Customers Is God

Safe s*x is self-care!!

Why is there so much stigma with both STIs and HIV? This can prevent many from maintaining our s*xual health on a regular basis. Your s*xual health is just as important as any regular or yearly health maintenance check ups.

Stigma and fear of judgement should not prevent anyone from staying healthy.

Let's break down that barrier and talk about safer s*x practices and how to best protect yourself from STIs/HIV/hepatits c including medication as prevention for HIV called PrEP. AND get to do this in a safe, judgment free, upbeat and friendly space, right here at Positive Connections.

Healthy relationships start with safe s*x.

Call to schedule your FREE testing! You can also reach out to discuss any questions or schedule an appointment for a private personalized discussion with our early intervention specialist about PrEP, STIs, safer s*x barriers/how to use them or what is available and hepatitis c.

Stay safe & curious

Everyone has an HIV status....... What is yours?

Per the CDC "The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partner healthy. "

"CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and more often if you do things that might increase your risk for getting HIV. "

This includes both you and your partner are in a monogenous relationship, it is still recommended that both find out your HIV status.

~Where do I go to get testing done?
~How long does it take to get results?

We provide FREE & Confidential rapid HIV testing here at our office with just a finger poke and know your results within 15 minutes - Yes that is correct! Free, confidential and quick.

Call to schedule your appointment for testing or to speak with someone to answer any questions about testing, PrEP medication and more!

Want to know more? Check out CDC website below: https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-testing/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fstophivtogether%2Ftesting%2Findex.html


Stay safe & curious!

Let's Stop HIV Together: HIV Testing Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy.

People with HIV are at higher risk of COVID reinfection: CDC

From abc NEWS online " About 5% experienced reinfection among more than 453,000 Chicago residents who tested positive for the virus. With rates of reinfection higher among people with HIV (6.7%) than among people without HIV (5.2%). This means that people with HIV are susceptible to COVID infection especially those who are not on antiretroviral therapy (ART)."

Read the entire article here : https://abcnews.go.com/Health/people-hiv-higher-risk-covid-reinfection-cdc/story?id=104035803

Think you have been exposed to COVID? You can stop by our office during business hours to get free covid testing kits.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday (open until 7pm) Wednesday, Thursday 8am-5pm and Friday 8am-12pm.

Stay safe, healthy and curious

People with HIV at higher risk of COVID reinfection: CDC A new CDC study found people with HIV were more likely to be reinfected with COVID than those without HIV.

Medical Case Manager

Function:
The function of the Medical Case Manager is to provide direct Medical Case Management services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Kansas Public Health Regions 4 and 6. This position will require time in our Topeka and our Riley County offices.

Duties:
In accordance with the State of Kansas Ryan White Part B Program Standards of Care conduct Medical Case Management services including, but not limited to: Initial assessment of service needs Development of a comprehensive, individualized service plan Coordination of services required to implement the plan Client monitoring to assess the efficacy of the plan Periodic re-evaluation and adaptation of the plan as necessary over the life of the client Documentation of all activities relating to the client, assessment, service plan, etc. in the appropriate database as designated by the State of Kansas and Positive Connections Attend all mandatory Medical Case Management trainings and meetings as outlined in the State of Kansas Ryan White Part B Program Standards of Care and maintain compliance with the Medical Case Management requirements as outlined in the Medical Case Management Requirements Form Provide professional representation of the agency at meetings as designated by the Executive Director Other Duties as Assigned

Job Requirements:
An RN with BSN or Social Worker with BSW or other related health or human services degree from an accredited college or university is preferred; however, equivalent experience providing case management will be considered. Knowledge of or experience working with individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS is a plus. Requires knowledge of diverse population bases including cultural, racial/ethnic, linguistic, geographic, economic, demographic, s*xual orientation, and gender identity to ensure equitable service provision to all clients. The person in this position must have knowledge of community resources or be willing to learn them. A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation are requirements of the position. This position requires a self-starter, who can work with a minimum of supervision, while still maintaining a high level of communication with the Executive Director and other team members.

Send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Did you know that.....

~Globally in 2022 1.5 million children infected with HIV were under the age of 15 years old?

~Youth ages 15-24 account for 27% of all new HIV infections

Did you also know that....

~We provide FREE Rapid HIV testing along with gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis c testing? AND provide free safer s*x barrier items at our office or online under our resources tab and we can mail them to you discreetly in the mail for free.

~ Have questions about PrEP? We can answer those and who locally prescribes PrEP.

Give us a call to set up your testing appointment or to speak with someone more about PrEP in a welcoming and judgement free space.

