Engaging Arkansas Communities

MISSION To engage strong community networks, provide innovative and empowering sexual health strategies, while advancing comprehensive healthy living with a particular focus on people with HIV because Arkansas has many underserved and marginalized communities. VISION The Engaging Arkansas Communities vision is a STATE with no new HIV infections, COMMUNITIES who provide prevention resources to its residents, and where those LIVING WITH HIV do so with equality and the support they need. PURPOSE Engaging Arkansas Communities will provide new strategies and innovative approaches to sexual health testing, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and linking Arkansas communities into treatment and care with a specific focus on marginalized and underserved communities. 1. Generate sexual health awareness and education opportunities regarding risk and reduction of STI and other related diseases. 2. Offer both conventional and unconventional screening and testing opportunities and linkage to care. 3. Advocate for sexual health resources by: [1] providing practical solutions to overcome obstacles to testing, treatment, care, and health lifestyles; [2] Building strong community networks. 4. Enlisting and engaging focused Arkansas communities in reducing stigma and providing resources for education 5. Empowering peer coaching and mentoring of people with HIV with healthy life skills.