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

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Learning, friendships + more inspired at The HUB. (AIDS AL)

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

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The HUB in Lakeview. (AIDS AL)

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.

AIDS AL
The HUB helps teach those of varying walks of life about sexual health. (AIDS AL)

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

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For services, programs and more, reach out. (AIDS AL)

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

Looking Ahead

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Don’t miss upcoming events with AIDS Alabama and The HUB. (AIDS AL)

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:

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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