HIV Prevention Program
Our Prevention Program aims to prevent transmission of HIV to and from 13 to 24 year-old young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and to improve the capacity of providers and parents to meet these young people's prevention needs.
HIV Risk Assessment
Upon enrollment, all clients complete an individual risk assessment with our HIV Prevention Program staff. These sessions are scheduled at the clients' conveniences in a variety of locations. The initial assessment provides the case manager a baseline of information for individualized education and risk-reduction counseling and also allows us to monitor subsequent changes in knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and other STI's (sexually transmitted infections), and risk behaviors. At the same time we are gathering information from a client, the client is receiving valuable information about HIV/AIDS and other STI transmission, and learning (and thinking) about their own level of risk.
Referral Services
After the initial assessment, prevention staff work with clients over a three month period to correct any remaining misinformation and to set individual goals for AIDS prevention. Youth who are in need of additional medical (including HIV testing and hepatitis vaccine), mental health, chemical dependency, or social services are offered appropriate referrals at this time. Whenever possible, clients are encouraged to involve their parents and families in the planning and implementation of referral services.
Follow-up
Clients are scheduled for a follow-up assessment within approximately three months of the initial interview. The purpose is to monitor short-term change in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, to reinforce learning, and to encourage progress.
This program is open to HIV+ youth, ages 13 to 30, are the sexual or injection sharing partners of HIV+ youth, or identify as high risk of getting HIV. To enroll, please contact Wendi Johnson.
HIV Risk Assessment
Upon enrollment, all clients complete an individual risk assessment with our HIV Prevention Program staff. These sessions are scheduled at the clients' conveniences in a variety of locations. The initial assessment provides the case manager a baseline of information for individualized education and risk-reduction counseling and also allows us to monitor subsequent changes in knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and other STI's (sexually transmitted infections), and risk behaviors. At the same time we are gathering information from a client, the client is receiving valuable information about HIV/AIDS and other STI transmission, and learning (and thinking) about their own level of risk.
Referral Services
After the initial assessment, prevention staff work with clients over a three month period to correct any remaining misinformation and to set individual goals for AIDS prevention. Youth who are in need of additional medical (including HIV testing and hepatitis vaccine), mental health, chemical dependency, or social services are offered appropriate referrals at this time. Whenever possible, clients are encouraged to involve their parents and families in the planning and implementation of referral services.
Follow-up
Clients are scheduled for a follow-up assessment within approximately three months of the initial interview. The purpose is to monitor short-term change in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, to reinforce learning, and to encourage progress.
This program is open to HIV+ youth, ages 13 to 30, are the sexual or injection sharing partners of HIV+ youth, or identify as high risk of getting HIV. To enroll, please contact Wendi Johnson.
