Our mission is to reduce the impact and stigma of HIV, HCV, STIs, and other communicable diseases.
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I am so excited to announce the honoree for the 2023 Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Legacy Award! This year my good friend, and mentor, Leslie Cothren, will be presented with the award at our Red Ribbon Gala on December 3rd!
Please join us to honor Leslie and kick off the holiday season!
Tickets are limited, so order early!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/740988505567
~ Chris
the ALFA team is ready for a good time at Trunk or Treat at Steve’s Place! We’ll have community resources, a clothing closet, lunch and snacks, free haircuts and of course TREATS! See you 12 - 4!
Jess Jones, ALFA's Housing Program Manager represented the agency this week in Florida at the Southern Conference on Homelessness and Housing.
Transforming Communities: Building Inclusive and Sustainable Housing Solutions
What's the Difference🙋
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected s*x, or through sharing injection drug equipment.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
A person with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when:
🔻 the number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3).
OR
🔻 they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of their CD4 count.
Want to know more? Give us a call (828) 999-8744
Adult Trunk R' Treat: Hocus Pocus, Community Focus
It's the Trunk R Treat for grown ups! ALFA invites you to come down to Steve’s Place for some fun trunks and awesome treats. Lunch will be provided! Plus learn about local resources from our community partners:
- North Carolina Medicaid Enrollment Broker
- Partners Health Management
- The Cognitive Connection
- Women's Resource Center
When:
October 31, 2023 from 12 to 4pm
Where:
Steve's Place
211 NC HWY SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Please like/share this post and share with your friends!!
Behold, seekers of magic and merriment! The Alluring League of Fantastic Alchemists invites you to partake in their wondrous Trunk r' Treat Health Fair on the eve of All Hallows' Eve. Yet, this celebration of vitality and enchantment is about to witness an even greater spectacle! We beckon all who seek to spread joy and kindness to join us in our quest to bestow the gift of clothing to those in need. Bring forth thy new or gently used garments, and let us weave a tapestry of hope and warmth for all who cross our path.
Please drop off any donations at:
Steve's Place
211 NC HWY 127 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
If you have any questions, please reach out to Greg @ [email protected]
During uncertain times, one thing you can be sure of is that is highly effective at preventing :
✔️ Visit https://buff.ly/420LID8
✔️ Scroll down to find the Contact Us form
✔️ Fill out your information and we will contact you ASAP
*xualhealth *xpositivity *x *xed *xualwellness *xtalk *xed *x
Attention all magic and merriment enthusiasts! The Alluring League of Fantastic Alchemists cordially invites you to participate in their Trunk r' Treat Health Fair on the eve of All Hallows' Eve. However, there is a more significant opportunity to spread joy and kindness. Join us in our mission to provide clothing to those who require it. Kindly donate new or gently used garments, and let's weave a tapestry of hope and warmth for everyone in need.
Please drop off donations at:
Steve's Place
211 NC HWY 127
Hickory, NC 28602
Please reach out to Greg @ [email protected] if you have any questions!
It's ALFA Quiz Time 💡❓ Like, Comment your answer below ⬇️, and then swipe right ➡️
One of the biggest urban myths of the s*xual health profession. We have clients come in all the time that have no idea what the correct answer is. This can be a problem if you continue to put yourself in situations where Hepatitis C can be contracted. Let's see who knows the right answer🤔
ALFA's mission is to reduce the stigma and impact of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs and other communicable diseases through access to equitable prevention, education, and care services. We introduced ALFA Quiz Time as a way to challenge our followers with fun, educational questions. Please SHARE these posts so we can get this helpful information out to the community!
If you have any questions, or want to know more about the education/resources that ALFA can provide you; please call (828) 999 8744 or visit https://buff.ly/3nR6m9U🔴
Happy Humpday from ALFA!
