EDUCATION
The second part of the Four As mission reads: "To be a key collaborator...in the elimination of HIV infection and its stigma." We are proud that in the State of Alaska, the Four As is the largest provider of HIV prevention services and that we are recognized across America for our innovative and targeted prevention programs.
WHY PREVENTION?
Studies have shown that prevention programs cost a fraction of what care programs cost. It is much cheaper to prevent someone from contracting HIV than it is to care for that person after they have contracted the disease. Prevention is also important in protecting our communities, and our prevention efforts make us great neighbors. Talking about issues such as safer sex, needle use, and stigma can be tough for many individuals and families, so our prevention efforts at the Four A's are of critical importance to Alaska. We pave the way to help create healthier individuals, families, and communities.
One of the most powerful tools we have to fight HIV/AIDS and the stigmas associated with them is education. The Four A’s not only helps those individuals living with HIV to live a healthy and quality life, but we also hit the streets, classrooms and anywhere possible to teach people of all ages HIV basics, prevention methods and other tools everyone should know.
It can change the world.
EDUCATION
The second part of the Four As mission reads: "To be a key collaborator...in the elimination of HIV infection and its stigma." We are proud that in the State of Alaska, the Four As is the largest provider of HIV prevention services and that we are recognized across America for our innovative and targeted prevention programs.
WHY PREVENTION?
Studies have shown that prevention programs cost a fraction of what care programs cost. It is much cheaper to prevent someone from contracting HIV than it is to care for that person after they have contracted the disease. Prevention is also important in protecting our communities, and our prevention efforts make us great neighbors. Talking about issues such as safer sex, needle use, and stigma can be tough for many individuals and families, so our prevention efforts at the Four A's are of critical importance to Alaska. We pave the way to help create healthier individuals, families, and communities.
THE FOUR A’S PREVENTION DEPARTMENT:
- Passes out over 50,000 safer sex kits (condom and lube) each year.
- Implemented the Adam and Steve program for young gay and bisexual men. Each year this program attracts over 3,000 young men to HIV prevention discussions and activities.
- Works closely with HIV positive individuals to teach safer sex skills and provide social support. Each year we provide over 75 small group sessions, discussion groups, or activities for those living with HIV/AIDS.
- Provides over 100 HIV educational sessions at fifteen area jails and prisons each year.
- Provides over 600 hours of direct street outreach to the homeless.
- Provides educational sessions to over thirty community groups each year and attends over fifteen Health Fairs and festivals each year.
- Provides over 1,000 hours of one-to-one prevention counseling each year in online chat rooms and at adult bookstores.
- Provides social marketing flyers, posters, and newspaper ads in a variety of venues that is seen by over 100,000 people each year.
- Each year partners with the Municipality of Anchorage to get over 1,000 high risks adults tested for HIV.
Links to current prevention programs and information.
