HIV Prevention Services

HIV Prevention Services has several resources available to serve patients in need of HIV counseling, education, and/or testing. The program currently supports four initiatives: Empowered For Change – Women; Empowered for Change – Youth; Latina Initiative; and C.O.P.E. – Community Outreach through Peer Education.

Empowered for Change - Women Objective: Reduce HIV transmission in Jersey City among African-American women at-risk through heterosexual transmission. Provide education and skills building using the following: SISTA - a state-approved curriculum developed by and for African American women between 18-29 years old at-risk through heterosexual transmission. VOICES/VOCES – a 45 minute safer sex educational video presentation promoting condom use Risk reduction counseling

Empowered for Change - Youth Objective: Reduce HIV transmission in Jersey City among youth (13-24) at-risk but not yet patterned • Provide education and skills building using the following: Making Proud Choices! A Safer-Sex Approach to HIV/STDs and Teen Pregnancy Prevention - a state-approved curriculum VOICES/VOCES – a 45-minute safer sex educational video presentation Risk reduction counseling HIV Counseling and Testing Facilitate HIV Basic Facts Presentations to community-based organizations serving youth

Latina Initiative Objective: Increase the number of Jersey City Latino residents getting tested for HIV • Provide education and skills building using the following: VOICES/VOCES – a 45 minute safer sex educational video presentation promoting condom use Risk reduction counseling HIV Counseling and Testing • Conduct individual-level outreach to the Jersey City Latino community • Facilitate HIV Basic Facts Presentations to community based organizations serving Latinos • Coordinate a National Latino AIDS Awareness Day event observed yearly on October 15

C.O.P.E Objective: To reduce the risk of drug and alcohol abuse by adolescents and young adults living in Jersey City and Hudson County. To increase life skills by use of conflict resolution techniques and building self-esteem. To increase the knowledge and educational levels of adolescents and young adults living in Jersey City and Hudson County regarding drug and alcohol abuse, sex, HIV/AIDS; and to promote positive health messages and personal responsibility. Comprehensive peer education and support program for youth living in Jersey City. The group uses a range of presentation formats which includes dramatic reenactments, discussion groups, small group presentations, role playing and promote audience participation.