Issue 2: Volume 1b: MAO IN SIGHT is the community and supporter newsletter of Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit health care and health education organization. IN SIGHT was first concieved by MAO’s founders more than 30 years ago.
a publication of Medical Advocacy & Outreach (MAO)
Winter 2019/2020
IN SIGHT
Issue 2, Volume 1b - December 2019
Compassion, care, education,
and innovation for
more than 30 years
Heath, wellness, and HIV, Hepatitis C, and
diabetes prevention education
Speciality medical and behavioral care, including
pharmacy and dental services, and counseling
Social services, case management, insurance,
food, transportation, and housing assistance
Professional development programs that build
human capacity to save lives
Provider assisted telemedicine integration
(Center) Lydia Chatmon, HIV Prevention Specialist for Selma AIR, sharing the
results from Selma AIR’s participation in MAO’s Take Back, Educate, Inundate
Initiative at the 2019 Fall Behavioral Health Conference, hosted by MAO
Behavioral Health, and supported, in part, by AmerisourceBergen Foundation.
“CDC director praises Alabama HIV clinic ahead of
campaign” - Associated Press
In June 2019, Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) was chosen as an
example of model rural specialty care in the field of HIV and welcomed
Dr. Robert Redfield, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), for a tour of MAO’s Montgomery facilities. Dr. Redfield’s
visit marked the first time a CDC Director visited Alabama.
MAO AND ALABAMA WELCOME
NATIONAL HEALTH LEADER
SHARING INNOVATIONS AND CANDID
OBSERVATIONS FOR ENDING AN EPIDEMIC
2019 presented MAO with much recognition. Many
of these special moments drew attention from
the public as well as regional, state, and national
media. One such recognition came in the form of an
unprecedented visit by the current Director of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr.
Robert Redfield, to Medical Advocacy and Outreach
(MAO) on Friday, June 14, 2019. For all Alabamians,
this was a historical first visit by a CDC Director to the
State of Alabama. For MAO, it was a great honor to be
chosen as the rural health and HIV care provider to
be exemplified to such a recognized national health
leader. While visiting Alabama, Dr. Redfield was
provided a guided tour of MAO’s Copeland Care Clinic
in Montgomery by resident providers, as well as a
lunchtime question and answer session in the MAO
Learning Center.
During his tour of the Clinic, Dr. Redfield was given a
practical demonstration of telemedicine technology.
Continued on page 11.
A message from MAO
Leadership
Ashley M. Tarrant, MPH
Chief Operation Officer
“We have become not a melting pot, but
a beautiful mosaic. Different people,
different beliefs, different yearnings,
different hopes, different dreams.”
-President Jimmy Carter
Alabama communities, particularly
those in the 28 southern counties
served by Medical Advocacy and
Outreach (MAO), are diverse. The social,
cultural, faith and economic factors
vary significantly. Each person requires
individual consideration, particularly when it comes to their health
and helping them find the path that works best for them. For some,
transportation, housing, or even low co-pays are major obstacles. For
others, comorbidities, or the simultaneous presence of two chronic
diseases or conditions, make situations complicated. Consider the
possible routine needs of someone like you. Now, consider adding
the needs of someone living with HIV, Hepatitis C, and/or diabetes to
that picture. Of course, stigma, particularly self-imposed and social
stigma, can be the real potential killer. MAO applies the accumulated
knowledge and experience of its professional team, a commitment to
innovation and partnerships, and a respect for those receiving services
to address all of these concerns. MAO’s reputation for innovation and
service has opened doors to make sure there is a rural voice at the
table at the state and national levels where plans are being developed
to improve care models and End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic.
On behalf of MAO’s Board of Directors, its Chief Executive Officer,
Michael Murphree, our staff, and volunteers, may you find the
information in this issue of MAO IN SIGHT informative and inspiring.
As always, please take a moment to consider how you might get more
involved.
Everything that we have been able to do since 1987 has been a direct
result of public support. Your support helps us continue to save lives
every day. THANK YOU!
