialogue about the real issues affecting our communities? When was the last time we heard from an expert about the work on the ground and solutions that are achievable for everyday people?

Hear what we all need to keep in mind as we consider how to get involved in solutions on mental health in our community.

We’re grateful to Manny’s for providing a platform for this kind of community-based dialogue last month, joining the California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies for an important conversation on the changing nature of our state’s behavioral health system. Together, we unpacked recent legislation affecting organizations like PRC and talked through the many reasons to be hopeful in the face of frustration.

“This is an incredibly dynamic moment for Behavioral Health in San Francisco, and it will require the collective effort of our entire community to explore innovative solutions for the systemic changes we aspire to see. While our primary focus is serving our clients, we understand that we cannot do this in isolation. We are committed to serving our clients alongside community members, recognizing that social rehabilitation thrives within the context of community.” – Chuan Teng, PRC Chief Executive Officer

Here are the most important takeaways you need to know:

  1. There’s more energy and political will around behavioral health in halls of power across California than ever before. Just last year, there were more than 300 behavioral health bills introduced, shattering levels from previous legislative sessions. That enthusiasm for solutions is in and of itself, a good thing. 
  2. It’s important to keep conversations around public health and criminality separate. Unfortunately, we’re seeing these conversations conflated. People who use drugs aren’t universally experiencing homelessness. People without homes aren’t universally using drugs or living with mental illness. We should reject language that says otherwise. We need to prioritize getting people into treatment because it’s proven to work. 
  3. Ensuring that everyone has the behavioral healthcare they deserve isn’t the responsibility of the government or one stakeholder. It will take all of us, government leaders, public and private health sector, nonprofits and philanthropy, and the community, working together to get more people housed and more people in treatment.
Watch the entire conversation on YouTube

Manny’s, located in the Mission, is a space where the community comes together to take part in civic and political life. Manny’s is a town hall, a village square, the place where anyone can meet and engage with civic leaders, elected officials, artists, activists, changemakers, and each other.

UMOJA Health Access Point – Join Us for Sexual Health Screenings and More!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

February 28, 11 am – 6 pm
Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness 
601 Cesar Chavez Street

We are excited to share an upcoming community partnership with Rafiki Coalition for Health Wellness, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 3rd Steet Youth Center & Clinic, and UCSF Alliance Health Project, to put on the UMOJA Health Access Point (HAP). The HAP is a one-stop hub providing sexual health services along with other supports for the African American community of San Francisco. The goal is to provide a holistic wellness experience empowering attendees with the tools needed to make lasting changes on their health journey through wrap-around services that meet their specific needs.

These free services include:   

  • holistic sexual health services 
  • cancer screenings  
  • grocery boxes  
  • healthy hot lunch  
  • massages  
  • self-care services  
  • community healing circles  
  • workforce supportive services  
  • wellness classes  
  • and more!  

Join us in our mission to empower the African American community of San Francisco with the tools and resources needed to thrive. Spread the word, share the love, and let’s make health equity a reality for all!   

Covered California Announces One More Week to enroll for Coverage in 2024!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

In response to the increased demand for health insurance and disruption at their service centers, Covered California is extending the deadline to sign up for 2024 healthcare coverage to midnight on February 9, 2024. Any enrollment completed by February 9, 2024, will be considered effective February 1, 2024.

Covered California is the state’s platform for individuals to access affordable, high-quality insurance options. It is where consumers can compare health plans and review potential financial assistance to find the best coverage that fits their individual needs and budget.

Consumers can reach the Covered California service center at (800) 300-1506 for assistance. To avoid longer wait times or difficulties reaching a Covered California representative over the phone, consumers can visit CoveredCA.com for free and confidential online assistance. It is essential that eligible consumers take advantage of this extra opportunity to have health insurance for the rest of the year.

An update from PRC CEO Chuan Teng

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Dear Friend,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. For PRC, the past ten months have been a dynamic time of transformation, one in which we have become a stronger, more resilient, and more effective organization. As we embark upon the new fiscal year, I am pleased to report on the progress we have achieved and share exciting opportunities in the year ahead.

Strengthened Financial Condition 
Since last fall, PRC has undergone an ambitious endeavor to strengthen the organization’s financial condition. In this pursuit, we have scrutinized expenses, renegotiated leases and vendor contracts, and reduced costs wherever possible. In January 2023, we completed the successful transfers of two under-utilized and under-funded residential programs to another provider. These transfers completed the organization’s planned restructuring and also significantly simplified operations and reduced overall expenses.

Importantly, the savings we achieved were realized without reducing staff salaries. In fact, last March, we implemented a 4% salary increase for all staff except for select executive leaders. The organization will continue to make critical investments that prioritize staff compensation to address sector-wide staffing shortages and uphold its commitment to fair and competitive wages.

Completed Financial Analysis and Sustainability Plan
With help from the City Controller’s Office, PRC completed a detailed financial analysis of the organization and its programs. Based on this analysis, we partnered with our largest funder, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), to correct long-standing, underfunded contracts. We also developed a financial sustainability plan to establish a sustainable, cost-neutral organizational model to deliver the most critical behavioral health and social services programs for people affected by HIV, substance use, or mental health issues in San Francisco.

