June 2010
ACA Partners with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to Take on Syphilis

Ten years ago AIDS Community Alliance was attending meetings where the topic was the elimination of syphilis in Pennsylvania. Sadly, today the topic has changed. With an increasing number of Syphilis infections being reported throughout South Central Pennsylvania, the priority has shifted from eliminating to containing this sexually transmitted disease.

As with HIV, part of the challenge with syphilis is getting people tested and connected to treatment. To increase the accessibility of syphilis testing in South Central PA, AIDS Community Alliance has partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health - Division of STDs to offer screenings in conjunction with the Agency's HIV prevention projects - Men4Men (designed for Men who have Sex with Men) and STEPS (serving individuals who injection drugs and their partners).

Syphilis screenings will be offered at select locations as a part of ACA's field-based HIV rapid testing program. The screenings are confidential and free. While ACA uses the oral swab for HIV testing, syphilis screenings are a blood test that must be sent to the laboratory for processing.

ACA's first field-based Syphilis screening will be at Central PA Pride at Riverfront Park in Harrisburg on July 24, 2010 from 12noon to 5PM.

For more information call 1.800.867.1550.

April 2010

ACA To Host Forum On LGBT Health Priorities

Presented by AIDS Community Alliance, this is a special forum with Rebecca Fox, Director of the National Coalition for LGBT Health. During the evening's presentation and discussion participants will learn about the impact of Health Disparities upon the LGBT Community of South Central Pennsylvania.

The forum will be held at the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg (1280 Clover Lane) on Wednesday, June 9 @ 7PM. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please RSVP to LGBT Health or call 1.800.867.1550.

RSVP appreciated but not required.

March 2010

Potter World Raffle Winner

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2010 Potter World Raffle. A total of 709 tickets were sold for the chance to win an Orlando Adventure including admission to Universal Studio's - Orlando's newest attractions - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or a $2500 travel voucher from Zeller Travel in Lancaster, PA.

On Saturday, March 13th ACA recruited Gabriela Uassouf to officiate over the drawing. Gabriela, a Dickinson College senior, played a pivotal role working with Professor Dan Schubert during 2009 to complete ACA's Living Positive in South Central PA documentary.

And the winner is: Lauren Ashworth of Lancaster.

Congratulations Lauren! And, thank you again to everyone who helped to make The Potter World Raffle a success.

January 2010

Administrative Offices to Move

After seven years at 401 Division Street, Ste. 100 in Harrisburg, the administrative offices of AIDS Community Alliance are preparing to move. Starting in late February, the Agency will house its administrative offices at 100 N. Cameron Street, Suite 301 East, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

While the facility on Division Street has been a serviceable location for AIDS Community Alliance, the move to the new administrative office provides the Agency with an excellent opportunity to enhance its programs and services. According to Phil Goropoulos, the Agency's President /CEO, the new location will provide for multiple rooms that may be used for confidential client services, including HIV testing, support groups, educational programs and case management services, while continuing to meet the office needs of all ACA programs. ACA's present location has only a single room dedicated to client-related activities.

The Agency anticipates its first day of business at the new Cameron Street location to be Monday, February 21, 2010. There will be no changes to the Agency's phone number, fax number or Web site.