STAFF
LEADERSHIP
Michael Murphree, LICSW
Chief Executive Officer
Ashley M. Tarrant, MPH
Chief Operation Officer
Tina Bush, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Laurie Dill, MD, AAHIVS
Medical Director
DaQuentin Davis, MS, HRM
Director of Human Resources
Rozetta Roberts, MSN, RN
Clinical Director
Bretia A. Gordon, Ed.D., MPA
Director of Capacity Building
Jamil Dawson, MBA
Director of Support Services
Alftan D. Dyson-Long, PharmD,
BCACP, AAHIVP
Director of Pharmacy Services
Elana M. Parker Merriweather,
Ed.S., AADC, LPC, NCC
Director of Behavioral Health
Carl Shamburger, Jr., DMD
Dominique Askew Shamburger, DDS
Co-Directors of Dental Services
Billy Sample
Telehealth Resource Center Program
Manager
Ashley F. Boaz, MBA, MHA, CMPE
Clinical Practice Manager
Pamela D. Holton
Regional Coordinator (Wiregrass Area and
Southwest Alabama)
MAO IN SIGHT is the community and supporter newsletter of
Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit
health care and health education organization. IN SIGHT was
first concieved by MAO’s founders more than 30 years ago.
First published in the Fall of 1987, IN SIGHT originally
provided updates about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and
activities for Alabama’s River Region. Private donations
made it possible for IN SIGHT to be published quarterly for
nearly 20 years. Although economics no longer permit such
a frequency, the new IN SIGHT publication offers the same
valuable information and more two times each year. If
there is a topic you think MAO should consider for the next
issue share your thoughts with the publication team.
IN SIGHT PUBLICATION
TEAM
Thomas L. Stephens
Media Relations Specialist
tstephens@maoi.org
Dianne Teague
Government and Donor Relations
dteague@maoi.org
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 2
MAO and rural Alabama was a prominent voice at an information gathering roundtable discussion hosted by
the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs in August 2019.
Photo shared via social media by the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. See article below.
RURAL ALABAMA HAS BEEN GIVEN
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
An Invitation to Speak Candidly About Rural Health
During the last week of August 2019, the U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services’ Office of Intergovernmental & External Affairs hosted a rare
opportunity in Washington, DC for discussion between federal government
health officials, state and local health departments, and community partners
as part of ongoing information gathering to inform the new End the HIV/AIDS
Epidemic Plan. The gathering, which coulud be best described as a “round
table discussion” was hosted by several recognizable figures on the national
health and health policy-making stage, most notably, the Secretary of Health
and Human Services, Alex Michael Azar II, the Surgeon General, VADM
Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., and the Director for the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), Robert Redfield, MD. Medical Advocacy and
Outreach (MAO) was honored to be invited.
MAO’s invitation came, in part, as a result of prior participation by meeting
organizers’ in presentations given by MAO Team Members in various settings,
either in person or in webinar formats. Organizers were particularly
impressed by presentations given by MAO’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael
Murphree, LICSW, on topics ranging from the Ryan White Care Act to the use
of telemedicine technology to remove barriers in rural care, and other issues
of relevance in professional academic and policy-making settings. Many of
these presentations had been either directly or indirectly supported by the
Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Continued on page 4.
May I have
the envelope please?
MAO’s Dr. Laurie Dill,
MD, AAHIVS continues
to be recognized for her
passion, dedication and
accomplishments. Most
recently, Dr. Dill was presented
with the 2019 Martha Myers
Role Model Award. The Award,
bestowed by the University
of Alabama Medical Alumni
Association near annually
since 2007, is intended to
inspire generations of medical
students by highlighting the
accomplishments of physician
alumni whose lives epitomize
the ideal of service to their
communities.
Pictured (Left to Right at
podium): Dr. John Wheat,
Chair of the Medical Alumni
Association Board of Directors,
Dr. Dill, and Dr. Selwyn Vickers,
Senior VP and Dean of the UAB
School of Medicine.
Photo courtesy of
W.J. Many, Jr., MD, FACP.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 3
CONTRIBUTING TO THE PLAN
BIPARTISAN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT HEALTH
On Sept. 24, 2019, MAO’s CEO, Michael Murphree, LICSW, represented MAO in
a panel discussion hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, DC
and moderated by Naomi Seiler, Associate Professor, Milken Institute School
of Public Health, George Washington University, titled “Ending HIV in America:
Policy and Program Insights From Local Health Agencies and Providers”.
In addition to Murphree, the panel included: Phyllis Mann, Director of HIV
Services, Capital Area Health Network, Gregorio Millett, Vice President and
Director of Public Policy, amFAR, and Gretchen Weiss, Director of HIV, STI, &
Viral Hepatitis, NACCHO.
The panel discussion and activities of the day spoke to and expanded on
the findings released in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s report relating to
understanding the challenges and opportunities to end the HIV epidemic from
the vantage point of frontline health care providers and local health agencies
in eight diverse jurisdictions distributed geographically around the country:
Seattle, Washington; Bronx, New York; Kansas City, Missouri; Jacksonville
(Duval County), Florida; Clark County, Nevada; Scott County, Indiana;
Richmond, Virginia; and, Montgomery, Alabama. Visit bit.ly/BPPCEndHIV
to access the full report or bit.ly/BPPCsept24 to watch the September
discussion.
