AmeriCorps National Direct

Access to Care Through Service (ACTS)

ACTS is the first volunteer program to self- empower individuals in the HIV/AIDS community. Following the format of self- empowering groups of other organizations across the country, the program develops an atmosphere of service learning opportunities and various educational programs that have a deep impact on members and their communities and enhance their quality of life.

Educational programs offered to volunteers include basic Case Management Skills, Living with HIV/AIDS, Medical Treatments and Oral Health, Cultural Diversity, Managed Care, HIV and Immigration, Sex Education, Self- Esteem, Decision Making, Values Clarification as well as Developing Job Skills.

Since ACTs program inception in September of 2000,  each year we successfully recruited and organized a team of more than 60 HIV infected  and/or affected members to serve in Tri-State Area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Southern New Jersey and California.

The Consortium provides a place where members can take charge and be actively involved in the planning, development and coordination of AIDS services. We feel that services provided to persons with HIV/AIDS should be designed from the consumer's point of view. It is our responsibility to ensure that consumers can access the services essential to their basic needs and health.

In addition to self-empowerment, when a member serves at least 900 hours in a 12-month period, he/she member receives an educational award which can be used for current educational costs at approved colleges, universities, other postsecondary institutions and school-to-work programs, or to pay back qualified student loans already incurred.

To be eligible for this program, a member must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national or a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;

2. Be at least 17 years old (or at least 16 years of age if the member is out of school and a participant in a youth corps for certain disadvantaged individuals); and,

3. Have a high school diploma, GED or obtain one while serving.

To apply or obtain more information, please contact:
Charlene Moore
Administrative Assistant/ Site Supervisor
Tel: ext. 306
Fax 215-988-9902 

Mental Health Technical Assistance Program (MeHTAP)

The main goal of MeHTAP is to continue the successful mission of building an interconnected network of organizations in the Philadelphia region that will ensure an increased access to care services for hard to reach at risk minority communities, particularly African Americans, Latinos and women. In addition, MeHTAP expands program’s focus to mental health service providers by collaborating closely with JFK Mental Health Services Center.

MeHTAP works with non-profit community based organization to provide capacity building activities that improve the ability of the agency to manage, fund and operate effective HIV/AIDS prevention education and care services. 

MeHTAP continues to prepare organizations to implement the Rapid HIV counseling and testing programs, a highly effective programs that provide HIV/AIDS screening, prevention education and referrals to care services. Also , MeHTAP ccertifies Prevention Counselors to perform pre- and post- test counseling and to use rapid test technology. MeHTAP also provides the trainings necessary to effectively serve individuals, recently released from incarceration and individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.

MeHTAP also provides provides technical assistance in the form group trainings and one-one one sessions to non-profit community based organization agencies and their staff.

For a list of current trainings, please refer to the calendar.

For more information, please contact:

Larry Hochendoner
Senior Partner/MeHTAP Director
Tel: ext. 309
Fax 215-988-9902

The West Philadelphia Minority Health Collaborative: 

HIV/AIDS Demonstration Program is a collaborative venture of The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium (TPAC), and Turning the TIDE, a faith-based non-profit organization   It was designed and is operating to meet the growing need for prevention education, outreach and prevention counseling and testing for African American and Latinos living in West Philadelphia.

The West Philadelphia Minority Health Collaborative accomplishes the following:

1) Increases the capacity in providing culturally and linguistically appropriate risk reduction services in African American communities; 

2) Provides prevention counseling and rapid testing services to individuals at high risk.

3) Increases the number of prevention counselors and certified labs in west and southwest Philadelphia.

4) Promotes risk reduction in African American and Latino communities by significantly increasing the number of people getting pre and post prevention counseling and rapid testing.

5.) Provides tools for individuals in need to access medical and supportive services

Dr. Arthur Williams provides medical services including HIV/AIDS to all individuals who are underinsured, uninsured including general medical practice for immigrants. 

Please contact Jose Gonzalez at 215-988-9970 x 309 or 267-235-1254.

This service is sponsored in part by North Philly Pharmacy. 

2127 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA  Tel. 215-763-7080