pathway to informed, proactive HIV protection
HIV Prevention
South Side Help Center’s HIV Prevention Program provides comprehensive, community‑focused services designed to reduce new infections and support healthier lives across Chicago’s South Side. Through education, counseling, testing, outreach, and evidence‑based prevention strategies, the program empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health. With a focus on accessibility, cultural relevance, and stigma‑free support, SSHC works to equip youth, adults, and families with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to stay protected and thrive.
Fingerprick HIV Tests
Get a free finger prick HIV test from an experienced HIV test counselor. You’ll discuss your results during your visit and can take home free condoms and lubricant. If you need additional care, we can connect you to AHF Healthcare Centers in Chicago for free STI/STD treatment, PrEP, and comprehensive HIV case management.
Do you know what PrEP is?
The difference between taking the pill and having an injection?
How do you Know?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. PrEP can be taken as a pill or shots and many health insurance plans and programs provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost. Interested?
HIV Education
If you Are HIV Negative
There are now more tools than ever to prevent HIV. You can now get PrEP directly from your pharmacist in Illinois—no prescription needed.
Tips for Staying Protected
- Using condoms the right way every time you have sex
- Never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug‑injection equipment
Using PrEP or PEP as recommended
If you Are HIV Positive
Keeping people living with HIV engaged in care is key to prevention. Getting and keeping an undetectable viral load is the best way to stay healthy, and you won’t transmit HIV to an HIV‑negative partner through sex if you take HIV medicine as prescribed, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
U=U
Undetectable | equals | untransmittable
mobile HIV testing
Bring our mobile HIV testing team to your organization or community event. Our experienced outreach staff provides on‑site testing at parks, community resource fairs, festivals, conference center expos, and more. To explore partnership opportunities, contact Outreach Supervisors:
Harold Cherry
hcherry@southsidehelp.org
Charles Nelson
cnelson@southsidehelp.org