RURAL ALABAMA HAS BEEN
GIVEN A SEAT AT THE TABLE
An Invitation to Speak Candidly About Rural Health
Continued from page 3.
Other meeting participants reflected a canvas of dynamic
individuals and agencies recognized for successes in the
HIV prevention and treatment landscape. As recanted by Mr.
Murphree,“One of the participants brought profound views and
significant experience based in faith-based outreach work in
the City of Atlanta. The individual and his church work tirelessly
with the homeless population. He spoke to the critical nature of
collaborations in their successes thus far.” In addition to MAO,
five other change-leading efforts were represented, three from
the Deep South, two from the metro Washington, DC area, and
one from northeastern Pennsylvania serving the New York,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey border.
“What could have been an intimidating experience with so
many recognizable faces quickly became a relaxing, but candid
exchange among learned colleagues. Much of the credit goes to
Dr. Redfield, who visited MAO in Alabama in June 2019, and the
galvanizing personalities of Secretary Azar and Surgeon General
Adams,” observed Murphree. At a pre-meeting discussion with
many of the invited guests, Dr. Redfield quickly got us focused
following sincere pleasantries. He encouraged us to take
stock of our successes, the landscapes in which we work, and
consider possible strategies for better reaching people from
all backgrounds. Our thoughts in these areas would contribute
to the successful realization of the End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Plan.”
Murphree elaborate on the breadth of perspectives provided by
the collective guests. Among those that stood out in the day’s
conversations were: utilizing faith connections to overcome the
potential for faith barriers; concepts for reaching women and
Continued on next page...
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 4
Are you a care or service
provider?
Allow the Teleheath Resource
Center to help you get
connected with telemedicine
and your clients.
Call (334) 280-3349, ext. 6000
“The true enemy
of public health is
stigma,” Redfield said
after a meeting with
state lawmakers,
public health officials
and physicians.
“In rural America,
stigma is an even
greater issue.”
- Associated Press June 2019 - Robert
Redfield, MD.
Director for the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC)
Pictured (Left to Right):
Gregorio Millett, Vice
President and Director
of Public Policy, amFAR,
Michael Murphree,
LICSW,Medical
Advocacy and Outreach,
Phyllis Mann, Director
of HIV Services, Capital
Area Health Network,
, and Gretchen Weiss,
Director of HIV, STI, &
Viral Hepatitis, NACCHO.
Photo courtesy of the
Bipartisan Policy
Center.
men living with HIV in diverse settings, cultural and geographic-specific
considerations, and the active involvement of people living with HIV in both the
creation and implementation of goals. At least two of the individuals present were
open about their status as people living with HIV. “From the outcomes of the day’s
conversations, I found it reinforcing to hear sentiments about the joint interest
of HRSA and CDC to bring people living with HIV into the dialogue about reaching
people, treatment, and even PrEP. MAO and those it serves in South Alabama have
benefitted greatly by involving willing clients in roles that inform what we do and how
we do it. Members of MAO’s Consumer Advisory Board, many of which are now LEAD
Academy graduates, never stop helping us become better at serving people,” heralded
Murphree.
For those less familiar, the LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Advocacy Development)
Academy is an intensive training program created by and for people living with HIV,
with support from the Southern AIDS Coalition and the Gilead Compass Initiative.
Upon completion, participants graduate as “Southern LEADers” with advanced
knowledge of HIV, real-world experience with advocacy, and the skills to serve as
leaders and trusted sources of information within their community.
Those involved in the August meeting were impressed by much of the content
discussed, but many were delightfully amazed by the willingness of the nation’s health
authorities to consider revisiting previously effective strategies of the past. Among
them, references were made to the possibility of a modern blitz campaign similar to
the now legendary action taken by Former Surgeon
General, C. Everett Koop in 1988 – his direct mailing
of the eight-page informational flyer “Understanding
AIDS” to every household in America. Although
admittedly more candid in its content than many
were accustomed to at the time, the mailing and
other equally objective responses to the epidemic
taken by Koop, who died in 2013, earned national
headlines like “The Surgeon General Who Put
Science Before Personal Ideology” and “Doctor, Not
Chaplain: How a Deeply Religious Surgeon General
Taught a Nation About HIV”.
