HIV/STI CARE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
ChapCare is now offering FREE/Low-cost sexual health services centered around community and trauma informed care. Taking control of your sexual health has never been easier and closer to home.
Services Include:
- Free rapid HIV testing
- Access to FREE condoms and lubricant
- Judgement free risk reduction counseling
- Navigation support to PrEP/PEP & HIV care services
- Linkage to free/low-barrier STI testing
Program Vision:
To have a strong and proud San Gabriel Valley that fosters safety, health and wellness, plentiful in the tools needed to end the HIV epidemic.
Program Core Values:
Individual autonomy over one’s health
- Individual autonomy over one’s health
- Breaking barriers for the underserved
- Empowerment of our communities
- Centering diverse and divergent people
- Communally sharing vital resources
- Bringing in folx who exist in the margins
- Local, accessible health services tailored to our SGV community
- Creating transformative change for our patients and the people who serve them
ChapCare’s HIV/STI Student Services
HOURS OF OPERATION:
ChapCare’s HIV/STI Testing
HOURS OF OPERATION:
from 8AM to 5PM
Closed during lunch hours,
12:00pm - 1:00pm and weekends
Make an Appointment Today!
KNOW YOUR STATUS
Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you
and your partner healthy at all times
Types of HIV Tests Available:
There are three types of HIV tests: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NAT). Antibodies are produced by your immune system when you are exposed to viruses like HIV. Antigens are foreign substances that cause your immune system to activate. If you have HIV, an antigen called p24 is produced even before antibodies develop.
Discover INSTI Rapid HIV Testing:
It's Fast, Accurate and Confidential
Are You Considering Getting Tested for HIV?
INSTI Rapid HIV Testing offers a quick, accurate, and confidential way to know your HIV status. Here’s what you need to know.
What is INSTI Rapid HIV Testing?
INSTI is a cutting-edge rapid HIV test that provides results in just 60 seconds. It is highly reliable and approved by health organizations worldwide. This test detects the presence of HIV antibodies in a small blood sample, giving you a clear understanding of your HIV status without waiting days for results.
Why Choose INSTI?
Speed: INSTI offers results in just one minute, allowing you to receive immediate peace of mind.
Accuracy: INSTI has been proven to be highly accurate, providing results comparable to traditional lab-based tests.
Early Detection: INSTI can detect HIV infection soon after exposure, reducing the waiting time for accurate results.
Confidentiality: INSTI tests are conducted in a private setting, ensuring your confidentiality and minimizing any potential anxiety.
How Does INSTI Rapid HIV Testing Work?
Quick Process: A healthcare professional will take a small blood sample, usually from a finger prick.
Test Cartridge: The blood sample is added to a test cartridge that detects HIV antibodies.
Results in 60 Seconds: The cartridge displays your results in just one minute: one line for a negative result, two lines for a positive result.
What to Do After Testing?
Negative Result: If your result is negative and you haven’t engaged in risky behavior since your last test, continue practicing safe sex and getting regular check-ups.
Positive Result: A positive result does not confirm an HIV diagnosis. You will need to undergo additional testing to confirm the result. If confirmed positive, seek medical care and support.
Where Can You Get INSTI Rapid HIV Testing?
INSTI testing is available at clinics, community health centers, and healthcare facilities. Contact your local healthcare provider to inquire about availability.
Remember:
Regular HIV testing is important, especially if you’re sexually active or engage in behaviors that put you at risk.
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your health outcomes if you are living with HIV.
Getting tested for HIV is a responsible step toward taking control of your health. With INSTI Rapid HIV Testing, you can receive fast, accurate, and confidential results, empowering you to make informed decisions about your well-being.
PREVENTION
Make a plan. Choose a prevention method that works for you.
Below, you will find simple and engaging information about HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, PrEP/PEP, and the impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV:
HIV
HIV is a virus that attacks our immune system, but with the right treatment, people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. Remember, protection is key!
Use condoms, get tested regularly, and if you're at high risk, ask your healthcare provider about PrEP, a medication that can lower your chances of getting HIV.
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Let's talk about it! Gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can cause discomfort and serious health problems if left untreated.
But do not worry, they are easily treatable with antibiotics. Stay safe by using condoms, getting tested, and encouraging your partners to do the same.
