I am proud of the work of the UCSF AIDS Health Project — and at the same time I know we can do more. HIV infections rose last year in San Francisco. The infection rate rose fastest among young gay and bisexual men; among this group African American men are at highest risk. A generation has grown up without the warning that pages of obituaries and gaunt faces once provided. For many, the virus appears less deadly — even benign. Yet no one knows the long-term outlook for people on the combination therapies that have provided so much hope. HIV is still a life-threatening virus — and we must fight it. Thank you for your support of Art for AIDS. It is an important part of the fight.

James W. Dilley, MD
Executive Director
UCSF AIDS Health Project

An Overview of Our Work

The UCSF AIDS Health Project provides culturally sensitive counseling and education to stop the spread of HIV, and to help people face the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with HIV and AIDS. AHP services, which assist more than 8,000 people each year, include:

• Prevention and health education programs, including HIV counseling and testing
• Support groups for individuals with — or at risk for — HIV/AIDS
• Substance abuse services
• Crisis intervention, psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring
• Training and continuing education for healthcare professionals
• Publications on the psychosocial aspects of HIV-related care

HIV Counseling and Testing (HCAT)

HIV Counseling and Testing is offered at the AHP Services Center, public health centers, and at mobile sites, including street fairs, substance treatment programs and needle exchange sites. AHP’s HIV triage phone line assists 10,000 clients annually. In San Francisco, call 415-502-TEST (502-8378) to schedule an appointment. Call 1-800-342-2437 for information on HIV testing in your area.

Risk Evaluation and Counseling for Health Program (REACH)

The mission of the REACH Program is to eliminate new HIV infections among at-risk individuals and within HIV-impacted communities. The REACH Program runs a variety of events, workshops and counseling programs that help people maintain the psychological outlook and behaviors that safeguard HIV sero negativity.

Connect Counseling

This service, initiated at a counseling session where HIV test results are given, provides prevention counseling for high-risk individuals who are HIV-negative. With psychological services, information and referrals to other appropriate programs, Connect Counseling helps people determine the best plan for staying HIV-negative.

Linkage Program

AHP’s Linkage Program provides services and follow-up support to someone who has just received an HIV-positive test result. The program guides clients through a time of potential crisis, and increases access to support, medical care, and other needed services.

Educational Workshops

AHP conducts workshops on; dating, relationships and intimacy. The workshops also address loneliness and social isolation — feelings that prompt high-risk behavior. These workshops include exercises for increased self-understanding and present many opportunities to discuss safer sex and risk reduction.

Social Events

To focus on health and well-being, many people need to overcome intense social isolation, or a lifetime of risky habits and behaviors. AHP social events provide the safe space clients need to implement new norms that can safeguard their health. A night out with AHP isn’t just a night out.

AHP Training and Publications

Transforming our unique depth of experience and breadth of knowledge into resources for service providers nationwide, AHP trainings and publications are challenging and thought provoking, with a focus on developing the practical counseling skills that will best serve people with — and at risk for — HIV and AIDS.

You’ll find more information about our work on the UCSF AIDS Health Project web site.

Thank you for supporting Art for AIDS and the work of the UCSF AIDS Health Project.