Although the participants left unclear if similar
sessions would take place, there were definite
commitments made with regard to followup
communications and keeping the voices
of participants an active part of ongoing Plan
discussions. The consensus of the participants
was that there was a common theme arising from
their interaction with the hosts - the pursuit of a
more holistic response. Additionally, the interest in
generating a plan that works is truly bipartisan – a
win, win for America, and Alabama.
When asked to speculate on what expectations
might have been associated with MAO’s participation
in the meeting, Murphree shared, “I think what
makes MAO unique is that we have developed
a very clear model about how to reach rural
communities others in the US have not.” He went
on to share his vision for success, “We must look
at messages and approaches that are not just
urban-centered. Even when considering strategies
that have proven successful in urban settings, we
must have the latitude to adapt or customize them
with consideration given to geographic and social
culture.”
“Thirty-plus years of using models that worked
well in other parts of the country, but yielded
little results in the communities we serve has
taught us the value of moving beyond the cookie
cutter approach. People-centered, adaptive, and
innovative strategies are what will be required not
only to end the HIV epidemic, but to address other
rising health issues being faced by people living in
rural areas.”
Of course, on behalf of MAO and MAO’s colleagues
in the State of Alabama, Murphree extended an open
invitation to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services Azar to visit, tour, and get to know the
peoples of Alabama.
Like and
follow MAO
on social
media or
visit us
online.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 5
BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH
Serving the mind and the body
MAO’s newest arm, the Division of Behavioral
Health, began expansion efforts in 2018. The
primary goal of the expansion was to offer
substance abuse and mental health counseling
services to agency patients and client who
are accessing behavioral health services. The
offering of services have been initiated through
the integration of behavioral health services into
the following: (1) medical and clinical operations
through physician referrals and consultations; (2)
capacity building through workforce development
and staff training on specialized topics around
behavioral health; (3) social services through
the coordination of community resources and
referral linkages; (4) administration through
agency wide planning for Alabama Department
of Mental Health substance abuse treatment
certification; (5) marketing and social media
through the use of multimodal dissemination of
behavioral health information to staff and the
community; (5) telehealth through opportunities
for substance abuse prevention and treatment
opportunities in rural communities; and, (6)
financial planning for future acquisition of state
and federal funding, private pay fee for services,
third party insurance billing.
The Division of Behavioral Health continues to
explore opportunities to address the opioid crisis
in Alabama. In 2018, the following programs
were implemented and funding initiatives were
pursued respectively:
Programs:
• Intra departmental development and
coordination of the OTAP Committee (Opioid
Treatment Abuse and Prevention) including
capacity building and pharmacy.
• Hosting the National Prescription Drug
Take Back Observance on April 26 for the
community, patients, and MAO staff
• Hosting the 1st Annual Opioid Summit on
October 18 for state and local community
substance abuse and mental health
providers;
• Naloxone 101 Training for clinical and social
services staff on September 25 and October
18.
• Integration of the SBIRT (Screening for Brief
Intervention Referral to Treatment) and
ASAM (American Society for Addiction
MAO CONTINUES TO RAMP UP DRUG TAKEBACK ACTIVITIES
Hundreds of pounds of unused and/or expired prescription drugs are
no longer in circulation putting South Alabama residents at risk for
addiction, overdose or other health complications.
In addition to supporting the National DEA Drug Take Back Days in
the Spring and the Fall, all MAO site locations accept drop offs during
business hours in Montgomery, Dothan, and Atmore.
Medicine) assessment tools to screen patients
for opioid related disorders.
The integration of comprehensive behavioral
health services into Ryan White Care programs
at MAO is evolving, expanding and growing.
“In my background as a social worker and as a
mental health therapist, I found when I came to
MAO I was also including those skill sets with
the people of MAO. So many of those we care for
have undiagnosed behavioral health issues. For
us to look at the holistic (under one roof) model
includes behavioral health including substance
use/addiction to help treat the whole person. Ryan
White Care Act model includes the complete care
home.”
Michael Murphree, LICSW, CEO
Medical Advocacy and Outreach
“The vision for Behavioral Health is to assist and
support patients on their journey to personal
healing and wholeness. Collectively, we aim to
empower and encourage individuals to achieve a
higher quality of life emotionally, mentally, socially
and spiritually through personal growth and selfdevelopment
throughout the life span.”
