Responding to the impact of HIV and AIDS on African American and minority
populations in Springfield, REACH AND TEACH, 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, REACH AND TEACH 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.
Reach and Teach is provided
by the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Services.
