KISS

In addition to the services available on-site at the Family Center for Special Studies, in 2001, our Outreach Program, “Project K.I.S.S” was developed (Know your status, Inform your partners, Stay Safe). Project K.I.S.S. was set up to reach out to young people ages 13-24 in New York city who are at risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Project K.I.S.S. staff seek to identify these youth, do free and confidential HIV counseling and testing, identify HIV infected youth, and bring them into care. Since Project K.I.S.S. was developed, we have tested over 400 youth in New York City and have brought 10 new youth into care. We also work very closely with several organizations in and around Manhattan to conduct combined outreach, testing and care for vulnerable youth.

In the past 10 years, HIV/AIDS has shifted from an almost untreatable disease to a chronic, manageable illness.

While many of our young patients are living longer, and with fewer debilitating physical effects of HIV, we continue to work very closely with them on issues such as stigma, mental illness, cognitive delays and learning difficulties. To do this, we must work collaboratively with other HIV/AIDS service organizations in and around New York City to gain both knowledge and funding.

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© 2006 Family Center for Special Studies