AIDS Alabama is helping our community in important ways—learn how

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From El Centro/The HUB to a Living Well Health Center, AIDS Alabama‘s Prevention Department provides culturally aware programs, services and gender-affirming care to the Birmingham community. Read on to learn more about these programs and services, plus how you can access them.

El Centro/The HUB

If you follow Bham Now, the name El Centro/The HUB is likely ringing some bells. Our most recent coverage was back in January during the grand opening of its new location in Lakeview. Be sure to check it out. But first, here’s a bit about it.

El Centro/The HUB is an AIDS Alabama prevention department entity. Created in 2011, it got its start as a safe space for young, gay men of color. Now, it has evolved into an affirming space welcoming those of varying walks of life interested in learning more about their sexual health. 

El Centro/The HUB provides many valuable resources from education and community outreach to special programs and social events—all focusing heavily on reducing and eliminating the stigma surrounding sexual orientation and/or serostatus.

Here’s the list of services El Centro/The HUB provides:

• HIV & STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing
• HIV 101 and STI education
• Case management services
• In-home testing
• Transportation/navigational services for medical appointments
• Michael’s Clothing Closet
• Exercise boot camp (Mondays and Wednesdays)
• Referral services to internal and external programs and resources

“The HUB provides service to numerous people yearly. During the month, we provide testing to an average of 75-80 (oftentimes more) monthly via HIV and STI testing in-house and in the community. We also provide services to many more via educational sessions and outreach, our clothing closet, an exercise boot camp and through collaborative work with other organizations.”

Marvin Cole-Crum, Prevention Coordinator, AIDS Alabama

Living Well Health Clinic

Another way AID’s Alabama’s Prevention Department helps many in Birmingham is through their Living Well Health Clinic. Here they provide the following services:

• STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing and treatment
• Hepatitis C testing
• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and HIV prevention counseling
• HIV testing and treatment.

“These services are so important because there is always a need. We believe that for people to have a chance at living a healthy life, they must first have stability in important areas of life such as housing stability, food security, clothing and access to medical care. By providing these things, or making connections to resources, we can positively impact lives.”

Marvin Cole-Crum, Prevention Coordinator, AIDS Alabama

Due to the great need in the Birmingham community, AIDS Alabama’s Prevention Department is focusing on expanding its Living Well Health Clinic to provide medical services. Stay tuned for more.

How to access AIDS Alabama’s services & programs

If you’re interested in AIDS Alabama’s services and programs, here’s how to access them:

• Call 205.324.9822.
• Visit AIDS Alabama in person at 3529 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222.
• Visit AIDS Alabama’s website for more info.
• Follow AIDS Alabama, El Centro/The HUB: Birmingham & Game Changer Bham on Facebook.

Looking Ahead

This summer, AIDS Alabama takes part in several community events in Birmingham. From health fairs to cultural observances, here’s where you’ll find them:

• May 21: Health Fair | 5 Points West, Birmingham, AL
• June 3: Testing and Outreach | Encore Theatre & Gallery
• June 4: Funky Food Truck Festival | Cahaba Brewing Co. | 1-5PM
• June 11: Central Alabama Pride Parade | Lakeview | 8PM
• June 12: Central Alabama PrideFest | Linn Park | 11AM
• June 18: Juneteenth Celebration | Clanton, AL

Learn more about AIDS Alabama and the many ways they are helping those in the Greater Birmingham Area community. Visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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