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Join Our Mailing ListThe Philadelphia AIDS Consortium
112 North Broad Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 988-9970
Fax: (215) 988-9902
Email: Yoshiaki@tpaconline.org
Title: West Philadelphia Minority Health Collaborative (WPMHC): HIV/AIDS Demonstration Project
Project Director: Yoshiaki Yamasaki
Target Population: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders
Age Group: Adults
The objectives of the West Philadelphia Minority Health Collaborative (WPMHC): HIV/AIDS Demonstration Project are to: provide culturally and linguistically appropriate risk reduction services; provide rapid testing services to the high-risk partners of individuals with known HIV positive serostatus; and increase the number of certified labs and certified prevention counselors in west and southwest Philadelphia. The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium, in collaboration with the AIDS Care Group and Turning the TIDE, targets African Americans and Latinos living with HIV/AIDS, particularly African American and Latino women.
The objectives of the project are to: change behavior and service utilization; increase knowledge and awareness of HIV through increased educational outreach; create a new network of service providers, including the local clergy; and ultimately increase access to necessary health care services. TIDE conducts outreach services, develops educational curricula that includes the ABC Approach, provides HIV tests, results and referrals in their church and the targeted communities. Partnership members are trained in appropriate education, counseling and testing protocols prior to any consumer contact. The project entails direct services to the community and includes the following activities: community outreach, education and assessment services, prevention counseling and testing service using rapid testing technology and referrals for prevention and care services. Each member receives training in cultural competency and a understanding of the HIV/AIDS service delivery system in the region. Staff are trained in appropriate education, counseling and testing protocol and skills are used to educate high-risk individuals in a variety of settings. Individuals in need of testing are provided comprehensive pre- and post-test counseling on healthier living choices and an OraQuick test. Anyone testing positive receives referrals to health care services. Outreach activities include training, prevention counseling and testing, referrals and distribution of educational materials at community events, churches, house parties and other community settings.