Williamsport 570-322-8448 or State College 814-272-0818 info@aidsresource.com

Prevention & Education

There are multiple ways to reduce HIV risk:

  • Undergo regular testing
  • Use condoms and barriers
  • Start PrEP
  • Openly communicate with your partner
  • Talk to your provider about vaccines for hepatitis and HPV (human papillomavirus)

AIDS Resource offers numerous HIV prevention and education programs to residents in our service area. Contact us if you are interested in learning more about our programs.

 

Condom Distribution

AIDS Resource delivers free condoms via mail to residents in our coverage area. To receive condoms, please email your name and complete mailing address to condoms@aidsresource.com. Please indicate if you have a latex allergy. Our coverage area includes Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Snyder, and Union Counties.

To pick up free condoms, visit one of our offices. Notify the staff member if you have a latex allergy. Please wear a mask during the transaction if the COVID-19 community transmission level is medium or high. The community transmission level will be posted at the entrance of the office.

Review the step-by-step instructions on how to put on external and internal condoms correctly.

 

PrEP Services

We offer free PrEP services. Our monthly PrEP clinic is at the Williamsport office. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication taken by individuals who do not have HIV to protect themselves from getting HIV. Learn more about PrEP by clicking here.

 

PEP Program

AIDS Resource recently launched a program to provide financial assistance to survivors of sexual assault who cannot afford PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a short course of antiretroviral medications that decrease the risk of acquiring HIV after an assault. PEP must be started within 72 hours of the potential exposure and used only in emergencies. Learn more about PEP by clicking here.

This program is made possible by generous grants from the Pearls with a Passion Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania and the Stabler Foundation. Learn more about the FCFP by visiting www.FCFPartnership.org.

 

Cleaning Drug Injection Equipment

If you use injectable drugs or medications, it is best to use new, sterile needles, syringes, and other injection equipment (e.g., cookers) every time to prevent getting HIV and other blood-borne infections. You should never share your injection equipment with others. If new equipment is not available or you must share equipment, it is recommended that you clean the items as directed between each use.

We provide free drug injection disinfecting kits, which include alcohol swabs for cleaning the skin before injecting, cotton balls, bottle caps for cookers, and instructional information on how to clean needles and syringes. Please stop by our offices to pick up a kit. Free and confidential rapid point-of-care testing for HIV and hepatitis C are available.

 

Early Intervention Services & Outreach

Our EIS and Outreach program is intended to reduce the incidence of HIV in our community by engaging community members in outreach activities, community events, and educational programs. This approach facilitates access to HIV testing, counseling, referrals, and condom distribution for individuals who may not otherwise seek services.

 

Individualized Prevention Plans

If you are concerned about getting HIV, our prevention specialists will conduct a personalized assessment and provide education, resources, and support to help you make well-informed decisions about your sexual health.

 

Schools, Colleges, & Community Groups

AIDS Resource offers an HIV-101 class that covers the HIV basics, transmission modes, and ways to protect yourself. We tailor the program to address your specific needs, such as expanded HIV or substance abuse training.

 

Agencies, Businesses, & Civic Groups

We offer Universal Precaution Safety Training that reviews the precautions one can take to minimize workplace infection risk. We tailor the training to address your specific needs, such as expanded training on HIV or substance abuse training.