Syphilis
Let's shine a spotlight on syphilis! This STI may have a fancy name, but it is important to know the facts. Syphilis can cause sores, rashes, and even damage your organs if not treated.
Luckily, it is curable with antibiotics. Protect yourself and your partner by engaging in safer sex practices and getting tested regularly.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Did you know there is a pill that can help prevent HIV? It is called PrEP, and it is like a superhero shield against the virus. By taking it every day, along with using condoms and getting tested regularly, you can reduce the risk of getting HIV if you are at elevated risk.
Talk to your healthcare provider to see if PrEP is right for you.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP to the rescue! If you have been exposed to HIV through a recent high-risk situation, like unprotected sex or sharing needles, do not panic. PEP is a medication you can take within 72 hours to prevent HIV infection.
But remember, time is of the essence, so seek medical attention as soon as possible. Stay safe and informed!
COVID-19 and People Living with HIV
COVID-19 can affect everyone differently, including individuals living with HIV. While those with well-managed HIV have a similar risk of contracting COVID-19 as the general population, it is crucial to prioritize overall health and follow preventive measures. Keep taking HIV medications as prescribed, practice preventive measures like wearing masks and social distancing, and consult with healthcare providers for personalized guidance. Individuals with advanced HIV or low CD4 cell count may be at higher risk for severe illness and should take extra precautions.
ChapCare is here to support you, so reach out if you have any concerns. Stay informed, stay healthy, and stay strong during these challenging times.
We are here to provide you with the knowledge you seek, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health during these challenging times.
It is important to understand that individuals with well-managed HIV have a similar risk of contracting COVID-19 as the general population. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. One of the most crucial steps you can take is to continue taking your HIV medications as prescribed. These medications play a vital role in keeping your immune system strong and effectively managing your HIV.
In addition to medication adherence, following recommended preventive measures is essential. This includes wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and frequently washing your hands. By diligently following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and protect yourself and others around you.
For those with advanced HIV or a low CD4 cell count, it is important to take extra precautions. Individuals in this category may be at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. It is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider regularly to discuss your individual situation and obtain personalized guidance on managing both HIV and COVID-19 risks.
Our clinic is committed to supporting you throughout this journey. We encourage you to reach out if you have any concerns or questions regarding managing your HIV and staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember, knowledge is power, so stay informed, stay healthy, and stay strong as we navigate these challenging times together.
Remember, sexual health is important, and taking care of yourself and your partner means staying informed, practicing safer sex, and getting tested regularly.
If you still have critical issues, need resources on where to go and/or would like to set up an appointment for testing, contact one of our Health Educators at 626.486.9641.
KNOWLEDGE DESK
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We collect a small blood sample with a finger stick. The actual test takes about a minute, but the overall counseling session can take anywhere from 7 to 30 minutes.
A positive HIV test result does not equal an AIDS diagnosis. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, but AIDS itself is a condition of the immune system and has dropped in occurrence in the years since medications were developed to manage living with HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) refers to a virus that targets the immune system. AIDS refers to a condition in which the immune system is damaged and cannot defend itself, rendering the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. However, the virus only reaches this stage without treatment.
If untreated, about half of people living with HIV develop AIDS within ten years. However, with the availability of medication today to manage the virus, many who are diagnosed can stop its progression to AIDS in their lifetime and lead happy, healthy lives.
Your test result is confidential. This means that it will be part of your medical record at ChapCare, and may be sent to your healthcare provider, health insurance company, and local health departments. Your results are protected by state and federal privacy laws and cannot be released or accessed by anyone outside these entities without your consent.
HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, or from pregnant person to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Some people with gonorrhea may experience symptoms such as burning sensation during urination, increased vaginal discharge, or discharge from the penis. However, many infected individuals do not have any symptoms.
Yes, chlamydia can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure eradication of the infection.
Syphilis is usually transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual activity. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication regimen taken by individuals who are at elevated risk of contracting HIV to reduce the risk of acquiring the virus. PrEP should be used in combination with other prevention methods like condoms for maximum effectiveness.
COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. It can also spread by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines authorized for emergency use have undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. They have been proven to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death associated with COVID-19.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is general and may not cover all aspects or individual cases. For more detailed and specific information, it is always recommended to consult reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or healthcare professionals.”