THE CITY, INC. HAS (HIV/AIDS/STD) PREVENTION AND AWARENESS PROGRAM

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THE COMMUNITY NEED

Many inner-city young people have grown up in environments where they have not had protection, moral guidance or help developing self-respect for others.  As a result, many are sexually active without any understanding for the need to protect themselves from life threatening infections.  Some may use birth control methods such as birth control pills and think they are protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS/STD infections. While most teens are not hard core or IV drug users, popular fashions such as tattooing and body piercing can easily lead to the sharing of needles.  Consequently, these practices should cause youth to get tested for HIV/AIDS/STDs, but many do not know where to get tested or what to expect. Many times young people may feel ashamed or afraid of telling anyone that they may have been exposed to HIV/AIDS/STD.  Their lack of information and fears put them in a high-risk group for contracting or spreading HIV/AIDS/STDs.  These and various other factors make the need for HIV/AIDS/STD Prevention, Education and Outreach among young people crucial.  If there is to be any positive behavior changes made, resources need to be made available.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

"Educate Your Mind, Protect Your Body"

"Check Yo' Self B-4 U Wreck Yo' Self"

This slogan, printed on t-shirts and stickers is being distributed to the inner city young people by peer educators and staff of The City, Inc.'s HAS Program (HIV/AIDS/STD).  This slogan reflects the programs direct and clear approach to health education.  Funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, the program targets African American females and MSM ages 13-24; urban street cultured and/or gang involved, living in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas of Minnesota.  (The program will also provide services for any young person requesting assistance.)  The program features a peer education group (The Check Yo' Self Crew) made up of members from the target population who have been educated about the transmission of HIV/AIDS/STDs, and are trained to do street outreach.  This project is a youth driven initiative that promotes and provides their peers with a prevention and awareness message to assist them in making positive behavior changes in their lives.  Program staff are outreach workers who are skilled in developing relationships with target populations.  The staff are able to gain the trust and respect of the younger population enough to provide them with accurate and factual information about abstinence, safer sex practices and harm reduction.  It is our responsibility as adults to assist them.

Together we can make a successful difference!

The program staff includes:

Charlnitta "Mama Chi" Ellis, Program Director

Juan "Braini Act" Jackson

Charisma "CC", Volunteer Program Coordinator

Peer Educators and Outreach Workers

The HAS Program provides outreach and education to thousands of inner-city youth in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.

HAS (HIV/AIDS/STD) Prevention and Awareness Program

920 East 34th Street  (Door 8)

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55407
USA

Office (612) 867-5591

 

Email Address:

jjackson@thecityinc.org

 

Information/Education + Application = Elimination!!!!