Elana Parker Merriweather, Ed.S., LPC, AADC
Director of Behavioral Health
Medical Advocacy and Outreach
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 6
COMBATING OPIOIDS IN ALABAMA:
TAKE BACK, EDUCATE, INUNDATE
In 2019, Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) launched an initiative to combat opioid abuse in 36 of Alabama’s
67 counties and invited Selma AIR and Five Horizons Health Services (FHHS) to serve as launch partners. Take
Back, Educate, Inundate, aims to address one of the six priority areas of the Alabama Data Driven Prevention
Initiative (DDPI) on Opioid and Heroin Abuse and Overdose. In 2017, DDPI developed a strategic map identifying
the priority situational needs pertaining to the opioid epidemic in Alabama. The Project of MAO, Selma AIR, and
FHHS addresses priority C of that plan - Strengthening the Prevention and Education Infrastructure.
The Initiative captured the attention of the Amerisource Bergen Foundation, which generously committed the
funds necessary to aunch the effort. The commitment by the AmerisourceBergen Foundation to the Project
was part of collective commitments in Opioid Resource Grants and in-kind donations awarded to more than
20 organizations nationally in 2018 totaling in excess of $3.4 million. The Foundation is recognized for having
identified and developed comprehensive opioid misuse and abuse initiatives, including the Opioid Resource
Grant Program and the Safe Disposal Support Program, to redefine best practices and advance innovative
ideas from nonprofits with the goal of improving the wellbeing of communities around the world.
The Take back, Educate, Inundate Initiative represents a 3-pronged approach to combating the opioid crisis in
Alabama by providing: 1) safe and secure prescription drug take-back disposal locations; 2) opioid prevention
education in partnership with health providers, patients, and partnering agency team members; and 3)
informative and motivational messages through social media and related digital medium to reach the broadest
audience possible. “Reports continue to reinforce the critical need to take back unused/expired opioids to keep
them out of the hands of recreational drug users and those who might become addicted to them. It is equally
important to educate staff and high-risk members of the community about prescription drug misuse, needle
sharing, and how to address these issues with those who need care,” heralded Elana Parker Merriweather,
Ed.S., LPC, AADC, MAO’s Director of Behavioral Health. “Together, Medical Advocacy and Outreach, Selma AIR
and Five Horizons Health Services, can make a real difference.”
The Initiative is unique in several ways. It focuses light on people living
Although HIV/
AIDS can affect
anyone, the risk
of infection is
significantly
higher in those
suffering with
substance abuse,
whether the risk is
of direct exposure
through needles
or increased high
risk behavior
due to impaired
judgement.
with HIV, of whom 40% - 45% of injection drug users (IDU) are HIV positive;
and, 40% of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) are associated with IDU either
directly or by having sex with an IDU user. Because of their HIV status,
this population creates a greater risk of infecting others through shared
needles especially since syringe exchange is illegal in Alabama, creating
a need for other types of interventions. West Alabama, especially Walker
County, has been identified by the CDC as one of the 220 U.S. counties
at high risk for an HIV outbreak as a result of the opioid epidemic. To
maximize efforts, the partners each agreed to assume a leadership
role for roll-out in locations where their agencies maintain a significant
presence. With multiple locations and presence in the southern third of
Alabama, northwest Alabama, and the Black Belt, more than 50% of the
state is being served by the Initiative.
As the lead partner, MAO also provides supports,
human and material, to help all partners maximize
community impact and achieve Initative goals.
MAO is thrilled to announce Amerisource Bergen
Foundation will continue its support of the Initiative
in 2020; however, additional sources of support will
also be explored and
additional partners
welcomed.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 7
Five-Year Program to Reduce Disparities in HIV Care
for South Alabama Residents
The CARE(Creating Access, Retention, & Engagement) Program
In September of 2019, Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) learned the nonprofit would be one of three
program grantees supported through HIV Care Connect, a $7 million, five-year initiative established by the
Merck Foundation to help reduce disparities in access to care and improve health outcomes for persons with
HIV living in vulnerable and underserved Southeastern U.S. communities.
In the 28 South Alabama Counties currently served by MAO, women account for 34% of people living with
HIV (PLWH) in comparison to 27.7% statewide and 25% nationally. Whereas studies have revealed a decline
in diagnosis in women nationally, the percentages have remained consistent in MAO’s service area. Certain
populations, including women, face additional barriers to accessing high-quality HIV care, resulting in
substantial disparities that persist throughout the HIV care continuum.
Reducing disparities in access to HIV care and treatment requires multilevel strategies to improve linkage to
and long-term engagement in HIV care. It also requires collaboration among local health organizations and
community-based support agencies to address barriers to care associated with social determinants of health,
which include economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, stigma, social context
and trust in health care system.
