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HIV & STI Resources2025-03-11T06:07:59-04:00

Harm Reduction & Sexual Health

At Save Our Families, we recognize that access to health and wellness care is essential for every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Education and awareness are just as critical in ensuring that people can make informed decisions about their health.

As part of our commitment to harm reduction, we aim to break down common myths and provide accurate, up-to-date information about HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis. Understanding these conditions, how they are transmitted, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and others is key to reducing stigma and improving health outcomes in our communities.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Status

Getting tested for HIV, STIs, and hepatitis is one of the most important steps in maintaining your health and the well-being of those around you. Many infections can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not show symptoms even if you have one. Early detection can lead to early treatment, preventing complications and reducing transmission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an STI?

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, HIV, and hepatitis.

What is HIV, and how is it different from AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV. With proper treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and may never develop AIDS.

What is hepatitis, and what are the different types?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, often caused by viruses. The most common types are:

  • Hepatitis A – Spread through contaminated food or water. Preventable by vaccine.
  • Hepatitis B – Spread through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. Preventable by vaccine.
  • Hepatitis C – Spread through blood-to-blood contact, often from sharing needles or unsterilized equipment. No vaccine, but it is curable with treatment.

How are STIs/HIV transmitted?

These infections are spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex), blood-to-blood contact, sharing needles, and, in some cases, from mother to child during childbirth. Some STIs can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.

When should I get tested?

It’s essential to get tested every year if you are sexually active. Some factors increase the risk of HIV & STIs.

If you are…

  • Having intercourse with someone who is HIV positive or whose HIV status you do not know.
  • Injecting drugs and sharing needles, syringes, or other drug equipment with others.
  • Having unprotected sex with multiple partners.

Dispelling Myths

Learn the truth about the most common HIV & STI health myths. You cannot contract HIV from:

  • Air or water.
  • Drinking fountains.
  • Silverware, dishes, or drinking glasses.
  • Toilets.
  • Touch, such as shaking hands, hugging, or social, closed-mouth kissing.
  • Pets or insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks.

HIV & STI Prevention and Testing Resouces

  • AFH Wellness (Cleveland)
    Location: 2829 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115
    Phone: (216) 357-3131
    Website: https://freestdcheck.org/
    Services: Free HIV Testing, Free STD Testing, and more.
    Note: Please visit the AFH website for a list of national locations.

  • Care Alliance Health Center
    Location: 1530 St. Clair Avenue, NW Cleveland, OH 44114
    Phone:     216-535-9100
    Services: Free rapid HIV & Hepatitis C testing, PrEP
    Website: https://www.carealliance.org/services/hiv-services/
    Note: Please visit the Care Alliance website for more locations.

  • Cuyahoga County Board of Health
    Location: 5550 Venture Drive Parma, OH 44130
    Phone: 216-201-2000
    Website: www.ccbh.net
    Services: Free or low-cost access to Birth control, Family planning, HIV and STI testing, Pregnancy testing, Treatment for sexually transmitted infections, PrEP

  • OHIV
    Phone: 1-800-332-2437 (HIV Hotline)
    Website: https://ohiv.org/
    Services: Free Condoms, Free at home HIV testing kits

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Last updated March 11, 2025.

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