ACT Now! is an outreach program that works with communities of color and other communities that have a high rate of HIV/AIDS. The goal are:

• To reduce the spread of HIV infection
• To help individuals through the process of getting counseled and tested for HIV
• To assist in linking HIV positive individuals not in care to medical and supportive services.

The program works with professionals, peer staff and community leaders to help link people to care.

ACT Now! conducts street outreach as well as facilitates educational workshops in New York City Housing Authority complexes, faith communities, community centers, schools, daycare centers and other venues when invited. Educational workshops are geared to teach men, women and youth about sexual health care, talking to your doctor, HIV prevention, how to talk with your children about sex, drugs and HIV/AIDS and related topics.

A series of fun-filled events are conducted as a part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, Juneteenth, and National HIV Testing Day. During the events community members are educated about HIV, other diseases and wellness issues. HIV counseling and testing and screenings for high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and other conditions are offered. A block party atmosphere, including food, music and activities for children, takes away some of the stress and stigma of these health screenings.

Faith Communities:

ACT Now! works to involve faith communities in HIV awareness and prevention by providing basic information about HIV transmission, prevention and community resources.

Project YOUTH NYC (Youth United for Teen Health)

Project YOUTH is a component of the A.C.T. Now! Initiative that targets young people between the ages of 13-24 who are at very high risk of HIV infection. Prevention interventions are designed to help modify risky behaviors. Referrals are made to HIV counseling, testing and reproductive health care.

Outreach is conducted in housing projects, community centers, schools, group homes, drug treatment programs, clinics and communities where high-risk youth congregate.