SMYAL - Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders

HIV Counseling, Testing and Referral

Recent social research consistently illustrates the alarming prevalence of HIV infection among LGBTQ youth. According to statistics released by YouthAIDS , at least half of all new HIV infections are among people under the age of 25; and African-Americans account for 48% of all new infections. The study also notes that Washington, DC has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the United States as one in 20 District residents are living with HIV/AIDS.

A major part of SMYAL's mission work is HIV prevention and education, as the current population of LGBTQ youth accessing our services are residents of the District of Columbia; between the ages of 16-20; and are predominantly African-American. As part of this work, we provide free and confidential counseling and testing for HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Our Health Program Manager connects youth who test positive for HIV to the care they need through a partnership with Children's National Medical Center and provides limited case management.

For a free and confidential HIV test, youth can drop in Monday-Thursday from 3-5 PM and Fridays from 3-6 PM, or they can set up an appointment for any day of the week by emailing testing@smyal.org or:

Ryan Drab

HIV CTR Coordinator
(202)-567-3155
ryan.drab@smyal.org

D'Angelo Morrison

HIV CTR Specialist
(202)-567-3153
dangelo.morrison@smyal.org