Health Awareness Services
1-800-637-5466
(508) 753-0800
What Is SIGNS?
SIGNS is a program offered by the Community Education Program of Health Awareness Services for Men who have sex with men and are HIV positive. Education and support is provided to assist in living a healthy lifestyle. This program is offered with the support and funding of the Ma Department of Public Health.
Its broken down in into three components; one on one meetings with staff, group educational sessions and social opportunities.
- One on one meetings happen at the agency or
in local coffee shops. This informal setting allows participants to
ask general questions on living with HIV and the effects that it has
on a person’s life.
- Educational groups take place at the offices
of Health Awareness Services. Topics such as disclosure to
medication are covered. This is an opportunity for men to discuss
issues in their lives with other HIV positive men in a safe
environment.
- Social opportunities such as dinners, dances,
bowling, movies and outings are provided to assist in developing a
social network with others who are living with the virus.
1-800-637-5466 or 508-756-7123.
How Do I Join?
Joining is easy. Just call the Community Education Program and they will
help you through the process.
You will meet with staff for an intake process. This is to explain the
program to you and for you to find out more.
After the initial meeting staff will schedule other meetings that work
into your schedule. They will take place weekly or bi weekly. These
meeting will be dictated by you on health topics that you want to learn
more on.
On Going Groups
Once you have met with staff you may be referred to one of the ongoing
bi weekly groups. Some people prefer being in a group setting as opposed
to a one on one meeting. Some do not. In either case the choice is up to
you.
If you choose to join one of the groups, they are facilitates by trained
Community Education Program Staff. In each groups topics are discussed
on areas of living with HIV like: disclosure, medication adherence,
treatment options, STDs, Partner notification, stigma, dating, substance
issues and other related topics.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is an important issue to the Community Education
Program. Your name is not reported or given to any one or any other
agency. Part of the reason for the initial meeting is to help screen
participants and to assess their comfort in a group setting. Even the
name of the program was selected to assist individuals in keeping their
confidentiality.
Other Services
Internally we offer:
- Confirmatory HIV Counseling and Testing
- STD screening and treatment
- Educational Services
- Case Management Services
- Safer Sex materials such as condoms and lube
- Partner Counseling and Referral services
- Referrals for Hepatitis screening, substance issues, mental heath issues and other services.