OUR SERVICES
Mission:
CONNECTEDBoston a program of The Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC).
Our mission is to address the unique needs of gay, bisexual, queer and Transgender people of color, and to reduce the rate of HIV and STI infections in our community.
Understanding that many determinants of health stem from oppression, we recognize the importance of advocating, organizing, and strategizing for health equity, community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. We do this in partnership with community entities and stakeholders.
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Testing & Counseling
One of CONNECTEDBoston's objectives is to lower the HIV & STI rates in Greater Boston. The first step to prevent HIV & STIs is to know your status. At CONNECTEDBoston, we offer confidential HIV/STI testing at no cost to you.
HIV/STI Testing at MAC includes screenings for HIV, Hepatitis C (HepC), Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea.
One of our certified Health Navigators will sit with you to discuss your sexual health and answer any questions you may have. We will draw blood and collect a urine sample for testing. We will also assist you with any additional referrals to address food or housing insecurity, mental health needs, lack of insurance, or if you want to get on PrEP/PEP.
Our testing hours are from 10a-4p on Monday, Wednesday and our walk-in testing days are Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10a-4p.
Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, and out an abundance of caution, CONNECTEDBoston will not be hosting in-person events and support groups for the foreseeable future. We remain committed to creating safe spaces for gay, bisexual, queer and transgender people of color to connect with each other to build community, and we are working to develop virtual support groups.
On Wednesday, May 12, 2021, we are launching a virtual support group for Trans Latinas in conjunction with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program! Contact us to learn more!
On
EVENTS
Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, and out an abundance of caution, CONNECTEDBoston will not be hosting in-person events and support groups for the foreseeable future. When it is safe to do so, we will resume building community through social events.
Peer Navigation
Our Peer Support program is designed for clients living with HIV. Peer Support clients are paired with a Health Service Navigator (HSN) for support in accessing a variety of services, including Social Security benefits, food and housing services, health insurance, primary care referrals, pharmaceutical needs, and more.
PrEP is a pill taken every day to help prevent HIV infection. Most insurances will cover the full cost of accessing PrEP (including the cost of the medication and associated labs). If you are uninsured or underinsured, there are state and federal programs to help you pay for PrEP, and depending on your economic situation, you may even be able to access it free of cost.
CONNECTEDBoston has established relationships with PrEP-prescribing providers and we can link you to those providers to get you started on PrEP. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more.
Mental Health Referrals
If Any of our client's feel they need to speak to a therapist or are struggling with thoughts they don't want to have, we can refer you to one of our partner community agencies who can help you with what you're struggling with.