For people living with HIV, you can contact ALFA for these resources. ALFA strives to assist those experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing. We can offer:
🔴 Referrals
🔴 Supplies to support living homeless (tents, clothing)
🔴 Housing resources
🔴 Financial Assistance*
Shelter/Transitional Housing resources for the entire community can be found at the local organizations listed below🔽
The Salvation Army Shelter of Hope ➡️ (828)-324-6919
Family Guidance Center (domestice violence shelter for women) ➡️ (828)-228-1787
Safe Harbor (Greenleaf transitional housing, women and children ➡️ (828)-578-5038
Exodus Homes (men or woming exiting treatment programs or prison) ➡️ (828)-324-4870
Sipe's Orchard Home (homeless teens) ➡️ (828)-256-5056
Catawba Valley Healthcare (intellectual/development residential services) ➡️ (828)-456-6130
Time for an ALFA PrEP Talk💬
Talk to your health care provider if you think PrEP may be right for you. PrEP can be prescribed only by a health care provider. Before beginning PrEP, you must take an HIV test to make sure you don’t have HIV. While taking PrEP, you’ll have to regularly visit your health care provider. How often these visits occur is different depending on what kind of PrEP medication you use.
If taking ORAL PrEP, visit your provider every 3 months for:
–Follow-up visits.
–HIV tests and other tests, as needed.
–Prescription refills.
–Access to other services, such as help with taking your medicine as prescribed.
If taking PrEP SHOTS, visit your provider every 2 months for:
–Your regular injections.
–Follow-up visits.
–HIV tests and other tests, as needed.
–Access to other services, such as help keeping all your medical appointments.
To get started with PrEP today, contact us at
📱 (828) 237-1192
or
💻 https://buff.ly/43N7dZo
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Today is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day
October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), which was first observed in 2003 by the Hispanic Federation and the Latino Commission on AIDS. NLAAD is an opportunity to help address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx communities, promote HIV testing, and stop HIV stigma. This observance is also a community mobilization effort that helps promote the effective ways to prevent, treat, and stop the transmission of HIV among Hispanic/Latinx people.
Here's Something that you Might not Know About HCV 💡
People with chronic hepatitis C and those with cirrhosis (even if they have been cured of their hepatitis C infection) should be monitored regularly by a doctor, because these people have a continued risk of complications of advanced liver disease, including liver cancer. In addition, people living with hepatitis C should
- be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B
- avoid alcohol because it can cause additional damage to the liver
- check with their doctor before taking any prescription pills, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can potentially damage the liver
- be tested for HIV, because people who have both infections are more likely to get cirrhosis
Have questions? Stop by Steve's Place to speak with our Hepatitis C specialist, or call 828-999-8744
It is that time of the year again and ALFA Holiday Adoptions have officially started! As ALFA's case management clientele continues to grow, we are in need of many sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring a child(or multi-child family) or would like to make a monetary donation to ALFA for our Holiday Adoption Program, please contact me by phone or email.
If you would like to participate, please respond by email or phone by November 03, 2023. Please be sure to let me know if you would like to sponsor a single child or multi-child family.
Feel free to forward this email or share the poster to anyone who may also be interested in participating! Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
We thank you again for the support of our clients and their children during the holiday season!
October 11th is National Coming Out Day🏳️🌈
On this October 11, National Coming Out Day will continue to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence. On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will “come out” (a term stemming from the phrase “come out of the closet”) to friends or family about their s*xuality, which is a very big moment! Beyond this, the history of the LGBTQ+ movement is a beacon of light — its champions are honored, and it underlines the personal being political. It’s also a chance to celebrate the liberation spirit — many do this by waving flags associated with LGBTQ+ groups or donning pins.
National Coming Out Day was inspired by a single march. 500,000 people participated in the March on Washington for Le***an and Gay Rights on October 11, 1987, generating momentum to last for 4 months after the march had ended. During this period, over a hundred LGBTQ+ identifying individuals gathered outside Washington, DC, and decided on creating a national day to celebrate coming out – this began on the 1st anniversary of their historic march.
HIV stigma negatively impacts everyone’s health, regardless of a person’s status. Take steps to help in your community. Learn how: https://buff.ly/3NN7rb4
*xualhealth *xualwellness *xisgreats*x *xcon
PrEP gives you the freedom to take control of your s*xual health and prevent : https://buff.ly/3phvfWY
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October 9th is Indigenous Peoples' Day
Many students learn the phrase, "In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue". But Columbus was not the first foreign explorer to land in the Americas. Neither he nor those that came before him discovered America—because Indigenous Peoples have populated the Western Hemisphere for tens of thousands of years. European contact resulted in devastating loss of life, disruption of tradition, and enormous loss of lands for Indigenous Peoples in the Americas. It is estimated that in the 130 years following first contact, Native America lost 95 percent of its population.
