“ We’re constantly listening for ideas on how to do outreach and get people the information they need. ”
Gerald James
Medical case manager at the Center for Infectious Disease at Boston Medical Center, and program coordinator for the Peer Program
HIV and other STI, or referred for PrEP. It’s been a strong start for the still-new program, and it owes its early success to one thing most of all: Listening to what its community needs. “We’re constantly listening for ideas on how to do outreach and get people the information they need,” says James. “Within reason, we’ll try anything.” Listen up, world.
JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM:
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The Safe Zone is located at Boston Medical Center, 721 Massachusetts Avenue. Online at bostonsafezone.com; special events posted at facebook.com/ thesafezoneboston . [x]
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built a network that treats the Safe Zone as a gathering spot — which is exactly what his team wants. And along the way there are low-pressure ways to offer information. Jamison even fields text message inquiries to the center, a mode that is inviting to those who may feel less comfortable with a phone call or face-to-face interaction. The Safe Zone also hosts weekly socials and regular events: art shows, ballroom nights and other fun ways to engage the young men. The bonds forged invite natural discussion of important issues, giving Jamison and other educators the ability to clarify misinformation, help reduce stigma, and get men hooked up with testing opportunities for
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Go East Pier.com 50 Lewis Street | East Boston, MA 02128 | 781-995-2719
JUL|AUG 2015 | 13
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