The SHC works in partnership with our patients and the community to ensure that we are offering services most needed in Central Brooklyn. The STAR Community Advisory Group (CAG) is the primary vehicle for consumer involvement in program design, implementation, and improvement. Members include individuals who receive our services as well as those who are just concerned that people in their neighborhoods get the best possible health care.

The CAG has shaped the types of services provided by the SHC as well as the way these services are delivered. It has been instrumental in the development of a patient satisfaction survey which members administer monthly. It has also recommended additional peer education, mental health services specific to women's issues, substance abuse treatment, more appointment availability, peer education and buddy services, all of which have been incorporated into SHC services.

We are fortunate to have committed CAG members who volunteer their time and ideas to the betterment of the SHC, and their personal statements express why each of them have assumed this important responsibility. Our CAG members are also interested in hearing your ideas, so the next time you see one of the faces below, introduce yourself and let them know what health care services you think our community needs!

Gloria Guzman:

I began peer education with the Latino Community Commission for the Health Department of NYC. I continued working for other agencies on advocacy, support/outreach for clients living with chronic diseases. I am currently a senior peer leader for the STAR Program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. I have also been a member of the Community Advisory Group for the past nine years. My goal is to help clients empower themselves and to continue working with clients so that they receive quality care for better health.

Pamela Crawford:

I am one of the newest members of the Community Advisory Group (CAG). I have been in the healthcare field for over 20 years and I am a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor (CASAC). My main purpose and goal in joining the CAG is to give assistance and support to clients in their need to be educated about their health, wellness and medication issues.

Altamease Whetsone:

I have been a Peer Educator for eight years at CAMBA. I have been a member of the Community Advisory Group for the last 10 years. My goal is to help others in whatever way that I can.

Lawrence Hagins:

I have been living with HIV since 1994. I was a heroin intravenous user for 40 years; I've been in and out of prison for 30 years and now I am living life "on lifes terms." By being a member of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) at the STAR Program, I am able to give back to my community and educate them about the harm and dangers of risky behavior.

Michael Anderson:

I have been a member of the Community Advisory Group for over 9 years. Presently I am Health Educator at CAMBA Anti-Stigma project. I am also a Pre-Post Counselor. I do this work to advocate and lend my voice for clients that would otherwise not be heard.

Marilyn H. Whitehurst:

I am a Community Advisory Group member because I am dedicated to assisting people who need help as I was once in need of assistance. I was introduced to the CAG team by Gloria Guzman, who has seen my work as a Peer Educator.

Thomas Powell, Jr.:

I joined the SUNY Downstate STAR Health Center Community Advisory Group team in order to serve as an advocate for all clients and their wellness concerns and their overall perspective medical care. I serve as the CAB Community Chair of recruitment and memberships (GMHC) I am also on CAB of Partnership For The Homeless; CAB member of Pantry at Momentum. I serve the public as a continued advocate. I also have experience as a Case Manager and Adherence Public Speaker. I believe that I am a people person.

Anthony Sims:

Thank you for the opportunity to be a member of the STAR Community Advisory Group. I have served as a member of Brooklyn Hospital Center for about 4 years working with clients and staff in a positive manner. I also have training in Health Care, advocacy and outreach skills. I am an accredited alcoholism and substance use counselor. I would like to enhance the way of thinking and life skills of patients so that they may have a productive life style.

Brenda Hopkins:

I feel fortunate to be a member of the Community Advisory Group at the STAR Health Center. I am also an Advisory Board Member doing outreach work for Project Street Beat. My focus is to help people with their need and be a voice for people who need to be heard. I've been doing this work for over three years.

Jean Alexandre:

I started as a Peer Leader at the STAR Health Center in May 2007. After more than two years, I am a Senior Peer Leader. Regarding health, I learned that living healthy, productive and happy life with a chronic condition.

• It is about a new life style.
• It is about behavior changes.
• It is about self management.

Regarding your mind, your body and your soul. The important thing is taking the first steps, the baby step. Changing your life style is a journey not a destination. As a CAG member at the STAR Program, I am encouraging and I will encourage consumers in this process to have a normal life.