Indigenous Peoples are still here. Contemporary Native Americans have led numerous movements to advocate for their own rights. Native people continue to fight to maintain the integrity and viability of Indigenous societies.
📣Announcement!
We are thrilled to share that ALFA has been selected for an award by the CDC Foundation for their research project: Implementation and Monitoring of Overdose Prevention Indicators. Through this project ALFA will collect and assess indicators relating to access to overdose prevention services and the experiences of people who use drugs in our community.
Click here for a sample of ALFA's current data collection & reporting: https://lookerstudio.google.com/u/0/reporting/ab7b7295-3c72-4099-a622-cb6928da2379/page/SSD0C
Thank you CDC Foundation for this amazing opportunity!
The CDC Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe that communities can benefit from access to consistent, standardized measures of data collection to tailor overdose prevention interventions and demonstrate equitable impact in combatting the drug overdose epidemic.
It's ALFA Quiz Time 💡❓ Like, Comment your answer below ⬇️, and then swipe right ➡️
Genotype generally has not been found in epidemiological studies to play a large role in liver disease progression due to HCV. Rather, genotype is of clinical importance principally as a factor in selecting the appropriate HCV medications for treatment.
ALFA's mission is to reduce the stigma and impact of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs and other communicable diseases through access to equitable prevention, education, and care services. We introduced ALFA Quiz Time as a way to challenge our followers with fun, educational questions. Please SHARE these posts so we can get this helpful information out to the community!
If you have any questions, or want to know more about the education/resources that ALFA can provide you; please call (828) 999 8744 or visit https://buff.ly/3nR6m9U🔴
Time for an ALFA PrEP Talk💬
According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking PrEP daily reduces the risk of getting HIV from s*x by more than 99 percent. For people who inject drugs, PrEP also reduces the risk of getting HIV by 74 percent when taken consistently.
When you start taking the daily PrEP pill, it takes about 7 days to reach the maximum level of protection against HIV for a**l s*x and 21 days for vaginal s*x or injection drug use. PrEP works less well when people don’t take it daily as prescribed.
Taking PrEP as a shot is also highly effective at preventing HIV though it is currently not recommended for people who inject drugs.
Both forms of PrEP do not protect against other s*xually transmitted diseases (STDs). Condoms reduce the risk of gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and other common STDs, as well as pregnancy.
📱 (828) 237-1192
or
💻 https://buff.ly/43N7dZo
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Hey all! We are looking for community partners that would like to a part of our upcoming health fair!! If you, or an organization you know, would like to be involved; text/call Greg at 828 979 2441!
Liz and Greg are out at the Caldwell County Health Fair! Come say hi and get your free swag and testing needs!
DYK? 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI. Know your care options so you can continue to . https://buff.ly/3ZgHl5G
Stop into Steve's Place for free testing and STI resources!
*xualhealth *xualwellness *xisgreats*x *xcon
Community Clean Up at Steve's Place👨🌾
This Wednesday October 4th, ALFA will be cleaning up the outdoor area of Steve's Place, and we want your help! ALFA staff and volunteers will be upgrading the Steve's Place garden area with fresh flowers and mulch. By improving this area of downtown Hickory, we will be providing a more tasteful visual for community members and our clients. So stop by from 1pm-4pm to help get rid of the WEEDS and bring in the CLEAN! ✨
We will be providing food, drinks, and other incentives; so come down enjoy some great company and help us improve our community area! 🍕 🥤
Steve's Place
211 NC-127 SE
Hickory NC 28602
Any questions? Please call (828) 979-2441 and ask Greg!
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month♿
In October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nation’s economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.
This effort to educate the public about the issues related to disability and employment began in 1945, when Congress enacted Public Law 176, declaring the first week of October each year as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Some 25 years later, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
October is Health Literacy Month📚
During Health Literacy Month, we take time to recognize the importance of making health information easy to understand and the health care system easier to navigate.