Grew Capacity for Finance, Operations, and Compliance
Over the past several months, PRC received several capacity-building grants to enhance functions within its finance and operations departments. Important investments were made to hire a new Real Estate Asset Manager, Director of Contract Compliance and Data Systems, and a seasoned Consulting Chief Financial Officer with over two decades of experience working for the City and County of San Francisco. As a result of these investments, the organization has developed and implemented a new contract management database, initiated the upgrade of its financial management system to Sage Intacct, and completed capital needs assessments for the majority of its properties.  

Transformed Lives
Amidst all of this progress, PRC continues to empower 5,000 people annually to create positive transformation in their lives through housing, mental health, and substance use treatment, legal advocacy, workforce development, and emergency financial assistance. Additionally, PRC through the Black Leadership Council, continues to advance health equity policies and is co-sponsoring their first bill AB 85 (Weber), which will require health plans to include coverage for social determinants of health screenings, as well as other policies that advance health, wealth, housing, and education for Black and low-income communities of color.

We recently released our 2021/22 annual impact report, which not only demonstrates the effectiveness of our programs but also captures beautiful client stories and reflects our collective effort.

Opportunities Ahead
In the year ahead, PRC is undertaking several new initiatives, including growing its housing navigation services and diversifying funding streams through new revenues from the state and private institutions. We believe these changes are necessary to respond to the humanitarian crisis of homelessness, adapt to state-wide behavioral health policy reforms, as well as ensure long-term organizational sustainability. As always, we will guide strategic decision-making with the goal of improving client experience and creating greater community impact.
 
We are in a much better, stronger, and more effective place than we were last fall, all due to the hard work of our dedicated staff and board members – we’re thrilled to announce a new appointment with Tamarah Prevost, Partner at Cotchett Pitre & McCarthy LLP – as well as the commitment of our partners and the generous support of our community. We cannot say thank you enough.

In gratitude,


Chuan Teng
PRC CEO

A note from Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Dear Friend,


Our 25th annual Pride Brunch on Saturday, June 24, was a huge success! A record-breaking 350 guests attended, net proceeds of $78,000 exceeded all previous years, and every SF Pride Community Grand Marshal spoke passionately to our attendees. The Westin St. Francis Hotel in Union Square came alive with colorful decor, lively entertainment, hosted bars from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Korbel, a delicious seated brunch, and a meaningful program augmented by comments from Mayor London Breed, State Senator Scott Wiener, and Assemblymember Matt Haney. If you missed it, our photo gallery and other photos on social media reveal why so many people call this their favorite SF Pride event.

We are so proud that what began as a grassroots opportunity for our community to gather during Pride weekend and raise funds for PRC, has developed into a highly anticipated, must-attend event. While still preserving the fun and surprises for which we are known, this year’s benefit also recognized 12 Legacy Partners, friends who contributed to the success of Pride Brunch over many years.

We appreciate our generous financial sponsors, the donors to the raffle and auction, those who bought raffle tickets and bid enthusiastically, and every single person who chose to support Pride Brunch with their attendance or donations. Our team of volunteers and PRC staff juggled many responsibilities
and dedicated hours to this year’s success. We are still floating on air from the many compliments we’ve received and accept them on behalf of everyone who made this a record year.

We thank all who participated for helping us raise more than $645,000 in net proceeds since 1999 to support the life-changing work of PRC.

Sincerely,

Gary Virginia & Donna Sachet
Co-Founders, Pride Brunch

25th.Anniv.Pride.Brunch_Hewitt.Visuals-136
Hover your cursor on the image above then click the right/left arrows to view the curated photo gallery

The full gallery of photos taken by the talented Sonya Abrams and Vita Hewitt can be viewed here.

Cut your Medicare prescription drug costs with “ExtraHelp”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Great news: thanks to the new prescription drug law, the Inflation Reduction Act, in 2024, people with Medicare may qualify for even more savings through the Extra Help program. This program helps some people pay their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. In 2024, the program will expand, and you may qualify.

How does Extra Help lower my costs?
In 2024, everyone who qualifies for Extra Help will pay:
• $0 for your Medicare drug plan premium.
• $0 for your plan deductible.
• A reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs.
If you get any level of Extra Help now, and meet the qualifications for next year, you’ll get these cost savings automatically—you don’t need to reapply.

How do I find out if I qualify for Extra Help?
In most cases, you must live in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and have income and resources below a certain limit. The income limit is based on your income from the previous year.
• Your annual income must be below $21,870 for an individual, or $29,580 for a married couple in 2023.
• Your resources must be below $16,600 for an individual or $33,240 for a married couple in 2023.
o Resources include money in a checking, savings, or retirement account, stocks, and bonds. Resources don’t include your home, one car, burial plots, up to $1,500 for burial expenses if you’ve put that money aside, furniture, and other household and personal items.

These limits can change each year. Even if you don’t qualify for Extra Help now, you can reapply for Extra Help any time, if your income and resources change.