As observed by Jamil Dawson, Director of Support Services for MAO, “People living with HIV in the Deep
South face many barriers, especially women. High poverty rates, extremely limited public transportation,
lack of accessible healthcare providers of any kind, stigma fostered by cultural and religious beliefs, mental
health and substance use, intimate partner violence, and lack of HIV-related services contribute to low
linkage and retention rates for women living with HIV. They are less likely to receive care within 90 days of
diagnosis as compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, much of the current research on HIV focuses
on men, even though women account for 25% of people living with HIV in the US and 34% of those in our 28
county service area. Of particular note, these women of the Deep South have little to no network of support.
Many women have been marginalized by the system, family, and intimate partners, leaving them isolated and
hesitant to seek treatment. As building trust among this group is paramount in linking and retaining them in
care, our program aims to establish and foster improved relationships between women living with HIV and
their HIV care providers.”
MAO’s multi-level intervention program, CARE (Creating Access, Retention, and Engagement), addresses
barriers to care for MAO’s unusually high percentage of women living with HIV. CARE addresses many social
and structural issues that affect linkage to and retention in care. Through a series of targeted and evidencebased
interventions, we specifically address housing and food insecurity, transportation, lack of social support,
stigma, behavioral health issues, and intimate partner violence. Because these barriers are exacerbated by
the lack of education and employment opportunities that exist in the rural counties that MAO serves, these
barriers are also addressed. Among its goals, CARE is committed to increasing linkage to HIV care within 30
days of diagnosis, particularly for pregnant/postpartum women, and increasing HIV appointment adherence.
MAO’s success is evident in its current efforts to serve this target segment. CARE is an expansion of an already
existing program, Moms of H.O.P.E (Health, Outreach, Prevention, Empowerment), the name of our Maternity
and Infant Services. Data from this program has shown that prior to the implementation of the HOPE Program,
appointment adherence for pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV was 45%. Within six months of
targeted interventions, adherence for this same cohort of women rose to 81%.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 8
“We need to accelerate solutions that address the growing disparities in patients’ access to HIV care and
health outcomes, and focus on communities that are most affected,” said Dr. Julie Louise Gerberding,
executive vice president and chief patient officer at Merck. “Through HIV Care Connect, we are pleased to
partner with Medical Advocacy and Outreach and help catalyze collaboration among organizations across the
southeastern United States and improve care coordination among people most affected by HIV.”
Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) (Montgomery, AL) joins selected organizations in communities across
the Southeast as program grantees of HIV Care Connect. The other two program grantees are: Care Resource
(Miami, FL) and the University of Mississippi Medical Center (Jackson, MS)
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will serve as the National Program Office for HIV Care Connect.
In this capacity, it will support the program efforts of the grantee organizations and provide leadership in
building a public-private partnership to reduce disparities in HIV care.
MAO’s HOPE Program, in partnership with the University
of Alabama’s Family Clinic pediatric infectious disease
providers, helped transition 103 healthy babies into this
world between 2012 and 2019. 100% of their mothers were
living with HIV and 98% were living below 100% of the
federal poverty level. Additionally, 74% of the perinatal
women, these new mothers, have a co-occurring
mental health diagnosis.
THE PASSING OF THE HAT
AND CHANGING ROLES
Back in 1996, when Dr. Laurie Dill first joined the MAO team, the landscape of specialty care, rural care,
and, even more so, HIV care and treatment was radically different than today. Unfortunately, more people
were dying of AIDS complications than living with HIV. Of course, what she brought to MAO’s clients as
a compassionate care provider and an experienced physician quickly elevated her to the role of Medical
Director. Much of the credit for the lives saved over the past 20 years and
the quality of care extended by MAO to the now more than 2,000 spanning
28 counties can be directly or indirectly credited to her application of
experience, commitment to innovation, passion, leadership, and her fierce
advocacy efforts for patients. As a result of Dr. Dill’s involvement, MAO’s
holistic care model and innovations, including the use of telemedicine
technology, have elevated conversations even among policy makers that
are helping to improve rural healthcare. Her efforts have earned her
recognitions locally and nationally, including invitations by past Presidents
to participate on the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS and being
named one of POZ Magazine’s 2016 Top 100. To quote Dr. Dill: “I’ve worked
in HIV care for more than two decades and I truly believe we now have
ALL the tools needed to get our country to zero new rates of infection.”
Dr. Dill believes in the process of good medicine, but remains realistic.
