The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) will mark this year’s World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st, with an educational campaign about HIV/AIDS on social media. Throughout the month, the organizations’ Community Health Educators will highlight the importance of getting tested and taking the necessary steps to stop the spread of HIV.

 This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice”. The international campaign is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, show their support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

 “People may not know that they have HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and may be doing harm to themselves, their loved ones and others around them, which is why testing is so important,” said Carlos Mattos, Manager of the MAPS HIV/STI Prevention and Screening Program. “You can always come to MAPS to get tested at no-cost and get connected with PrEP, which is another form of prevention. We will keep doing our part in preventing HIV/AIDS by continuing to bring as many preventative resources as possible to our communities. If you know your HIV+ status, you can obtain the necessary medical treatment and support needed to stay healthy”.  

Throughout the year, MAPS hosts no cost and confidential health clinics on a weekly basis out of its offices in Cambridge, Lowell, Somerville, Framingham, and Brighton. The health and social services organization’s Community Health Educators guide community members through a personalized risk reduction plan, and provide linkage to healthcare, information about PrEP, and access to resources and support for those living with HIV/ AIDS, other STI, or Hepatitis. The program is funded by the MA Dept. of Public Health, and the Boston Public Health Commission.

To learn more about the MAPS HIV/ Sexually Transmitted Infections program, call (617) 864-7600 or visit maps-inc.org/hiv-sti.