Care for the Homeless is now a New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH MH) AIDS Institute Authorized Training Agency (ATA). This means that CFH is authorized to provide the one-day “Overview of HIV Infection and AIDS” training and the three-day “HIV Test Counselor” training, for both of which the AIDS Institute has long waiting lists. These trainings prepare health educators, social workers, outreach workers, case managers, peer educators, medical assistants, patient care technicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners and physicians to be HIV test counselors in NYC.

CFH conducted its first round of trainings from January 18 - 21, 2005 when fifteen staff attended, led by CFH’s own ATA certified facilitators. The curriculum was adapted to address the special needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and other underserved communities. The four days of training were filled with interactive activities that gave all participants an opportunity to practice and hone their skills. A significant portion of the training was geared toward tailoring pre- and post-test counseling sessions to rapid HIV testing. Future trainings will also include information on the rapid oral fluid HIV test that was approved by the FDA in November 2004 and will be instituted at designated CFH service sites.

CFH is required by the AIDS Institute to offer at least two trainings per year. The next training will be held in the fall of 2005. A goal of CFH’s ATA trainers is to begin offering this critical training to staff from other community-based organizations around New York City in the near future. If interested, please feel free to contact CFH to express your interest.