She also remains committed to the mantra that“we must take care of the
whole patient to help them take care of themself.” This means stepping
out of our individual comfort zone; meeting patients’ needs where they are; providing education and
ensuring they are safe; that they have a place to live; and helping with mental health/addiction issues. In
January 2020, Dr. Dill will be passing the Medical Director hat at MAO to another rising star. Dr. Dill will
Dr. Laurie Dill shown above
with her 2017 River Region Ethics Award
not be leaving MAO. She will continue to serve MAO clients as a part time physician and lead the agency’s
Ending the Epidemic planning process.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 9
Although Laurie Dill, MD, AAHIVS will in many ways continue to be a
knowledgeable guardian angel when it comes to patient care at MAO,
she will be officially passing the baton as MAO’s Medical Director to
another dynamic individual already familiar with MAO’s clients on
January 1, 2020. “MAO and I are delighted to announce that Dr. Cordelia
Stearns, MD, who has worked in our Thursday evening clinic since June
2018, will be coming on board full time as MAO’s Medical Director,”
announced Dr. Dill in a public statement. Dr. Stearns and Dr. Dill
officially began laying the groundwork in August of 2019 for a smooth
New Year transition.
In addition to supporting MAO’s clients part time for almost two years
and having practiced in other settings for more than eight years,
Dr. Stearns has quickly established herself as an equally respected
researcher and educator. Most recently, she held the role of Clerkship Director for Internal Medicine,
University of Alabama (UAB) Montgomery Medical Campus and Associate Program Director for the
UAB Internal Medicine Residency Program. These roles came after having already served as Assistant
Professor of Internal Medicine for UAB Montgomery. During her time with UAB, Dr. Stearns earned
aquacades by peers and students. Beyond her classroom, residency, and office commitments to
advancing the next generation of medical professionals, Dr. Stearns has been a frequent contributor
and reviewer for many industry publications, including the Substance Abuse Journal and the Journal
of General Internal Medicine. She has also been a certification standard setter for the American Board
of Internal Medicine. Alone or in collaboration with peers, Dr. Stearns has contributed articles to an
extensive list of publications and academic texts, including the Journal of Hospital Medicine, AIDS
Care, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, and Academic Emergency Medicine, to name a few, on
a range of topics including: provider perceptions and practice, patient outcomes, patient transitioning
from clinical trials to routine care, as well as an exhaustive list of subjects derived from studies into
contemporary health issues. A popular presenter, Dr. Stearns has canvased the nation as a result of
invitations to present at conferences, leader gatherings, and medical training programs.
Much of Dr. Stearns early career provided her with extensive experience in the field of HIV and the
co-morbidities MAO providers routinely manage with their patients. She received her medical degree
from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine where she received the coveted 21st Century
Gamble Scholar recognition including a full merit scholarship to the University, the Emergency Medicine
Research Prize, and the Anna Chirico Award for Excellence in Primary Care.
These would represent only the beginning of many
similar honors bestowed Dr. Stearns. She completed
her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of
California, San Francisco, and the Health Equity and
Advocacy Training Pathway Program at San Francisco
General Hospital, considered a global leader by many
in HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, research, and
education
since 1983.
“I feel Dr. Stearns is a wonderful fit for the MAO
family, and brings a very strong skill set for this
position. She is passionate about the work of
MAO, and about working with vulnerable patient
populations,” observed Dr. Dill. Dr. Marguerite
Barber-Owens, MD, AAHIVS, will continue to serve as
Assistant Medical Director and has heralded similar
comments of enthusiasm about Dr. Stearns taking the
mantle of Medical Director.
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 10
MAO ANNOUNCES
NEW MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Free, confidential community testing and linkage to care
strategies grew MAO’s client base above 2,000 in 2019.
MAO AND ALABAMA WELCOME
NATIONAL HEALTH LEADER
SHARING INNOVATIONS AND
CANDID OBSERVATIONS
FOR ENDING AN EPIDEMIC
Continued from cover.
Dr. Carlos Reyes-Sacin, MD, AAHIVS, FACP, paints the picture
for Dr. Redfield from the CDC how MAO uses telemedicine.
Photo courtesy of Holly M. Calloway, ADPH.
This experience alone provided the basis for a dynamic discussion about the growing potential for using
telemedicine to improve rural care, not only with regard to HIV, but by removing geographic and economic barriers
impacting care in general.
Dr. Redfield’s visit did not end at the MAO facility. An active conversation forum with the Director involving
community service agency representatives and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) personnel was
held at the ADPH offices in downtown Montgomery. During this exchange, both sides explored opportunities,
barriers, and challenges associated with responding to HIV in Alabama. A one and a half-hour question and answer
session was factored into the gathering, facilitated by MAO’s Michael Murphree. During the dialogue, all parties
contributed to an active examination of the Alabama landscape, particularly rural areas,through the lens of the new
HIV 2030 Plan.
