As the Novus ACS Foundation continues to establish its roots, we are in the planning stages of developing a comprehensive range of programs and services aimed at improving community health. While we have yet to officially draft and finalize these programs with the board, our preliminary vision focuses on several key areas that will guide our efforts.
Planned Initiatives
Our planned initiatives are designed to address the critical need for education, prevention, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and viral hepatitis. Here’s a preview of what we are aiming to offer:
Education and Outreach
We believe that knowledge is the foundation of prevention. Our future programs will focus on educating the community about sexual health, STI prevention, and the importance of regular testing.
- Workshops and Seminars: We plan to host educational events in schools and community centers to provide vital information about STI prevention and healthy practices.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: We envision running campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with STIs and promote open discussions about sexual health.
- Resource Distribution: Our goal is to provide easy access to educational materials and prevention supplies to empower individuals in our community.
Screening and Testing
Access to testing is essential for early detection and treatment. Our future services will aim to make STI screening and testing more accessible to all.
- Mobile Testing Units: We are considering funding mobile units that will bring testing services directly to underserved communities.
- Community Testing Events: Our plans include partnering with local organizations to host regular, confidential testing events.
Prevention Programs
Prevention is key to reducing the spread of STIs. Our upcoming prevention programs will focus on providing the tools and education needed to stop infections before they start.
- Condom Distribution: We plan to distribute free prevention supplies at community events and through our partners.
- Vaccination Clinics: We aim to offer funding vaccination clinics to protect against hepatitis and other preventable diseases.
- PrEP Education: We will educate the community about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and connect individuals with healthcare providers who can prescribe it.
Treatment and Referral Services
Once diagnosed, timely and appropriate care is critical. We plan to establish a strong referral network to ensure individuals receive the treatment and support they need.
- Referral Network: Our vision includes creating partnerships with healthcare providers to offer treatment and ongoing care.
- Support Services: We hope to provide assistance with navigating the healthcare system, including scheduling appointments and accessing resources.
Community Partnerships
Collaboration will be at the heart of our efforts. We plan to build strong partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to enhance the effectiveness of our programs.
- Food Assistance Program for Persons Living with HIV: The Novus ACS Foundation is exploring an exciting new program aimed at addressing the critical issue of food insecurity among persons living with HIV. This initiative will provide grocery gift cards to those in need, enabling access to nutritious food that supports their health and well-being. By working with local partners, we hope to secure discounted gift cards, allowing us to stretch our resources further and help more individuals in need. This program is being designed to ensure that individuals living with HIV, many of whom face financial challenges, can maintain a healthy diet essential for managing their condition. Through this initiative, we aim to provide critical support to those experiencing food insecurity, helping to reduce hunger and promote health equity in our communities. We are in the early stages of developing this program and look forward to sharing more details soon. Stay tuned for updates on how this program will impact lives and how you can get involved.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to refine and develop these plans, we will work closely with our board to officially draft and implement these programs. Our commitment is to create a foundation that not only addresses the immediate health needs of our community but also builds a lasting impact through education, prevention, and care.
We look forward to sharing more details as these programs take shape and to working with all of you to bring our vision to life. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Novus ACS Foundation.