Prevention & Education

HIV Counseling, Testing, Referral and Linkage Services

Counseling, Testing, Referral and Linkage Services is more than a test. Before you learn your HIV status our Prevention staff will talk with you about things in your life that put you at risk for HIV/STDs and offer referrals to resources to keep you HIV/STD free like substance abuse counseling/treatment, housing programs, mental health counseling and referrals to area health units. During the 20 minutes your test is processing a CARES certified HIV counselor will help you make a Risk Reduction Plan so that, irrespective of your HIV status, you can reduce your risks for HIV/STD infections/reinfection.  

      Goals

• To help clients improve their self-perception of HIV/STD risk.
• To develop realistic, incremental plans to reduce risk of HIV/STD infection.
• To provide referrals to care/services.
• To improve access to male and female condoms and bleach kits.
• To identify infections and decrease new infection throughout Acadiana.

CARES provides free HIV counseling and testing every Tuesday from noon until 3 p.m., Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and by appointment. For more information please call the office at 337.233.2437.