A team of experts recently split the definition into 2 parts: personal health literacy and organizational health literacy. Among other changes, the new definition acknowledges that organizations have a responsibility to address health literacy — and emphasizes people’s ability not just to understand health information but also to use it.
You can help spread the word about health literacy! Start by taking a look at resources from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) — like the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy and Health Literacy Online. And be sure to check out ODPHP’s list of some key Healthy People 2030 objectives related to health literacy. You can use it as a starting point to build your own list — and easily track progress toward these objectives throughout the decade. Finally, share MyHealthfinder for easy-to-understand consumer resources.
Together, we can make health literacy a priority — and ultimately improve health outcomes across the nation.
Don’t forget to stop by Steve’s Place next week, Wednesday Oct 4th! We will be cleaning up our organizational area while adding a fresh landscape to brighten up our downtown location! Any help is appreciated! Food/drinks will be provided!
Call 828 979 2441 to ask Greg if you have any questions!
Come Help ALFA Beautify Steve's Place👨🌾
On October 4th, ALFA will be improving the outdoor area of Steve's Place, and we want your help! ALFA staff and volunteers will be upgrading the Steve's Place garden area with fresh flowers and mulch. By improving this area of downtown Hickory, we will be providing a more tasteful visual for community members and our clients. So stop by from 1pm-4pm to help get rid of the WEEDS and bring in the CLEAN! ✨
We will be providing food, drinks, and other incentives; so come down enjoy some great company and help us improve our community area! 🍕 🥤
Steve's Place
211 NC-127 SE
Hickory NC 28602
Any questions? Please call (828) 979-2441 and ask Greg!
Wondering how you can protect yourself from STIs? It’s as simple as Talk. Test. Treat. https://buff.ly/3ZgHl5G
*xualhealth *xualwellness *xisgreats*x *xcon
Today is National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 👨
First observed in 2008 by the National Association of People with AIDS, the National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a time to focus on the impact of HIV and AIDS on gay and bis*xual men as well as ongoing efforts to reduce HIV and AIDS in this population.
It's ALFA Quiz Time 💡❓ Like, Comment your answer below ⬇️, and then swipe right ➡️
Vaccinations are an important preventative measure that everyone should take, especially for hepatitis. If you need assistance in getting vaccinated, ALFA can help you get to the proper channels! For those communicable diseases that do not have vaccines available, ALFA can help you with education and resources.
ALFA's mission is to reduce the stigma and impact of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs and other communicable diseases through access to equitable prevention, education, and care services. We introduced ALFA Quiz Time as a way to challenge our followers with fun, educational questions. Please SHARE these posts so we can get this helpful information out to the community!
If you have any questions, or want to know more about the education/resources that ALFA can provide you; please call (828) 999 8744 or visit https://buff.ly/3nR6m9U🔴
Hey everyone! A great free resource from USPS for dealing with COVID-19! Check out the link—>
COVID Home Tests | USPS
5 more days to pride? What are you going to wear?
Where’s Big Red this Month⁉️
As you know, Big Red is our mobile testing initiative that provides a judgement-free, secure testing option for local members of our community. We provide testing throughout our 9 county area of operation. But theses are the locations and dates for the month of July!
07/11/23 Wilkes Recovery Revolution
07/15/23 Open Doors Ministry
If you’re a local agency interested in having Big Red make an appearance at your location. Shoot us a DM!
Where’s Big Red this Month⁉️
As you know, Big Red is our mobile testing initiative that provides a judgement-free, secure testing option for local members of our community. We provide testing throughout our 9 county area of operation. But theses are the locations and dates for the month of July!
07/11/23
07/15/23 Open Doors Ministry
If you’re a local agency interested in having Big Red make an appearance at your location. Shoot us a DM!
It's ALFA Quiz Time 💡❓ Like, Comment your answer below ⬇️, and then swipe right ➡️
STIs that show no symptoms can be especially harmful to women. Untreated STIs can lead to a multitude of other health concerns. It is important to get regular HIV and STI screenings if you are engaging in regular s*xual activities. Come down to Steve's Place for free testing!
