Intensive Outreach Program

*** For HIV and STD Testing Schedules - please see the Buffalo Events Page ***

The Intensive Outreach program at the MOCHA Project is designed to provide education to youth who may be "at-risk" for contracting the HIV virus due to lifestyle actions. The target population for this grant are youth from the age of 14 to their mid-twenties.

Men who have sex with Men (MSM's) are those individuals who are at a higher risk of exposure to the HIV virus and may need the educational component of this grant to remain HIV negative. There are many methods used for outreach to youth in this CDC funded program (administered by the NYS AIDS Institute) and they are:

One-to-One Peer Education
Risk/Harm Reduction Counseling
Referral Services
Safer Sex Workshops
Buddy Testing Programs
Free Confidential (Anonymous Tests are available upon request) 20 Minute Rapid HIV Testing
Safer Sex Kit Distribution
Support & Discussion Groups

The key component of this program is the Confidential (and Anonymous upon request) Rapid HIV Testing. It is an activity that educates and reminds individuals that they have alternative methods to remain HIV negative, as well as learning what their status is. To ensure that the greatest number of people come in for the testing, the Buffalo office offers a $5.00 money order as our thanks for people taking the time to learn what their status is. The testing is done on-site at the MOCHA office every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. The NYS Department of Health is available to administer Anonymous Testing for people who wish to be tested in this manner and local testing agencies are also on hand to provide Confidential Testing. There are various special events planned throughout the year (complete with testing) to get more individuals tested.

For more information on these and other Intensive Outreach activities - call the MOCHA Project in Buffalo and ask for the Intensive Outreach staff. Volunteer opportunities are available to help out with this vital program.