HIV/AIDS Women's Programs

This model program is one of a few that target high risk women with culturally appropriate, gender-specific prevention and risk reduction messages. The project provides women of child-bearing age with HIV/AIDS education and risk reduction information with an emphasis on promoting and reinforcing safer behavior through enhanced decision making skills. Participants receive interpersonal skills training in negotiating and sustaining appropriate behavior changes.

 

HIV/AIDS Shelter Education & Outreach

This program targets African Americans who reside in or frequent shelters and transitional living facilities. The program is designed specifically around the population's unique circumstances and addresses issues of survival, self-esteem, support and mistrust. In addition to providing group education workshops, the program offers intensive individualized prevention case management services. Other services include referrals for counseling, continuing education and substance abuse treatment, plus free, confidential HIV testing.

 

HIV/AIDS Intravenous Drug Use Street Outreach

This program targets intravenous drug users who are among the highest risk groups for contracting and spreading HIV. South Side Help Center developed an effective street outreach campaign and has specially trained staff who target designated locations where IDU's are known to frequent. Our outreach staff distributes risk reduction kits containing bleach, sterile water, clean cotton, condoms and lubricants while providing information on the relationship between drug use and contracting HIV.

 

Secondary Prevention Project

This project is designed to educate people living with HIV/AIDS about the risks of secondary infection (in which the virus can mutate and thus become stronger and more resistant) and reduce the transmission and/or re-infection of the virus. This goal is accomplished through the use of outreach, group education, prevention case management and Health Communication Public Information seminars. The communities served include Roseland, Riverdale, Hegewisch, and South Shore. In addition, the project assists clients by making referrals for counseling and testing and accessing other HIV prevention and related services.

 

Corrections Initiative

This program provides intensive case management services and referral services to post—incarcerated individuals or recently released individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Clients receive comprehensive assessments and are connected with the services they need, including primary medical care, housing, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.