HIV/AIDS Prevention Efforts

HIV infection rates among gay and bisexual males, African-Americans, and women are on the rise.  To reach out to these communities the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force (PATF) provides innovative HIV/AIDS prevention programs targeted for these at-risk populations. 
 
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Outreach

GLBT outreach promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and safe-sex practices among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) youth under 25 years old.  PATF prevention staff offer HIV Testing and Counseling on the first Friday of every month at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center (GLCC) in Squirrel Hill.

PATF also offers free HIV Testing and Counseling each month in two of Pittsburgh’s most popular gay bars, the Pittsburgh Eagle and Pegasus. 

Testing Schedule

http://www.patf.org/hivtesting.asp

Natural Opinion Leader Project

Natural Opinion Leader Project is an HIV/AIDS prevention method geared towards GLBT youth.  In PATF’s Natural Opinion Leader Project, well-liked leaders receive HIV/AIDS training from PATF and work to prevent peers, family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances from becoming infected with HIV by educating them and influencing their behavior.

Women's Prevention

Sisters Informing Sisters on topics about AIDS (SISTA) Project is a social skills intervention/risk reduction series offered by PATF.  The program was developed by women for women to reduce the risk of HIV infection by encouraging responsible sexual behavior.

PATF’s SISTA program strives to enable women, ages 18-59, who are at high risk for contracting HIV/AIDS to make educated decisions that protect their health and well being. 

Training takes place in small groups of 8 to 12 women where frank discussions about dating, relationships, and healthy sexual practices can flourish.   Participants attend five (5) free, two (2) hour sessions and a follow-up celebration a month after the last session.