Responding to the impact of HIV and AIDS on African American and minority populations in Springfield, TEACH LINK, Testing, Education and Counseling for HIV/ AIDS, provides referrals to local agencies for testing, counseling and education.
The principal objective of the program is to link HIV+ individuals who are not engaged in current HIV care and medical treatment into primary medical care services through ADAP, which is the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. A more primary objective is to increase awareness to the minority population living in Sangamon County. As a result of culturally competent and innovated outreach methods, TEACH LINK staff tested over 400 individuals provided case management for HIV+ individuals, participated in numerous community awareness events conducted educational classes and developed a coordinated media campaign that included, radio, television, billboards, print media and door hangers. The Springfield Community Federation goal is to place more emphasis on primary prevention and building the outreach-capacity of smaller organizations in relationship to HIV/AIDS.
Teach LINK is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Services.
