NewYork-Presbyterian. The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell.

Ambulatory Care Network Community Programs

Project KISS

About Project K.I.S.S.

Project K.I.S.S. is a Ryan White Part D funded adolescent HIV prevention program that provides services to youth ages 13-24. Our name stands for "Know Your Status, Inform your Partner(s), Stay Safe." We engage youth through innovative health education, HIV/AIDS awareness, safer sex products and prevention counseling, and rapid HIV testing. Our staff reflects our target population and is committed to working with youth. We educate young people about HIV/AIDS through conversations, role-play, written material, educational workshops, and events. We have numerous partnerships with community based organizations throughout New York City where we provide HIV counseling and testing and health education workshops.

Mission

Project K.I.S.S.'s mission is to identify HIV positive youth between the ages of 13-24 and bring them into medical care through referrals. We also aim to educate at-risk negative youth on HIV prevention. We achieve this mission by providing free, non-judgmental, anonymous/confidential HIV Counseling and Testing, as well as comprehensive dialogue and activity based health education workshops throughout New York City and adjacent boroughs.

Health Education Topics

HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Reproductive Health and Anatomy, Healthy Relationships, Gender and Sexuality, Body Image, Safer Sex, Power and Privilege, Diversity and Social Justice, Stigma and HIV/AIDS, Transgender Competency, Gender Violence, Action and Change through Theater, Group Facilitation, Self Care Management, Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence, Healthy Living, Stress Reduction, Holistic Health, Art Therapy projects, other topics as requested.

Yearly Events

Love Revolution Fashion Event and Anti-Stigma Campaign

(August)- anti-stigma initiative, brings together cross-section of HIV infected and affected youth to use fashion and culture for HIV awareness and prevention.

Action and Change through Theater

(March)- Arts-based theater, HIV prevention, and women's health curriculum, culminating in HIV testing arts event for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Young Men's Initiative and Young Men's Summit

(June/July)- curriculum targeting young men of color who do not gay-identify to explore their role in HIV prevention Pride Prom (May)- gender bending prom and safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies.