Outreach

The HIV/AIDS program works to prevent or reduce behaviors that transmit HIV by providing outreach services to individuals at highest risk – injection drug users, men having sex with men (MSM), and individuals engaging in unprotected sex with HIV+ persons. Call (509) 324-1542.

Outreach services are provided by public health professionals through two locations:

• Outreach Center – 324-1686 - 1101 W. College Avenue, Room 155 (please use southwest entrance). The center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3-5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m.
  
• Mobile Van – travels and parks in areas of Spokane frequented by individuals at highest risk for contracting HIV.
  

Outreach services include:

• Needle exchange – free one for one exchange of used needles for clean needles is offered to injection drug users. Since the program’s launch in 1991, thousands of needles have been exchanged each year in Spokane County as part of our efforts to prevent the spread of HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
  
• Condom distribution – thousands of free condoms are distributed each year throughout Spokane County.
  
• Other HIV prevention supplies – bleach kits, lubricant, alcohol pads and cotton swabs.
  
• Referral and education – public health professionals are continuously educating clients about HIV/AIDS and frequently make referrals to other community services including drug treatment programs, housing resources, support groups and services providing meals for the homeless or near homeless.
  

The Know Your Status project reaches out to people who are at high risk for HIV but don’t know if they have the disease. The project works through HIV-positive people who have agreed to invite others in their social networks to seek HIV testing. Each volunteer receives a monetary incentive to participate. Individuals who receive positive test results are immediately referred to treatment and care services. Call (509) 324-1547.