"Like most people, I knew something about AIDS and HIV, but I believed it could never happen to me. When a friend told me about the quick and confidential test offered by the African American Health Program, I decided it couldn't hurt. When the test came back positive, I was shocked. A counselor was available right then to help me. Ever since, the AAHP has continued to offer me information, referrals and support. I'm not saying it's been easy, but today I am living with confidence, with hope-and yes, with AIDS."

From Testing to Treatment,
Help Is Here

Disease Prevention

  • Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS. Prevention and testing are the first lines of defense.
  • If you are not infected, prevent infection by avoiding behaviors that can put you at risk.
  • Preventive activities are not limited to behavioral actions such as abstinence. The AAHP recommends the use of male latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms during oral, anal or vaginal sex. Only water-based lubricants should be used with male latex condoms.
  • Preventive activities also include becoming educated about the disease, participating in at-risk reduction skills programs, and organizing HIV education for peers and family members.
  • Getting tested and knowing your status is key. Early testing alerts you to high-risk behaviors that could spread the virus to others.
  • Injection drug users are counseled to stop using drugs and to enter substance abuse treatment programs, including relapse prevention.
  • For injection drug users who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs, personal and public health risks can be reduced by never reusing or sharing syringes, water, or drug preparation equipment. Only use syringes obtained from a reliable source (such as pharmacies or needle exchange programs) and safely dispose of syringes after one use.