Posts Tagged ‘STI’

Project Reach Out Now Offering STD Screenings

Thursday, February 7th, 2019

Project Reach Out vanAs of February 1, 2019, our Project Reach Out mobile harm reduction units will also be offering free screenings for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The PRO staff, who travel in vans to areas of high need throughout the Hudson Valley, work primarily with people who are homeless or in unstable housing, and help them access the services they need to reduce the harm of drug use and their risk for HIV, Hepatitis C and STDs.

“We’re eager to offer these expanded services to PRO clients,” said Jennifer Brathwaite, HVCS’ Director of Education and Prevention. “These are two more ways we can help people with really high levels of need access care. Getting a free STD test can be an important step in empowering someone to protect their health, especially since these two STDs can often be asymptomatic. This testing program helps not only our clients but reduces the overall amount of STDs in our community.”

Chlamydia and gonorrhea infection rates in New York State have increased every year since 2013. Infection rates among African-Americans are disproportionately high, making up 23% of chlamydia rates and 33% of gonorrhea cases in 2017. These statistics further support the need for expanded STD testing in the vulnerable neighborhoods where PRO typically offers services.

Click here to learn more about our Project Reach Out program.

HVCS Creates New STD Testing Position

Tuesday, February 13th, 2018

Get Tested!Hudson Valley Community Services has responded to the sharp increase in STD infection rates in our area by creating a new staff position dedicated to STD testing. For the first time in our history, we will be able to provide free sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing to anyone who needs it.

Previously we were funded only to provide STD testing to those at high risk or those were had a possible exposure.

“We want to empower everyone to take control of their sexual health,” said HVCS’ Education and Prevention Director, Jennifer Brathwaite. “Our new STD tester allows us to serve more people and connect them to the healthcare and social resources they need.”

We offer urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and a blood draw for syphilis, with results in two to seven days. For hepatitis C (and HIV), we perform a finger stick with results available within 20 minutes.

Two common reasons given for the recent rise in STD rates are the widespread use of dating apps, and the advent of PrEP (daily treatment to prevent HIV). Those on PrEP may decide not to use condoms as frequently. Condoms prevent some STDs but not all.

To find out more or to get tested, call Stephanie at (914) 785-8261.

Intro to HIV, STIs & Viral Hepatitis

Monday, April 7th, 2014

This one day introductory training will prepare non-physician health and human services providers to address HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis in an integrated, client-centered manner. The training will review the similarities and differences in transmission, screening, available treatments and needed support services for each of the diseases. The training will emphasize the connection between these diseases and the skills needed to effectively interact with clients whose sexual or substance using behaviors place them at risk for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Recall data showing the overlap of cases of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
  • State the rationale and importance of integration of services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
  • State the similarities and differences in how HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis are transmitted;
  • Deliver an integrated prevention message for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
  • Provide clients with basic information about the spectrum of illness, testing and treatment for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis; and
  • Link clients to needed HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing, treatment and support services.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this training. It is intended for individuals who have not had prior training in HIV, STIs or viral hepatitis. Audience: This introductory training is for non-physician health and human services providers who will be responsible for delivering prevention, care or support services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

Continuing Education Credits: This training is provided under New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Education and Training Provider Certification Number 0305. Under the NYS OASAS Provider Certificate, this training is approved for 6.5 clock hours toward the education and training requirements for renewal of CASAC/CPP/CPS certification.

To register, visit www.hivtrainingny.org.

Introduction to HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

This one day introductory training will prepare non-physician health and human services providers to address HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis in an integrated, client-centered manner. The training will review the similarities and differences in transmission, screening, available treatments and needed support services for each of the diseases. The training will emphasize the connection between these diseases and the skills needed to effectively interact with clients whose sexual or substance using behaviors place them at risk for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Recall data showing the overlap of cases of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;

• State the rationale and importance of integration of services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;

• State the similarities and differences in how HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis are transmitted;

• Deliver an integrated prevention message for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;

• Provide clients with basic information about the spectrum of illness, testing and treatment for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis; and

• Link clients to needed HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing, treatment and support services.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this training. It is intended for individuals who have not had prior training in HIV, STIs or viral hepatitis.

Audience: This introductory training is for non-physician health and human services providers who will be responsible for delivering prevention, care or support services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

To register, visit www.hivtrainingny.org.

Introduction to HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

Introduction to HIV, STI’s and Viral Hepatitis

This one day introductory training will prepare non-physician health and human services providers to address HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and viral hepatitis in an integrated, client-centered manner. The training will review the similarities and differences in transmission, screening, available treatments and needed support services for each of the diseases. The training will emphasize the connection between these diseases and the skills needed to effectively interact with clients whose sexual or substance using behaviors place them at risk for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

As a result of this training, participants will be able to:

• Recall data showing the overlap of cases of HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• State the rationale and importance of integration of services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• State the similarities and differences in how HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis are transmitted;
• Deliver an integrated prevention message for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis;
• Provide clients with basic information about the spectrum of illness, testing and treatment for HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis; and
• Link clients to needed HIV, STI, and viral hepatitis testing, treatment and support services.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this training. It is intended for individuals who have not had prior training in HIV, STIs or viral hepatitis.
Audience: This introductory training is for non-physician health and human services providers who will be responsible for delivering prevention, care or support services related to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis.

January 11th, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center

300 Wall st

Kingston, NY