ALFA's mission is to reduce the stigma and impact of HIV, viral hepatitis, STIs and other communicable diseases through access to equitable prevention, education, and care services. We introduced ALFA Quiz Time as a way to challenge our followers with fun, educational questions. Please SHARE these posts so we can get this helpful information out to the community!
If you have any questions, or want to know more about the education/resources that ALFA can provide you; please call (828) 999 8744 or visit https://buff.ly/3nR6m9U🔴
*xualhealth *xualwellness *xisgreats*x *xcon
1120 Fairgrove Church Road Ste 28
Hickory, NC
28602
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ALFA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to ALFA:
Liz and Greg are out at the Caldwell County Health Fair! Come say hi and get your free swag and testing needs!
Empower Yourself💪 PrEP is a medication that is taken either by mouth or by injection, as prescribed by your health care provider. An advantage to PrEP is that it’s an HIV prevention method that women and other people who have receptive vaginal sex can independently control. In fact, PrEP can help empower anyone to take control of protecting themselves from HIV. #gettestedalfa #gettested #StopHIVTogether #HIVTreatmentWorks #uequalsu #StopHIVStigma #PrEP #PrEPForHer #ShesWell #U=U #HIV #sexualhealth #condoms #STI #undetectable #untransmittable #safesex #sexed #sexualwellness #bhfyp #getprepped #sextalk #comprehensivesexed #letstalkaboutsex #hivpositive #knowyourstatus #hivtesting #stitesting #hivawareness #stiawareness
You Can Do It! Brian worked to overcome the stigma and shame he felt about having HIV, so that he could find his path. In this quote, he shares what he would tell his former self when he was diagnosed with HIV and in recovery from injection drug use. We need to do our part to #StopHIVStigma. #gettestedalfa #gettested #StopHIVTogether #HIVTreatmentWorks #uequalsu #StopHIVStigma #DetengamosJuntosElHIV #PrEPForHer #ShesWell #PrEP #HIV #sexualhealth #condoms #STI #sexpositivity #safesex #sexed #sexualwellness #bhfyp #loveyourself #sextalk #comprehensivesexed #letstalkaboutsex #hivpositive #knowyourstatus #hivtesting #stitesting #hivawareness #stiawareness
PrEP isn't just to protect yourself! Protect yourself and your #baby! #PrEP can prevent you both from getting #HIV during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Get the facts: https://buff.ly/3EAmO1q #StopHIVTogether #PrEPForHer #ShesWell #breastfeeding #pregnancy #momlife #parenting #lactation #nursing #gettestedalfa #gettested #StopHIVTogether #HIVTreatmentWorks #uequalsu #StopHIVStigma #PrEP #PrEPForHer #ShesWell #U=U #HIV #sexualhealth #condoms #STI #getprepped #sextalk #comprehensivesexed #letstalkaboutsex #hivpositive #knowyourstatus #hivtesting #stitesting #hivawareness #stiawareness
The race
Come visit us in Morganton!! We offer our FARM services, free condoms & lube, educational materials and more! For more information, call our Burke line at 828-999-7770. #gettestedALFA #harmreductionsaveslives
Good Afternoon Beautiful People!!!! Meet ALFA Prevention Director and Team at Steve's Place. Your Sexual Health is important and knowing your status is key! 🔑We have FREE pizza available today until 3 (2 boxes left😋) and FREE Testing on site! It's a great day when you can know your status in 60 seconds.🤯 #KnowYourStatus
Community Health Educator, Emily Griffin, is talking to us about National HIV Testing Day and why it is important.
To improve the lives and health of those affected by HIV/AIDS while preventing transmission through education and testing.
Eliminating stigma and barriers to care to create a future free of HIV.
ALFA is a United Way agency and serves the Appalachian Mountains and foothills of rural Northwestern North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, Watauga and Wilkes counties.
ALFA’s lead partner in providing comprehensive care for clients is the regional HIV medical clinic, Fairgrove Primary Health, a department of Catawba Valley Medical Center.
In 2017, ALFA provided the following services to the community:
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministr
1st Avenue SE
Tapestry Life Resources Massage and Bodywork
2nd Street NW
Dr. Elizabeth Beadle - Healing For Life Chiro
N Center Street
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