CAP Program Highlight: CHATpdx

Curbing HIV/AIDS Transmission among at-risk and racial/ethnic minority youth (CHATpdx). Funded through the Department of Health and Human Service – Office of Minority Health (OMH), CHATpdx is a new program designed to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission among at-risk and racial/ethnic minority youth in Portland, Oregon. The program is carried out via a coalition of organizations and individuals including Cascade AIDS Project, Outside In, and the African American AIDS Action Awareness Alliance (A6).

CHATpdx uses four main strategies to accomplish this work.
• peer-to-peer education to reach at-risk youth,
• expand HIV testing opportunities for at-risk youth,
• use social media to enhance peer education and extend its reach,
• expand and enhance partnerships among youth serving agencies.

CHATpdx hosts an HIV testing night for youth at Pivot (209 SW 4th Ave; formerly the Men’s Wellness Center) which occurs every 2nd and 4th Mondays from 3 – 7pm. The space and testing are open for all youth 24 and under, and include games, peer education, wii, snacks, and more.

CHATpdx is on Facebook and Twitter! “Like” the Facebook page to get the latest CHATpdx news and events. Additionally, a blog for youth is coming soon. They post information for events relevant to youth 24 and under and also provide free testing for some events. If you’d like to add rapid oral HIV testing for your event please contact us and we will make every attempt to set up free and confidential testing.

While CHATpdx will not turn away any youth 24 and under, there is a special emphasis on reaching and serving racial and ethnic minority youth.

For more information, see the Facebook and Twitter, or contact Ernesto Dominguez or Annika Shore.