Protecting Ourselves Right Now - Access to Racial and Cultural Health Institute, Inc. (ARCH)

What is Protecting Ourselves Right Now?

(P.O.R.N.)

P.O.R.N. is a message campaign that provides information on safe sex practices, HIV testing, awareness of risky sexual behavior, and the perception of risk and harm from risky behavior. P.O.R.N. is meant to provoke thought about “what is the risk and how do I avoid it” for heterosexual and homosexual male, female, transgender, and other non-confirming gender persons between the ages of 13-24 years old. P.O.R.N. is also indirectly meant to help inform the primary caregiver of minors. P.O.R.N. is a social media campaign of Access for Racial and Cultural Health Institute, Incorporated (ARCH).

What does it offer?

STD/HIV numbers are skyrocketing once again.

The lack of safe messaging has perhaps encouraged you to think less about safe sex practices even though you know you need to. Culturally, you may say "STD/HIV can’t happen to me”, but the reality is that it can. With this in mind, we want you to have a space where you can come for information, encouragement, and strategies on how to stay safe and healthy. We believe in you living a long life which is why we want to also offer these things to you as well.

To learn more or sign up for HIV testing at the area health department

CLICK HERE

To learn more or sign up for STD testing at the area health department

CLICK HERE

Locations to pick up free condoms

Charles Harwood Clinic
Frederiksted Health Center sites- Frederiksted, Northshore, Educational Complex
John Moorehead Complex (St. Thomas)

WHY P.O.R.N.?

P.O.R.N. is a new social media campaign developed by young adults for young adults! We believe it sends a strong message to our peers to think before engaging in unsafe sexual practices.

Here’s how we can help you:

Offer peer led feedback from young adults like yourself who are experiencing some of the same issues and concerns as you
Offer positive messaging about safe sex, HIV/STD testing, and perception of risk/harm
Provide locations for safe and private HIV/STD testing
Provide information for your parents and other primary caregivers to help them be fully aware of what you are experiencing as young adults engaged in or considering sexual activity
Make you aware of forums, seminars, and festivals that support the mission of positive messaging and safe and healthy sex practices

What do we want you to do?

Commit to getting tested for HIV for the first time
Commit to getting tested at least twice a month if engaging with multiple sexual partners
Commit to using condoms 100% of the time
Commit to taking a drug screen survey at least once
Commit to reduce other risky behavior including underage drinking and marijuana use

See what others are saying about P.O.R.N.

"Since joining ARCH, I have seen a lot of improvement in myself. I've learned to actively think about the things I'm doing and saying. Besides, ARCH has really helped me to become a leader and more confident. I'm no longer sitting back but giving my opinions.”

ANTHONY

"ARCH gave me so much good information. The facilitators in the program don't make you feel dumb, they let you express your opinion and gave correct information if you don't have it correct."
MCKAYLA

JOSE

"I'll have to say being more confident is what I have gotten from being in ARCH. I think ARCH is a good program and I hope more of my friends have a chance to go through Better Choices for a Better Future."

MCKAYLA

"These young people are incredible! I love they are comfortable to express their feelings and they get a chance to learn important skills and information to help to be safe."

MAREN

"There were so many things I didn't know before joining ARCH as a Peer Educator and working on the P.O.R.N. campaign. Now I have a lot of knowledge to share with my friends and family”

ALEX

Questions about HIV testing

Why get tested for HIV?

If you've never been tested for HIV, it's a good idea to check your status at least once. And you need to get checked regularly if you:

have unprotected sex
are a guy who has sex with other guys
use needles to inject drugs

How does HIV testing work?

Testing usually involves taking a small sample of blood or an oral swab. The time it takes to receive your results will depend on the type of test you receive. A rapid HIV test result will be available within 20 minutes.

When and where can I get tested for HIV and/or STDs?

You can get tested at the Department of Health – click here for more information

What happens if my HIV test is positive?

If you test positive for HIV, it is important to remember that with treatment you can live a long, healthy life. In fact, with early treatment, people with HIV can live about as long as people that are not infected. A team approach will help you get the medical care and support that you need. By starting treatment as soon as possible, you can stay healthy and learn to live well with HIV.

My HIV test is negative. How can I keep it that way?

not having sex
using a condom every time and for every form of sex (vaginal, anal, oral)
reducing the number of sex partners you have
making sure any sex partners have been tested for HIV
getting tested for STDs (having an STD makes it easier to get infected with HIV)
not sharing needles to inject drugs

Access to Racial & Cultural Health Institute, Inc.