NEWS
December 2020 Issue
Champion Community Centers collaborate with Paolo Pangilingan and Got'chu Fam cast on #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day #SaferNowPH HIV Testing Day pushes through on December 12, 2020 overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. Together with Gaya sa Pelikula star Paolo Pangilingan and the cast of Got'chu Fam, the Champion Community Centers highlight three ways one can get tested for HIV while minimizing risk for COVID-19 infection - facility-based testing, community-based screening, and self-testing.
written by Diego Rozul and Edgar Bagasol Jr.
Get tested inside a facility As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, everyone can still take charge of their sexual health by getting tested for HIV in nearby community centers and social hygiene clinics with the use of their appointment system. In Pampanga, YCAP and LAKAN community center intensified the promotion of the testing campaign on-the-ground. In time for the World AIDS Day celebration on December 1 and their 1st anniversary on Staff and volunteers of LAKAN Community Center in Pampanga participated in the #SafDecember 12, booths were set up outside erNowPH HIV Testing day. Aside from conducting testing, they also distributed campaign materials to their clients. Photo grabbed from @LAKANCommunityCenter the facility to accommodate more clients. Testing clients were also given educational materials on HIV and PrEP, as well as free each community center’s Facebook page December 10-12, they conducted physical condoms and lubricants. for their respective online appointment and online community outreach in Iloilo, reaching over 80 clients, only through this LAKAN Community Center, meanwhile, procedures. testing modality. took the campaign online by posting materials encouraging people to get test- Community-based screening (CBS) Meanhwile, DIOSSA conducted a full-day ed and access other HIV services in their is another option outreach activity in Muntinlupa City durcommunity center. They have also published directory facilities where people can Following COVID-19 safety protocols, cli- ing the testing day. They facilitated discusaccess HIV services. These activities coin- ents may set an appointment with a CBS sions on HIV, SOGIE, and the HIV Policy cided with the Central Luzon Regional HIV motivator to conduct the HIV screening Act with the 30 residents who attended Testing Month led by the Department of wherever they feel safe and comfortable. their outreach activity and conducted CBS CBS is done to cater clients who are not operations thereafter. Health Regional Office. comfortable getting tested inside a clinic/ For clients who want to access CBS serDue to the pandemic, most community community center. vices, they may contact nearby community centers operate on an appointment basis to control the number of people inside the Along with the other testing modalities centers and social hygiene clinics to set an facility at all times. This is also to ensure that they offer, volunteers and staff in appointment. Please consider and practice proper physical distancing among staff Rajah Community Center and kNOwTELL COVID-19 safety measures in setting CBS and other clients who avail the services Wellness Lounge stepped up their CBS op- appointments and during the process, reof each of the centers. Clients may check erations during the HIV testing day. From spectively.
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