How do I apply for Extra Help?
Some people qualify automatically, but if you don’t, it’s easy to apply for Extra Help:
• Visit Social Security online at ssa.gov/extrahelp.
• Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
After you apply, Social Security will review your application and send you a letter to let you know if you qualify for Extra Help. Once you qualify, you can choose a Medicare
Low-income Subsidy Drop-in Article
drug plan. If you qualify for Extra Help and don’t select a plan, Medicare will select a plan for you.

Where can I get more information?
• Visit Social Security at ssa.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800325-0778) if you have questions about the Extra Help program or need help filling out the application.
• Visit Medicare.gov/extrahelp or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn about Medicare drug plans, Extra Help, and other ways to lower your prescription drug costs. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

San Francisco residents living with HIV? The Equal Access to Healthcare Program (EAHP) team of advocates at PRC can help; email [email protected] or call (415) 864-4066.

Celebrating our most important asset — our staff!

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

PRC Recognizes May as Staff Appreciation Month

Here at PRC, we help more than 5,000 of San Francisco’s most underserved adults each year go from a place of crisis to stability by giving them the foundation they need to transform their lives for the better. And by “we”, we’re referring to the more than 200 dedicated and hardworking members of our staff
who work tirelessly to ensure each person who walks through our doors has the support they need to thrive.

In 2022, PRC dedicated May as Staff Appreciation Month (SAM) to celebrate our compassionate change-makers with an organization-wide show of gratitude for their dedication and hard work. This year, we celebrated SAM once again.

Staff at each of our locations received weekly deliveries of treats and snacks and inspiring notes thanking them for their service. Our People Experience team (Human Resources) curated trivia challenges and entertaining games with chances to win awesome prizes donated by generous business and community
donors. The activities concluded with an open house that included lunch, games, and the opportunity for staff to socialize and celebrate each other.

To say that we are proud of our staff and the ways they uplift our community is an understatement. Each day they work to keep people housed, ensure they receive the health benefits they need to live a dignified life, provide tools to find meaningful employment and offer mental health and substance addiction supports that accompany recovery. In our humble opinion, the staff at PRC are the cream of the crop, and we can’t thank them enough for dedicating their lives to helping others in need.


Please join us in showing your appreciation for these incredible individuals and their dedication to lifting up everyone in need. San Francisco is a better place because of them and their compassion for their fellow human.

In community,

PRC

Black Leadership Council’s Aftershock Film Screening, Panel Discussion, and a Call to Action

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

We’re elated to share about an incredibly impactful event of which we were a part. On Wednesday, April 12, the Black Leadership Council (BLC), an initiative of PRC, and partners First 5 Alameda County, Alameda Health System and Alameda County Public Health Department’s BElovedBIRTH Black Centering, and the California Black Health Network held a screening of the powerful documentary Aftershock and a post-film Panel Discussion. The event took place at Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theatre during Black Maternal Health Week, which aims to inspire awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black Moms and birthing people.

This film highlights the devastating inequities that Black birthing women face as they relate to maternal morbidities. More specifically, the film follows the preventable deaths of two young African-American women in New York City, whose bereaved families turn their pain into power and galvanize activists, birth workers, and physicians to reckon with the US maternal health crisis.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion with one of the filmmakers, Tonya Lewis Lee; two of the featured fathers, Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre; California Black Health Network Executive Director Rhonda Smith; and Alameda Health System & Alameda County Public Health Department’s BElovedBIRTH Black Centering Director Jyesha Wren. Their contributions to the discussion and the event were invaluable as we learned how they use film, art, innovative programming for Black birthing mothers, and policy reform efforts to find effective solutions that lead to health equity and justice. The panel was moderated by Tasha Henneman, PRC’s Chief of Policy and Government Affairs and Director of the BLC, and Kevin Bremond, First 5 Alameda County Father’s Corps’ Co-Founder and Program Administrator.

We encourage you to watch the film on HULU and then view our panel discussion embedded below.

The event ended with the Black Leadership Council’s call to action:

  • Reclaim the promise of racial justice, equity, and quality health care for ALL!
  • Commit to advancing and funding the work of all those represented and make it endure!
  • Be voices, eyes, ears, and advocates for Black mothers and birthing people!
  • Grow a broader, more resilient base of political support for racial equity beyond the brave leadership of the event’s justice warriors.
  • Become a member of the Black Leadership Council and join them in Sacramento, on June 19, 2023, for their annual advocacy day, “Black in Action.”

Check out our curated photo gallery of the event by clicking the arrow keys to the left and right below.

bethaniehines

“So important was the feeling people walked away with. The film and panel discussion opened a door for birthing people and non-birthing people to recall their own personal experiences or those of others close to them, to reflect on the harsh realities of health inequities that Black women face, and provided education on the historical racism that has shaped the birthing/medical field.”

— Tasha Henneman, Chief of public Policy and Government Affairs, PRC / Director, BLC

Hear from our attendees, who left the event feeling inspired and activated! You can also view all photos from the event taken by Bethanie Hines Photography.

The Black Leadership Council acts as a coalition because when we improve outcomes for our community members hardest hit by inequities, we improve them for all of us.