About CARES

CARES is a program serving Morgan and Lawrence counties that works with the CDC’S ‘Ending HIV Epidemic’ initiative. We provide resources, advocacy, education, and support to the HIV positive community and to those that are at risk of contracting HIV. We offer the resources to find PrEP and PEP treatment, organize free HIV testing events, support services, and partner with local organizations to provide support and raise awareness for HIV.

AIDS awareness ribbon on calendar. Horizontal composition with copy space. World Aids Day concept.

CARES Event List 2022

April 30, 2022
CARES HIV testing & awareness day!
Hands Across Decatur- 1027 5th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601 from 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

 

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that causes a person to develop AIDS, which weakens the person's immune system or ability to fight ordinary infections. Currently, there is not a cure for HIV, but there are treatment options available if you are at risk.  HIV does not discriminate and is primarily spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, needles, and even breast milk. Some ways a person can protect themselves from contracting HIV are celibacy, using a condom correctly during intercourse, not sharing needles, and talking about HIV with your partner before intercourse. The symptoms of HIV vary and may take years before they show any sign. To find out of you have HIV, here are some options: Get tested, talk to a doctor, or give us a call at 256-353-1160 if you need assistance in finding a testing site.

Use the interactive online mapping tool below to visualizes the impact of the HIV epidemic on your community.

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What is PrEP?

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) means taking medicine to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.

What is PEP?

Resource List

Thrive Alabama

600 St Clair Ave SW bldg 3

Huntsville, AL 35801

256-536-4700

Thrive Alabama provides primary care to patients with HIV with or without insurance, they also offer free HIV testing on site and are also a provider of the medication PrEP.

Morgan County Health Department

The Morgan County Health Department offers WIC, environmental, home care, and clinical services to the public. Clinical services include: STD testing and treatment, family planning, childhood and other vaccines, and breast and cervical cancer screening. Certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates may be obtained from this health department.

AIDS Alabama

3529 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222

(205) 324-9822

AIDS Alabama provides essential life-sustaining services to those we serve across Alabama such as free, confidential and anonymous rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing with no appointment necessary.

to find a health department closest to you, use the locator tool below

Five Horizons Health Services

2720 6th St # 100, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

(205) 759-8470

Provides medical care, prevention medication, testing, and support services to patients with HIV.

Contact us

To learn more about CARES, EHE, MHA, or how to prevent the spread of HIV. Call us at 256-353-1160 or e-mail our Program Coordinator Karley Bishop at [email protected]

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