Building a strong community is essential in preventing the spread of HIV. This is the foundation of the prevention work of our MARIN LIFE program. We offer activities and support for gay and bisexual men and for all HIV-positive individuals. People turn to our staff for an understanding ear and for up-to-date information and consultation about safer sex practices, disclosure and partner notification, medication adherence motivation, relationship issues and more. We also link clients with free activities, tickets to plays, music, dance and sporting events.
We also offer a safe haven for Spanish-speaking gay and/or bisexual men, offering them group activities, as well as individual consultation, support and referral to needed services.
Young people today are becoming complacent about HIV. REACH, our teen peer education program, assures that local kids get sound, accurate information about HIV/AIDS. Our REACH teens give presentations to middle and high school students throughout the county about safe sex practices and the risks of becoming infected. Annually REACH trains 40 teens who meet regularly developing their abilities to serve as safe, reliable resources for their peers.
Injection drug users are at high-risk for contracting HIV and Hepatitis C.POINT, our needle exchange program, serves substance users and their sexual partners assuring that they have clean needles and supplies. Point also provides reliable information about infection risks as well as referral to testing and medical services. In addition, our staff provides prevention/education at the Marin County jail and in local drug treatment centers. We operate three needle exchange sites weekly in the county.
Keeping the community informed about HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C is part of our core commitment. Our staff speaks about HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C to groups, organizations and classrooms throughout Marin County. Presentations are tailored to meet the needs of each audience. In addition, through POSITIVELY SPEAKING MARIN, HIV positive men and women share their personal stories about living with HIV and its impact on their lives.
If you would like to get more information about MAP's Prevention programs and services, please call 457-2487 or email us at info@marinaidsproject.org.