Stay safe and curious

Sources: UNAIDS, Global HIV statistics 2023 fact sheet, July 2023

We are hiring for two positions. Medical Case Manager and Prevention Specialist. Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] or email for more information and job descriptions.

Progress against HIV and AIDS is fragile according to Poz magazine.

“ In advance of World AIDS Day, the executive director of AVAC weighs in on the future of the HIV epidemic. Also, As we mark the 35th annual World AIDS Day, commemorated annually on December 1, we find that we have made great strides in the fight to end the global HIV epidemic. However, we still have a long way to go until all countries affected reach levels of HIV diagnoses, treatment and undetectability high enough to essentially halt new infections.”

https://www.poz.com/article/progress-hiv-aids-fragile?utm_source=AVAC+Email+Updates&utm_campaign=84542f7189-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_03_06_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-84542f7189-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Click the link to read the entire article and more!!

Progress Against HIV and AIDS Is Fragile In advance of World AIDS Day, the executive director of AVAC weighs in on the future of the HIV epidemic.

Let's take a trip back in time to Saturday November 9, 1985 when "That's what friends are for," by Dionne & Friends (Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder), is released as a single to benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

https://youtu.be/NoMC1aLSM0Q

Stay safe, happy & curious

Dionne, Stevie and Gladys - That's What Friends Are For (LIVE 1985) "That's What Friends Are For", written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager and recorded by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder ...

Did you know that Brazil once pioneered generic drugs, and then came a patent war???

According to AVAC weekly news digest:

"Faded posters marking pivotal moments in HIV history adorn the walls of Veriano Terto Jr.’s office. One announces Brazil’s first meeting of homos*xuals in April 1980. In another, for World AIDS Day in 1988, Portuguese words wrapped around a globe demand an end to discrimination."

Check out the link to learn more interesting facts about this

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-11-03/brazil-once-pioneered-generic-drugs-and-then-came-an-hiv-pill-patent-war?embedded-checkout=true&utm_source=AVAC+Email+Updates&utm_campaign=84542f7189-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_03_06_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-84542f7189-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Sometimes we all jump right to Google our symptoms and that can get a little scary!!

Have questions about STIs but embarrassed to call or ask? What if you need safer s*x barrier items? Who prescribes PrEP near you? All this and more you check out and read more about at the link below.

You can also always utilize Positive Connections as a FREE testing resource for Rapid HIV testing, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and hepatitis c testing. Including asking our prevention team how to prevent STIs/HIV/Hepatitis C in a judgement free and safe space.

Stay healthy, curious and safe

https://gettested.cdc.gov/

When stigma gets to you... Stay positive and confident and know you have resources and allies....

Have questions? Want to learn more about PrEP? Check your status? All these and more you can contact us to help you with in a judgment free & safe space to do so.

Contact us at : 785-232-3100 or can reach out via PM.

Let's break this stigma down and see what the CDC says......

Per the CDC:

When it comes to Deep or Open-Mouth Kissing CDC states that HIV rate of transmission this way happens "very rarely". And that transmission has occurred if both partners have sores or bleeding gums when this has occurred.

~ You CAN NOT transmit HIV through closed-mouth or “social” kissing with someone who has HIV.
~ You can’t transmit HIV through saliva.

Do you know your status? Call our office to get scheduled for your free rapid HIV test, opportunity to get free safer s*x barrier items and ask more questions about HIV transmission and how to prevent getting HIV with PrEP.

Stay safe, humble and curious

https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/ways-people-get-hiv.html .... check out this link from the CDC to learn more

Did you know? While pregnant, s*xually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be passed from yourself to your baby during pregnancy or delivery. Many STDs are treatable with antibiotics that are safe for you and your baby. Talk to your doctor about getting tested. https://bit.ly/3rlrKpv

Thinking about starting PrEP? Having trouble finding someone to prescribe this? Those questions and more we have the answers and resource referrals we can help you with.... Call or stop by our office to get your PrEP folder customized for you.

Stay safe, humble and aware

Anyone who is s*xually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea has progressively developed resistance to the antibiotic drugs prescribed for treatment. But left untreated gonorrhea can cause serious health problems!

Don't wait until it is too late...... Many times, there are no symptoms at all and could be spreading the infections to others. Regular testing and regular consistent condom use is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Call us for FREE testing and Free safer s*x items in a welcoming and safe environment.

