Prevention Services
The goal of the AIDS Council's Prevention Services team is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to practice the lowest level of risk behavior acceptable to them in an effort to reduce their risk of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and hepatitis infection. Our cutting-edge prevention methods include:
Adolescent-Focused Prevention
Multiple session groups at locations targeting high-risk youth help teens build skills in the areas of healthy relationships, communication, decision-making, goal setting, and more in order to reduce their risks for HIV/STDs/unplanned pregnancy. Some groups use technology so teens can create their own prevention videos, games, music, PSAs, to share with friends, family, and peers. One-on-one risk reduction sessions are also offered, as well as teen-friendly HIV/STD testing in the community. To see a sample of the teen's work, please visit our teen site www.hivoutreach2teens.org.
Assistance into Drug Treament
Provides expanded and expedited access into drug treatment through established linkages. The Transitional Case Manager works with active drug users who are HIV+ or of unknown status to overcome barriers to treatment, prepare for referrals into treatment, and to encourage acceptance of drug treatment.
Community Outreach
Brings information to our various communities in accessible and comfortable locations. Look for us at some of these outreach events: trained peers provide outreach in their own neighborhoods; GLBT-focused outreach in community locations and online; teen-focused outreach through social marketing.
GLBT Services
Project HOPE is a trusted HIV/STD resource for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. Project HOPE services are provided in convenient locations and hours. We offer outreach and prevention education; free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing and screening for gonnorhea and chlamydia; individualized risk reduction counseling; www.rubbaboyz.net; information on a variety of online sites; referrals and connections to services.
Group Prevention Education
Multiple and single session groups in a variety of settings accessible to high-risk individuals. Interactive sessions help build skills to reduce/prevent HIV, STD, and hepatitis.
HIV/AIDS Information Hotline: 1-800-201-AIDS or (518) 445-AIDS
Anonymous information hotline available Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST.
HIV Testing, STD Screening, Hepatitis C Testing
Free, confidential counseling and testing in easy to access community settings and AIDS Council offices. Sessions include individualized risk assessment and risk reduction planning.
Individual and Couples Risk Reduction Counseling
Discussions with our Prevention Intervention Specialists help individuals and couples assess their personal risk and empower them with the knowledge and skills to develop individualized plans to reduce their risks and enhance their relationships.
Online Interventions
Internet interventions provide online outreach and prevention education to at-risk individuals. Visit www.rubbaboyz.net and www.hivoutreach2teens.org for more information.
Peer Program
Community members are trained to provide outreach and and other key services to at-risk individuals. Peer Associate involvement supports the Peer's recovery and safer behaviors while serving as a credible resource within the community.
Provider Training
NorthEast Training Solution's trainings are available in a number of formats, including: in-person at our state of the art training center; in-service at your choice of location; instructor-led live over the internet; self-paced online. Contact us for a customized training evaluation and fee schedule at NETS@aidscouncil.org.
Reentry Support and Mentorship
Help individuals make healthy transitions into the community from incarceration. Pre and post release services are available. For more information, contact giventhechance@aidscouncil.org.
Safer Sex Supplies
Provided free of charge at multiple locations throughout our catchment area. For a list of sites in the city of Albany, click here.
Services in Correctional Facilities
Our Criminal Justice Initiative offers prevention education, anonymous HIV testing, individual risk reduction counseling, and peer education training for those incarcerated and transitional planning for HIV+ inmates within six months of release. Services are provided in designated state correctional facilities and county jails.
For more information about any of our services or programs, please contact 518.434.4686 or info@aidscouncil.org.
