ARCW offers a continuum of HIV prevention services for individuals at greatest risk for HIV including gay men, injection drug users, youth and women. Led by Director of Prevention Scott Stokes, 30 ARCW prevention specialists throughout Wisconsin provide life-saving HIV prevention education, risk-reduction materials and HIV counseling and testing.
Every year ARCW makes more than 150,000 HIV prevention contacts throughout the state.
Lifepoint Needle Exchange
ARCW operates Lifepoint, the nation’s leading statewide clean needle exchange program, serving injection drug users, their spouses and their partners in 11 cities throughout Wisconsin. Lifepoint includes one-for-one exchange of used needles for new ones, HIV education and risk reduction counseling, HIV and Hepatitis C counseling and testing, referrals for drug treatment and an overdose prevention program. Lifepoint is conducted through a fleet of vans that visit over 20 exchange sites at community locations convenient to participants.
HIV Prevention for Gay Men
ARCW’s Bag Boyz HIV prevention program for gay men is regularly featured in local and national media as a uniquely effective strategy for delivering contemporary HIV prevention messages within the gay community. The Bag Boyz are a group of 50 volunteers who conduct outreach in gay bars and other venues, providing HIV prevention education, risk reduction counseling, condoms, lube and HIV counseling and testing.
The IMSexEd prevention program is equally unique by engaging popular Internet chat rooms for gay and bisexual men offering safer sex information and referrals for HIV testing.
Outreach to Women and Youth
ARCW provides HIV prevention outreach and HIV counseling and testing to youth and women at risk through one-on-one discussions in the streets and through small group counseling in domestic violence centers, homeless shelters, schools, coffeehouses and correctional facilities.
HIV and Hepatitis C Counseling and Testing
ARCW is Wisconsin’s largest provider of HIV and Hepatitis C counseling and testing services. ARCW offers free HIV tests that provide accurate HIV test results in just 20 minutes. Anonymous and confidential testing is offered through the ARCW Medical Center, ARCW offices, outreach locations and prevention programs.
Please contact the ARCW office nearest you to schedule an HIV test today.
Abstinence Education
ARCW provides abstinence education and support to youth who are confronting the complex issues and social pressures related to becoming sexually active. This program provides support to youth choosing to abstain from sexual activity through one-on-one peer outreach and presentations at high schools.
Wisconsin HIV/STD/Hepatitis C Information and Referral Center
ARCW’s Information and Referral Center is Wisconsin’s leading source of information on HIV, STDs and Hepatitis C. Available through walk-in, over the telephone or on the Internet, the Center has the most current information on prevention and treatment, where to get tested and how to access health and social services for people testing positive.
To contact the Center for information:
For more information on any of these services or to access help please contact the ARCW office nearest you.
