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AHF Public Health Division

www.myspace.com/ahfpublichealth

Mood: hopeful hopefulPosted at 5:53 PM Dec 10, 2008 view more

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  • Public Health

  • 22 / Male
  • LOS ANGELES, California, US
  • Last Login: 11/2/2009

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About me:



HIV TESTING TIMES

Mission and Scope

AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) Public Health Division is AHF’s community health education and public health policy arm. Formerly AHF’s Prevention and Testing Department, its new name reflects the division’s expanded mission as it continues to build on AHF’s history of providing effective and innovative HIV testing and counseling services, social marketing campaigns, public health policy and legislation development.

The name changes also reflects the expansive reach of AHF’s services as the organization continues to keep pace with changes in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, particularly within those populations considered most at risk.

In addition, the program has expanded to include more areas within Los Angeles County including South LA, San Bernardino County, the Bay Area in Northern California and most recently in South Florida. Additionally, AHF offers HIV testing, counseling and referral services in Tijuana Mexico. The division has increased the scope of its services to include screening for other sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea and syphilis, other co-factors in HIV transmission.


HIV TESTING TIMES




• Out Of The Closet (OTC)-Provides free HIV testing at Out Of The Closet Thrift Stores during late afternoons, evenings and weekends. Locations are in Hollywood and West Hollywood. As the primary testing program for the Public Health Division, the OTC Program operates seven days a week from 3pm to 4pm.

• Men’s Wellness Center (MWC)- Provides Free HIV and STD testing, treatment and prevention counseling for HIV negative men who have sex with men. These services are provided at the AHF Hollywood clinic on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

• Jails Testing (JTP)- Provides free daily HIV testing and counseling to those incarcerated in Los Angeles County facilities, primarily within Metro areas. Staff works in a professional, collaborative environment with LA Sheriff’s Department and Correctional personnel to provide a high quality of service for inmates.

• Mobile Testing Programs (MTU) - AHF operates two mobile testing vans providing HIV Rapid Testing, STD screening and counseling services within a versatile program that targets the many diverse, high-risk communities populated throughout the Los Angeles Metro area, as well as highly visible, special events. AHF coordinates mobile testing efforts with the CDC and other agencies serving communities of color throughout Los Angeles County. The AHF mobile testing program provided over 50% of all HIV tests conducted in Los Angeles County through community-based organizations in 2004. The mobile testing program operates in West Hollywood as the WeHo Mobile Testing Unit and in South Los Angeles as the Magic Johnson Mobile Testing Van, which utilizes the image of Magic Johnson in conjunction with the Magic Johnson Foundation to provide testing services.

• Partner Counseling & Referral Services (PCRS)- PCRS provides opportunities to test persons who may have had sexual or needle sharing contact with HIV positive individuals. This service prioritizes sensitivity and confidentiality for those who have discovered they are HIV positive to have partners they are either reluctant or unable to contact, notified for testing, diagnosis and treatment.

• Staynegative.org and InSpot.org

• Prevention Advocacy- AHF monitors HIV Prevention policies at the local, state, national and international levels to insure AHF has a strong voice in legislative debate concerning HIV prevention and testing issues.

• AHF Outreach And Linkage Program- Outreach workers contact individuals throughout high-risk settings and ‘cruising zones’, as well as within social service environments like the Magic Johnson Clinic in Oakland and Los Angeles Clinics. Once an HIV positive individual has been identified, outreach workers meet privately with her/him to complete a needs assessment and link her/him to the medical network of service providers for care.

• San Francisco Transcending Youth Program (SFP)- The San Francisco Transcending Youth Program provides free HIV testing and risk reduction counseling, targeting transgender individuals in conjunction using the evaluated behavior change model approved by the CDC, Mpowerment.

• Condom Distribution- Condom distribution plays an essential role in prevention and the promotion of safer sex. Each month, AHF distributes approximately 30,000 condoms to the national network of Out Of The Closet Thrift Stores, as well as various festivals, parades and events throughout the year.

• Staff Training & Volunteer Coordination- AHF recruits and trains over 30 Volunteer Staff for the Prevention & Testing Programs, whose strong support continues to help us reach as many individuals as possible. In 2007 we started California State Certification program for individuals who not only volunteer with AHF but other community-based agencies who are conducing HIV testing services. This includes the state Basic I and Basic II HIV Testing and Counseling certifications.

CHECK OUT OUR TESTING TIMES

HIV TESTING TIMES

Who I'd like to meet:

Staying Negative

Find out which lifestyle changes you should make to be sure you stay negative.

Getting a negative test result can be an almost euphoric relief. While this is a good time to be thankful, it is also an excellent opportunity to take stock of your behaviors and review safe sex practices.

Back to Safe Sex Basics:

We all think we know it all when it comes to the bedroom. Truth is, we could all use a refresher course. Talk to your healthcare provider, visit an HIV/AIDS organization, or do an online search for the latest information about safe sex practices and HIV prevention.

Practice Correct Condom Use:

Proper, consistent use of condoms can prevent transmission of HIV by 80-95 percent. It also reduces the risk of other STDs like HPV, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease. For more information about condom use, click here.

Drugs & Alcohol:

If you’re drinking and/or taking drugs, you are more apt to be in a situation where safe sex practices falter or fail altogether. If you have sex when you’re sober, you’re more likely to be safe. If you struggle with a drug or alcohol problem, seek help immediately. Not only does this potentially put you at risk with sex partners, it can also affect your drug regimen and overall healthcare.

Reevaluate Life Issues:

Is an old hurt or something from your past keeping you from having healthy sexual relationships? If you have a history of abuse or depression you may find it difficult to deal with safe sex situations and ask for what you need. Consider reaching out. Find a therapist you can talk to or perhaps join a support group to start addressing these important issues.

Self–Esteem and Sexual Identity:

The more you love who you are, the more likely you are to respect yourself and the person you’re with.

Take Stock:

Sometimes the people we find ourselves associating with lead us to behaviors we ordinarily wouldn’t do. Take stock of the people you’re surrounding yourself with. Do they have your best interest in mind? If not, time to eliminate any people who are draining your energy or toxic to your emotional and physical well-being.

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