SETAC-GLBT Stages First of Ten HIV Brigades Paco Arjona - SETAC-GLBT
January 29, 2013

SETAC kicks off 2013 with the first of its ten HIV Brigades this year on Saturday, February 2, in front of the landmark arches of the Malecon.

From 12:00 until 7:00 pm, volunteers and the staff of SETAC will be providing free, instant HIV testing for all those interested. Everyone is invited and no one will be turned away.

The HIV Brigade is only one of the many outreach programs provided by SETAC, the GLBT Community Center in Puerto Vallarta.

The friendly HIV Brigadiers will also be giving out free condoms, prevention packages, onsite counseling and up-to-date informational brochures dealing not only with HIV and AIDS, but also with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and other related concerns of the community.

"This is a very important tool in our ongoing program to effectively reduce cases of HIV in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas," says SETAC Executive Director Paco Arjona. "The key to this is prevention and early detection. The HIV Brigade provides a free, direct and confidential way for people to get immediate results on their HIV status, and if it is positive, to take the first steps now in getting it under control."

Today, living with HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence due to innovative research and game-changing medicines that are available. As Arjona points out, however, early detection is critical. "The earlier it is detected," he reiterates, "the easier it is to treat."

SETAC works hand-in-hand with the Mexico AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Partially because of efforts like these, the number of HIV infections detected in its early stages sharply increased from 2008 to 2011. The treatment can then begin immediately, making HIV a chronic, treatable disease. In addition to saving lives, this reduces the cost of the care and treatment of those infected with HIV.

HIV Brigades Schedule for 2013

• March 28, 29 & 30 - Lazaro Cardenas Park
• April 27 - El Pitillal, Main Plaza
• May 11 - La Aurora, Cancha de Usos Multiples
• June 8 - El Caloso, Main Plaza
• July 13 - Malecon
• August 10 - Lazaro Cardenas Park
• September 14 - El Pitillal, Main Plaza
• October 19 - La Aurora, Cancha de Usos Multiples
• November 9 - El Caloso, Main Plaza

The SETAC-GLBT Community Center is located in Old Town Vallarta at Constitución #427. For more information or to volunteer, contact Paco by telephone at (322) 224-1974 or by email at paco@setac.com.mx.

We hope to see you on Saturday.