BEAT AIDS

I am very proud of the 21 years of service that BEAT AIDS has provided in Bexar and surrounding counties. The agency began as a small grassroots response to the apparent disparity of STD’s among African American and other minority women by Mel Johnson, an African American nurse at the health department at the time. Now, BEAT AIDS has grown to be the largest HIV/AIDS prevention organization in San Antonio with more than 15 employees focused solely on risk reduction counseling, testing, and group level prevention strategies. BEAT AIDS also provides prevention messages to HIV positive individuals through medical case management and as part of our health insurance continuation, mental health, and substance abuse programs. At the heart of BEAT AIDS is prevention of acquiring or transmitting HIV and other STD’s. We not only offer the 20 minute Oraquick test for HIV, but also the blood draw confirmatory test for HIV, syphilis testing, and Hepatitis C testing. All of our services are at no cost to the client.

Data shows that about 1/3 of the people who are HIV positive and know it go to the doctor; 1/3 of the people who are HIV positive and know it don’t go to the doctor, and 1/3 of the propel who are HIV positive don’t even know it yet.

It is because of this disheartening information that we continue to encourage everyone between 18 and 64 to get educated, get tested, and get treated!!!

If there is anything we can do for you, we are here and available. Please don’t hesitate to call one of our very experienced, well trained, confidential, and friendly staff.

We love you,

Michele