| My name is Amilkal
and I am informed.
- Amilkal Polanco, with GMHC since 2000.
99% of people who come to GMHC's David Geffen Center for HIV Prevention and Health
Education for testing return for their results.
My mom always taught me, when you start being active sexually, it's good to be
tested. When I got my HIV test, I would show it to my mom and say, 'Look, mom, I'm
negative.' When I was single, I used to go every three months. Now I go less, because
I have a partner, and we're going on four years. So now we both come together to take
the HIV test.
The tests here are really good. Sometimes, when I used to come by myself, I used
to get the test counseling in Spanish. Since Spanish is my natural language I feel
more comfortable with it. That's important, because if I didn't feel comfortable, I
wouldn't be coming.
One day, my boyfriend and I were looking at GMHC's Web page, and he said, 'Oh,
you should go and find out if we can volunteer there, since we go there.' And that's
how I got to Proyecto P.A.P.I. I help them with their outreach. I hand out condoms
and information at parties and at some bars. At P.A.P.I. they know how it is. You
learn so much.
It's important especially for me, because there are a lot of people outside who
don't know about HIV, who don't know that it's still there, or they don't get the
right information. They're just, 'okay, that was in the past, we can contain it,
we don't have it right now.'
I've been learning a lot from being here, and my life has changed a lot. So I
like it, because they put me in this program so that we can help, especially because
I'm Latin. we can help Latin people, to open their minds, or remind them that AIDS
is still there, to be careful whatever you do, and whatever you do, do it safely.
GMHC intervenes in the lives of those most at risk
for HIV transmission quickly, efficiently, and successfully
HIV testing, counseling, and outreach are a critical part of GMHC's prevention
and education work both here at the agency and in the community. Amilkal's story
speaks to the efficacy of our efforts. The effect is cyclical. By offering
culturally-specific outreach to young people at risk through Proyecto P.A.P.I.
— or its sister groups, Soul Food, Gay Gotham, and The House of Latex
— we are able to get people tested, connected to appropriate care, and
equipped with accurate knowledge about HIV prevention to share with their friends
and family. There is strength in numbers. GMHC's peer groups help members stay
healthy and stay negative. They reinforce and encourage young people to recognize
the power they have to make informed decisions about their sexual behavior.
Cultural identity is critical. All of GMHC's prevention messages and services
are available in Spanish, and many of the counselors and staff are bilingual
as well. This helps create an environment that is both familiar and safe —
a culturally competent place to begin talking about important personal issues
like sex and health. GMHC remains committed to helping those who are most at
risk of contracting HIV stay negative. Preventing HIV infection is our most
powerful tool in saving lives and fighting AIDS.
GMHC at-a-glance
The introduction of the OraQuick Rapid Test helped GMHC to connect people
immediately with options for treatment and care.
GMHC's AIDS Hotline received over 26,000 calls from around the country, many
from individuals living in remote areas where access to HIV/AIDS information
is limited.
The Hotline — including our comprehensive database of support services
across the country — is the only HIV/AIDS hotline in New York City that
offers counseling and support as well as information and referrals.
In July 2003, 26% of New Yorkers, ages 18-64, reported having an HIV test
within the prior 18 months, according to the New York City Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene.
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