Working within our Portuguese-speaking communities to help you, your family and friends stay healthy and informed. We are in the business of serving others.
Did you know…
•Approximately 1.1 million Americans are currently living with an HIV infection?
•Approximately 1 in 5 of those living with HIV are unaware of their infection?
•There are estimated to be more than 56,000 new cases of HIV in the US each year?
•HIV affects people from all backgrounds although social factors such as low income, discrimination and lack of access to health care put communities of color at increased risk?
Statistics taken from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, HIV Fact Sheet
Get up and take action….People should not die under stigma or shame. HIV is preventable. HIV is a concern for all of us.
What can you do about it? Break the silence— talk about HIV!
Here’s how to do it:
1. Educate yourself on HIV Basics, including information on HIV prevention. Click on this link to CDC to educate yourself on the basics about HIV/AIDS.
2. Talk about what you learn with your friends and other people that are important to you.
3. Get tested. We provide free, confidential screening and counseling for HIV/AIDS using a reliable and extremely easy and fast method to obtain results—and referrals are not required.
The Rapid test is used. This test provides results in only 10 minutes and simply uses a finger stick. It is reliable and done at a MAPS office (Allston, Cambridge, Dorchester, Framingham or Somerville) or scheduled at any location convenient for you. Our educators are also available for home visits for testing and counseling—convenient for you and always kept confidential. Our health educators will meet your immediate needs during the day or evening, weekday or weekend. We are here to assist you and make it as easy as possible for you to get tested.
MAPS DPEP Org chartContact your MAPS Health Educator today
Our services include but are not limited to:
• Counseling and risk assessment
• Personalized risk reduction plans
• HIV/AIDS rapid testing
• Access to STI and Hepatitis testing
• Access and linkage to health care needs
• Case management, referrals and assistance for individuals living with HIV/AIDS
Why contact us?
• Everything is kept confidential
• Be educated on ways HIV is transmitted and how it can be prevented
• Learn more Information about the HIV test, its benefits and consequences
• Get HIV prevention counseling
• Find out where to obtain other services including treatment if you need it
Are you at risk of HIV infection? Know where you stand.
If you are tested and it shows that you do not have HIV antibodies, you can learn how to stay HIV-free (HIV negative). However, if your test reveals HIV positive or reactive results, you can get medical care immediately to help you stay healthy longer and get early treatment for illnesses that may occur.
MAPS Resources:
Our primary funders are the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC).
