Services

We provide the following services:

• Readily accessible counseling, testing and referral services for individuals at risk for HIV; testing at no cost to individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford testing; anonymous testing for persons with confidentiality concerns that might prevent them from seeking services; client-centered counseling designed to reduce client risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV; appropriate referrals for medical or psychological evaluation and social support;

Counseling and testing

Clients either make appointments or access CTR services at agencies that provide walk-in services. Upon arrival, most clients complete a questionnaire on demographic and risk information. The questionnaire has a unique identifier (not the client’s name) that eventually links information with the client’s test result. Demographic and risk information is used by the Wisconsin AIDS/HIV Program to analyze program utilization and to evaluate services.Clients discuss their concerns and risk for HIV infection with a counselor who works with the client to develop a realistic plan to reduce risk for HIV infection. The counselor also discusses HIV antibody testing and answers client questions regarding testing. Testing is voluntary and clients provide written informed consent before being tested. A serum or oral fluid specimen is collected and a return appointment is made for two weeks from the initial visit for the client to obtain their test results.Clients are required to return to receive their test results. For clients who test HIV positive, counselors provide emotional support and link the client to needed medical and social support services. Clients are also offered partner counseling and referrals services at this time. For clients who test negative, counselors discuss the client’s risk reduction plan and issues that may have surfaced during the two-week waiting period.

Sites offer oral fluid HIV antibody testing.  All sites provide both anonymous testing and confidential HIV testing. Confidential testing requires that the client provide their name to be tested, as with any other medical procedure. Anonymous testing enables the client to be tested without providing their name. Studies indicate that some individuals at high risk for HIV choose not to be tested when anonymous testing is not available.

The counseling and testing services have been established at Family AIDS Coalition located at 300 East 1st Avenue, Suite 112
Hialeah, Fl 33103