Programs and Services

Churches Trainings on STD and HIV for clergy and congregations have proven to be an effective way to spread the word on prevention, testing, and care. More than 10 local churches regularly receive sensitivity training and education on HIV and STD infection and prevention.

Barbers and Beauticians are trained by the Council on HIV/STD issues as peer educators and supplied with educational and safety materials each month to distribute at their shops to patrons who frequently share their secret fears and questions with their hairdressers.

Educational Tables The Council regularly sets up informational tables at local businesses and churches to distribute materials, and provide prevention education and impromptu training of patrons.

Women Empowered Against Risk (W.E.A.R.) events are held in the homes of women and in churches to provide a safe space to discuss the issues surrounding prevention including safe sex partner negotiation, self-esteem and skills-building, and the practice of correct condom application.

HoMBReS: A Lay Health Advisor Approach to STD Prevention, and Men As Navigators are projects that involve a partnership approach to health promotion and disease prevention practice and research. The goal of these CDC-funded, community-based participatory research (CBPR) strategies is to reduce the risk of STD and HIV infection among Latino men through the development, implementation, and evaluation of a lay health advisor intervention entitled: HoMBReS: Hombres Manteniendo Bienestar y Relaciones Saludables (Men Maintaining Wellness and Healthy Relationships).

Factories Educational presentations about the risk factors for contracting HIV/STD and where to pursue testing and treatment are provided monthly in a local chicken factory to reach the large and growing Latino immigrant population working in Chatham.

Tiendas Many businesses frequented by Latinos including Latino groceries (Tiendas) and a local billiard hall are kept stocked by the Council with a total average of 3000 Spanish-language educational pamphlets and safety materials each month to provide easy access to materials for the populations who need them most.

Annual Programming The Council coordinates a number of annual events to educate the public and increase awareness of HIV/STD issues including World AIDS Day and participation in educational/street fair events throughout the year.

Agency Trainings The Council provides HIV/AIDS and STD basic educational and sensitivity trainings to local service providers, businesses, and other community groups regularly.

The Council educates over 4000 people annually