The Collective

Mazzoni Center Executive Director Nurit Shein (r) , and The Collective Director Robert Burns (2nd from r) cut the ribbon to the program’s Mobile Testing Unit, along with program partners Gloria Casarez (GALAEI) and Ron Sy (ASIAC) on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2004.

The Collective is a collaborative effort of Mazzoni Center, ASIAC, and GALAEI. The program uses Prevention Case Management approaches to address sex and drug use behavior among gay and non gay-identified men who have sex with men (MSM) in Philadelphia’s communities of color. The collective undertakes outreach in nightclubs and social settings, provides direct links to HIV testing, and provides individualized risk assessment, counseling and education sessions to men of color who engage in high-risk behaviors.

The Collective focuses on prevention for HIV+ men and high risk MSM of color. For HIV – men, the project provides links to medical and social services with the goal of maintaining and HIV- status.

With support from the CDC, the Collective has purchased a multi-purpose mobile RV that has been converted into a mobile testing unit (MTU). Among other health services, the MTU is the first community-based organization effort to offer rapid HIV testing in the field.

Our program offers the following services to communities of color:

Related Support Groups:

HIV / AIDS Support Group

Mobile Testing Unit

The Mobile Testing Unit is available to perform HIV tests and risk reduction counseling at a number of locations near you. Check our calendar to see what times you can access services on the street!