North Jersey Community Research Initiative

Project WOW!

 

NJCRI's Project WOW! Introduces Its New Manager

 

HIV Prevention Services for Young Men of Color Who Have Sex with Men (YMCSM)

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2006 (the last year for which national HIV incidence data was available). The estimates provide a profile of HIV/AIDS in the United States that is primarily young, male, and African American. Indeed, gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities are the most affected of any group of Americans. The new analysis underscores the severe impact of HIV among gay and bisexual men of all races and ethnicities, African Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos. It also shows us that, within these groups, the impact is most severe among young black gay and bisexual men.

Among MSM overall, there were more new HIV infections in young black MSM (aged 13–29) than any other age/racial group of MSM. The number of new infections among young, black gay and bisexual men was roughly twice that of whites and of Hispanics/Latinos (5,220 infections in blacks vs. 3,330 among whites and 2,300 among Hispanics/Latinos).

We, as a nation, must all agree that it is not acceptable for HIV and AIDS to become a rite of passage for gay and bisexual young men; that it is not acceptable for HIV and AIDS to continue to over-burden African American and Hispanic/Latino communities; and that it is not acceptable for any young American to grow up without the knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation necessary to protect themselves against HIV for their entire lifetimes. To guard against these unacceptable outcomes, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States must be met with an even greater sense of commitment, purpose, and urgency by all Americans. (CDC: MMWR Analysis Provides New Details on HIV Incidence in U.S. Populations, September 2008)

The Project WOW! Youth Center serves young men at high risk for acquiring or transmitting HIV/STIs residing or frequenting the Essex County area of New Jersey. The Drop-in Center provides opportunities for young men to socialize and build supportive networks while learning new HIV prevention skills in a safe space. 

Project WOW!’s Goal is to reduce the number of new infections occurring annually in Essex County, among young men of color who have sex with men (YMCSM). Our goal is realized by promoting the following values:

• Assisting young men, 24 years of age and younger, in gaining control of their health while navigating the many challenges of life;

• Promoting abstinence, condom use and monogamy in sexual relationships between men;

• Empowering high risk young men to know their HIV status, remain HIV negative, and enter into HIV care and treatment services if living with HIV;

• Increasing HIV/STIs awareness in Essex County and in local government;

• Developing and enhancing personal skills in negotiating safer sex, problem solving and decision making.  

These values are learned and reinforced within an environment that is structured, fun, and supportive thus creating a safe space where young men can socialize and receive information about health and life.

Interventions include:

• Drop-in Center

Monday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thursday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday:	2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

• Internet Access

• Mental Health Counseling

• Substance Abuse Prevention

• Mpowerment

• CRCS

• Risk Reduction Counseling

• Many Men Many Voices

• Mgroups

• Targeted Outreach

• Retreats

• Special Events

• Referrals for other supportive services.  
  

For more information about programming, services and/or events please contact us at our Toll Free number (888) 688-9078.

View our Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/projectwow1