The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York

Mission

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is a not-for-profit human service agency whose mission is to reduce the risk, fear, and incidence of HIV infection, encourage the independence of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and promote understanding of their needs.  In operation for over 23 years, the AIDS Council is the preeminent provider of AIDS services in a fifteen county region in Upstate New York with offices in Albany, Glens Falls, Hudson, Plattsburgh, Schenectady and Troy.

Vision

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York advances awareness of HIV/AIDS as a public health risk, promoting a shared community response leading to a world without AIDS.

What We Do...

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York provides comprehensive support services to over 1,200 persons living with HIV or AIDS and their family members each year. Client Services programs keep people living with HIV/AIDS healthy and productive for as long as possible. The highly compassionate team of Case Managers work with individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families proactively to help them access appropriate medical care and support services, and work with them to follow prescribed treatment regimens.

HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease and the AIDS Council’s Prevention Services Department offers effective, innovative solutions that make a significant impact on the spread of this deadly disease. Since 1984, the AIDS Council has made over half a million contacts through prevention training and outreach.

The AIDS Council provides HIV testing, transitional planning and prevention education in many New York State Correctional facilities throughout our region. We assist HIV-positive inmates about to be released from correctional facilities to address medical needs and create support systems in their home community.

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York's staff consists of concerned, caring professionals providing services to every segment of the community without regard to gender, race, religion, age, physical ability or sexual orientation. AIDS Council services are available in a fifteen county region of Upstate New York that includes Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington Counties. Transportation services for clients are also available in Delaware and Otsego Counties.

Programs for the Prevention of HIV/AIDS

The AIDS Council provides a broad range of prevention services that assist people in identifying behaviors that put them at risk for HIV/STD infection and provide the skills necessary to prevent HIV/STD transmission. Our program promotes positive communication, self-awareness and self-esteem, and enhanced negotiation skills. Some of these services include, but are not limited to:

• Targeted outreach to high-risk and hard-to-reach communities
• Community-based HIV test counseling and STD screening
• Interactive behavior-change series with adolescents, women, substance abuse treatment clients, etc.
• Professional training for teachers, substance abuse staff and other human service providers, and medical providers
• Inmate education training
• Anonymous HIV test counseling in state correctional facilities
• Technical assistance to community agencies and schools
• AIDS Information Hotline
• Transitional Planning
• Speaker's Bureau

Project HOPE

Established in 1995,  Project HOPE  is a trusted HIV/STD prevention resource for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (GLBT) community. Project Hope offers HIV testing and STD screening, individualized risk reduction counseling, an interactive website (rubbaboyz.net), peer-led outreach including online interactions and referrals and linkages to GLBT-competent services.

HIV Testing

Free and confidential HIV and hepatitis C counseling and testing and STD screening in community settings.  For testing locations, call 518 HIV-TEST.

HIV and AIDS Information Hotline:

Call our free hotline for answers to your HIV and AIDS questions. Callers can remain anonymous.
800-201-AIDS or 518-445-2437

Services for persons living with HIV/AIDS

Enhancing the stability, longevity and quality of life for persons living with HIV and AIDS. Services include, but are not limited to:

• Case Management
• Support Groups
• Mental Health Services
• Food Cupboard
• Social and Recreational Events
• Emergency Financial Assistance
• Transportation Program