BROTHERS UNITED

For over ten years Brothers United has provided high quality, comprehensive prevention and care programs in a welcoming environment. We seek to improve the overall health of the Indianapolis community, through education and training, outreach and advocacy, prevention and research. Today, Brothers United accomplishes this mission through a variety of prevention education programs; support groups and training workshops; and a semi annual “Prevention Jam”. Brothers United offers a wide range of programmatic supports that are culturally appropriate and reflective of the needs and interests of our community. Street and club prevention outreach is conducted at non-traditional times (Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 pm. to 2:00 am), at non-traditional locations throughout the community (i.e. liquor stores, public sex environments, skating rinks, etc.).

Outreach/Peer Educators deliver tailored and appropriate messages and materials to encourage safe sex, risk reduction, and the importance of knowing HIV status. Internet Outreach: Outreach/Peer Educators conduct HIV/STD prevention, education and awareness on on-line chat rooms to provide safer sex, risk reduction testing and referral information. Peer Educators Training Program: Program goals include teaching how to avoid relationships with partners who are engaging in high risk behaviors, teaching how to build identify and sustain healthy relationships using a peer-to-peer model; provide education about HIV/AIDS and other STD’s, and the reduction of new infections by providing the tools to acquire the skills to make informed, sound decisions surrounding their overall health. The idea is to reach, teach, provide and reduce. HIV/STD Prevention Discussion Groups: The Intelligent, Men, Acquiring, Genuine, Excellence (IMAGE) young adult group endeavors to preserve its generation by educating and empowering one another. An intervention for young people to identify ways to increase use of health care, decrease risky sexual behavior and drug and alcohol use, and improve quality of life. Support Groups for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS: Brothers Facing It Together. A group level intervention that promotes the sexual health and well-being of men living with HIV/AIDS through a weekly support group, workshops and other community-building activities. BFIT addresses not only issues of HIV, but also the challenges of disclosure, substance use, homophobia and racism using the Many Men Many Voices Interventio.; Counseling Testing and Referral/Partner Counseling and Referral Services; Comprehensive Risk Counseling and Services; Individual and Group level Prevention Education Programs; Referrals for Supportive Services; Community Health Fairs; Advocacy.