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Men of Color Health Awareness Project, Inc. (MOCHA)

531 Virginia Street
Buffalo, NY 14202

The goal of the Get It Done project is to improve the health status of targeted African American populations in Rochester, NY relative to adult immunization and HIV/AIDS through health promotion and disease risk reduction intervention activities. The Men of Color Health Awareness Project, Inc. conducts the project in collaboration with the AIDS Community Health Center, and Black Men/Latino Men Health Crisis, Inc.

Volunteer Peer Leaders are recruited from local barbershops and salons and are trained to conduct HIV and STD prevention education sessions, HIV testing, and screening for Hepatitis (A, B and C). Project staff and the Peer Leaders conduct educational workshops at barbershops/salons on HIV, STD and Hepatitis transmission, risk reduction options, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment options, and referral. Incentives are provided (e.g. phone cards, movie passes, hair care discounts) to workshop participants. Street and community outreach activities are conducted to inform the target community about the program and workshop dates and locations. Project staff and peer leaders also engage in on-on-one dialogue about risk behavior and risk reduction strategies with those reluctant to participate in the workshops. Individuals and workshop participants are referred to the project Client Services Navigator (CSN) for further screening, testing and/or in-depth assessment. Upon referral, the CSN contacts potential clients to schedule appointments. Persons identified with HIV or Hepatitis are linked to medical and other services within one week of identification. Project staff escorts clients to the first three appointments to ensure connection with services. The CSN provides follow-up with clients face-to-face or via telephone twice a month to maintain clients’ involvement with medical and or other services.