The Prevention Unit offers different programs to help individuals infected and/or at risk adopt risk-reducing behaviors.

Women Helping Women

As of September 2009, the Prevention Team will begin to offer more services to assist African American and Latina women with substance use and HIV prevention/high risk behavior issues.  Services include:

• Outreach to African American and Latina Women
• HIV Rapid Testing
• Substance Abuse Groups
• HIV/Prevention Groups
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Screenings
• Referrals
• Substance Abuse and HIV Prevention 101 Workshops

  

The goal of the Condom Distribution Program is:

• To have condoms, female condoms and lubricants easily accessible to the community for FREE.
• ·Condoms are available at local beauty salon, barber shops, bars, hotels other businesses in East Harlem, Central Harlem and Washington Heights.
• The program currently has 80 businesses participating in the Condom Distribution Program.
• The Community Outreach Workers also conduct outreach at targeted locations, including high risk venues at night.

If anyone business is interested in participating in this program please contact Debra Bosier or Ken De Jesus at (212) 423-9049

 

Co-Factor Program is a program focused on two co-factors depression and substance misuse/abuse. 

• Individuals will be screened for depression and substance abuse.
• Referrals and follow ups will be conducted for individuals who screening results are positive for depression and/or substance abuse.
• Palm cards with mental health and substance abuse treatment information will be given to all. 
• All individuals who are screened are encouraged to get tested for HIV. 

 

Rapid HIV Testing

• OraQuick HIV Rapid Testing to high-risk individuals.
• HIV pre/post counseling is still conducted during the testing session.
• Many people with HIV do not get tested until late in their infection. 
• Approximately 40% to 50% of people with HIV infection are diagnosed with AIDS within 1 year of first testing HIV positive (CDC 2005). 
• In the past, many people who are tested did not come back for their results.  With the OraQuick rapid testing method, a person can receive their results in 20 minutes.

 

Teen Workshops

• Conducted quarterly with the focus on prevention and HIV/AIDS.
• Pre and post tests are given to each teen to assess their knowledge coming into the workshop and once the workshop is over.  
• HIV 101 presentation and condom demonstrations are done to educate the teens.
• Iris House also invites someone to give there testimonial about how they contracted HIV and how they are living with the virus. 
• The testimonial allows the teens to engage with someone who is HIV positive and doesn’t perpetuate stigma.  
• A short film or two pertaining to HIV/AIDS and/or sexuality are shown to spark conversation between the facilitator and students.
• Lunch and incentives are provided for all participating in the workshop.