What could be misinterpreted as luck or coincidence was, in fact, not a divine intervention, but a visit driven by
data and a demonstrated need for greater understanding. The significance of Dr. Redfield’s interest and Alabama
playing such a prominent role in national planning is directly related to the high rates of HIV plaguing rural areas
in the South. Reports released during the past two years have consistently shown that a higher proportion of new
HIV diagnoses (23 - 24%) are occurring in suburban and rural areas. As reported by the Alabama Department of
Public Health in the late spring of 2019, “Alabama bears a substantial HIV burden – more than 10% of the state’s HIV
diagnoses are in rural areas…Alabama is one of seven states selected to receive additional expertise, resources and
technology needed to end the HIV epidemic.” The “one in seven” reference relates to data supporting a new national
initiative launched in 2019. In February, President Trump announced an initiative aimed at reducing HIV infections
by 75 percent in five years and 90 percent in 10 years. The initiative targets 48 counties, Washington, D.C., and San
Juan, Puerto Rico, because of their high number of HIV cases. It targets seven states in their entirety with high rates
in rural areas – Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.
“There is a significant take away from Dr. Redfield’s visit to Alabama and MAO. Dr. Redfield is an informed leader
and observer of our work. Unlike so many of his predecessors, his career afforded him experience working in HIV
during the darker parts of the pandemic in the 1980s. As a result, for MAO, the visit provided a rare opportunity to
engage and strategize without needing to extensively pre-educate. Everyone at MAO is thrilled that Dr. Redfield
was left with such a definite positive impression of our work and our innovations.
He continues to voice sentiments months later in settings with other Plan leaders.
What a testament to the impact MAO is having not only in the communities we are In the Next Issue
directly serving, but on those authorities working toward realizing health goals
for the nation,” observed MAO’s Michael Murphree.
“From his visit to Montgomery and in other settings where our paths have crossed,
it remains clear that Dr. Redfield agrees that part of the solution to ending the
HIV pandemic is to reinvest in education. We saw more than a decade of moving
away from education, but Dr. Redfield seems to return to a commitment of public
education about health with an informed strategy of individualized approaches. In
Dr. Redfield’s words, ‘all of you in these communities tell us what you need to do
your work,’” summarized Murphree.
WHEN WERE YOU LAST TESTED FOR HIV OR HEP C?
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL MAO AT (800) 510-4704.
• Getting PrEPPARED with
PrEP
• Learning through Alabama
AETC
• Telehealth Resource
Center
• Educating the Community
• Tread Red Walk & Fun Run
MAO INSIGHT - WINTER 2019/2020 - PAGE 11
2900 McGehee Road
Montgomery, Alabama 36111
(800) 510-4704
info@maoi.org
MAOI.ORG
SAVE THE DATE!
September 12, 2020
Montgomery
@MAOofAlabama
maoofalabama
MAO
7 WAYS TO GIVE
WAYS TO HELP SAVE LIVES
There are 7 CONVENIENT WAYS in which you can make gifts to MAO to improve the health of rural residents
in the regions we serve through risk reduction activities and to potentially save the lives of the 2,000
receiving care and support services through MAO and those like them.
For more information, visit our website, e-mail info@maoi.org,
or call Diane Teague at (334) 315-5421 or Doug McCloud at (334) 481-1602.
WWW
PAY BILL
TRANSFER
WEBSITE
Visit our website, choose
DONATE from the top right of
any page.
MAIL
Mail to: MAO, Annual Fund
2900 McGehee Road
Montgomery, Alabama 36111
BILL PAY
Make a one-time gift or
recurring payment through
your bank or bill pay service.
STOCK OR IRA
Give the gift of stocks,
bonds, or mutual funds
held longer than 12 months
with appreciated value, or,
if age 70 ½ or over, direct
your otherwise taxable
minimum distribution from
an IRA directly.
CALL US
Yes! You can still call us.
We can process a major
credit card over the
telephone.
IN- KIND GIFTS
Although the tax-deductible
benefit to you may not be
the same, our Food Pantry,
Hope’s Closet for moms,
etc. always benefit from
more.*
MAOI.ORG/DONATE
Donations can be made anonymously or in
honor of a loved one even online.
* Please call prior to delivery or
commitment.
SHOP
Shop online using AmazonSmile, make Montgomery AIDS Outreach Inc your charity of choice and we could get 0.5%
of your transactions as a donation, OR, you can also support the Moms of HOPE using the Walmart (in store and
online) or Amazon.com Baby Registries. Look for Moms of HOPE.
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