You can also be curious and learn more about gonorrhea as well as other STIs (s*xually transmitted infections) at the link below

https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/default.htm

Positive Connections
2044 SW Fillmore st
Topeka, KS 66604
785-232-3100

Hep C doesn't have to define you any longer! Why? Because there is a cure! That is correct, A CURE! This can be done in as little as 12weeks time.

Hepatitis C can cost nearly $100,00 or more for the full course of medication alone. When treatment is that expensive some feel there is no way they will be able to be cured. No fear though we are here to help. You can get free hepatitis C testing at our office and get access to great resources to help with that burden at little to no cost to you!!

Why not take advantage of this? Call our office to speak with our prevention team to learn more and answer any questions you may have and debunk those myths so you can make the best decision for yourself with all the information in front of you.

stay safe, humble and kind.

Contact us via messenger or call 785-232-3100 to schedule your appointment.

Prevention Specialist
Permanent, Full Time, Non-Exempt

Function: The function of this position is to provide HIV/AIDS, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C prevention education and testing in the communities served by Positive Connections. This position will conduct education activities (traditional/face-to-face in the community, and internet-based/virtual) to individuals, groups, and communities most heavily impacted by HIV. This person will meet one-on-one with individuals who need and request information and will provide regularly scheduled in-office testing, outreach education, and presentations upon request to community agencies, organizations, and institutions. In addition, this position requires collaboration with existing testing agencies and the identification of new education opportunities to locate individuals with HIV, who are unaware of their status. This position will work closely with Positive Connections Outreach Coordinator, other community agencies, KDHE’s Disease Intervention Specialists and Linkage to Care Coordinators.

Duties:

• Complete and maintain all training and certifications required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, including venipuncture training
• Provide HIV testing (both rapid and through blood draws), health and education information, and HIV risk reduction interventions to individuals at high risk of HIV infection
• Provide information and/or make appropriate referrals to individuals who contact Positive Connections with questions and/or concerns
• Conduct HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C testing and behavior change counseling both in the office and in outreach settings
• Ensure blood is spun and refrigerated within two hours of blood draw and deliver blood to the KHEL twice per week.
• Ensure urine is processed withing two hours of specimen collection, refrigerated, and delivered to KHEL twice per week.
• Conduct education activities on a regularly scheduled basis for the purpose of establishing relationships, and providing prevention education information and materials with other community organizations
• Conduct controls and complete the appropriate paperwork as required
• Conduct pre-release education and ongoing education groups at the Women’s Correctional Facility, Mirrors, Shawnee County Jail and any other facilities as requested. In the course of these educational presentations, provide testing as requested
• Complete and oversee the completion of all paperwork or we- based reporting as required by KDHE and by Positive Connections
• Ensure that testing room temperatures are maintained, and test logs completed and submitted as required by KDHE lab
• Order supplies and maintain an inventory of prevention supplies
• Use social media weekly to promote HIV, and STI testing and education
• Deliver HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and Hepatitis C test results and make referrals as appropriate (DIS, LTC, STI treatment and Hep C treatment)
• Participate in quarterly prevention calls as scheduled by KDHE
• Complete daily time and effort report
• Train other agency staff in testing, paperwork and procedures as needed
• Provide “back-up” to other staff when they are absent or unavailable to perform their duties, including answering phones and greeting incoming visitors
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements: The person must possess the ability to work with others in an empathetic and purposeful manner, while maintaining appropriate personal boundaries, and be willing to work hours outside of regular business hours. A knowledge of, and sensitivity to, diversity is required. The person in this position must be a good communicator, must have their own transportation and be able to travel to other locations as required to perform the job duties. This person must be a self-starter and able to work with a minimum of supervision, while still maintaining a high level of communication with the Executive Director and other team members to ensure smooth operation of the program.

Other Information: This position at times will require working outside "normal business hours" necessitating a “flex schedule” that will maintain the 40-hour per week work schedule. Any adjustment in schedule will need to be approved in advance by the Executive Director.
Send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

What a Friday the 13th breakfast we had at PC this morning 😀..... Spooky vibes all around. Do you have spooky vibes too? We would love to see how you spent your Friday the 13th with your co-workers? Drop a photo in the comments below!!

Have a spooktacular day & stay safe

What a great fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween this year!!

Go to KU? Live in Lawrence or want to go to Lawrence?

Check this out!!!

Llame o pase por nuestra oficina para hacer pruebas o hacer preguntas

Conexiones positivas
2044 SW Fillmore ST
Topeka, KS 66604
785-232-3100

Call or stop by for testing or questions!!

Positive Connections
2044 SW Fillmore ST
Topeka, KS 66604
785-232-3100