HIV/AIDS

In 1992, three women artists founded REACH LA in response to the lack of HIV/AIDS prevention education for youth of color. The founders worked with teenage youth to develop HIV/AIDS education programming that was targeted to combat the rise in HIV infection rates among adolescent and young adults, especially young women of color. The organization has since cultivated its HIV/AIDS legacy into a multifaceted approach that strives to educate, motivate and mobilize youth around sexual/reproductive health, culture and self-preservation.

REACH LA's HIV/AIDS prevention program is focused on high-risk young men who have sex with men and women and young women at sexual risk. REACH LA continues to provide gender & sexual orientation specific workshops through the Girl2Girl and Ovahness (for young gay and bisexual men of color) programs. These workshops and/or events are organized through personal visits to youth organizations, clubs and schools. Peer Health Educators facilitate the two-hour workshop or event where they educate audiences and enlist high-risk youth clients for a series of four one-on-one counseling sessions over a period of six months. The REACH LA staff provides counseling to over 600 risk-reduction clients and educates 2000+ youth of color annually through sexual & reproductive health presentations, activities and events.

Ovahness Program

OVAHNESS” is a term used in the “house/ball” community that describes “greatness” “reaching new heights.” In 2006, REACH LA launched the OVAHNESS Young Men’s Health Program under the direction of manager Tyrone Carter, to address the health disparities of young men of color, ages 14-24. Click here to learn more.

Girl2Girl Workshops

The Girl2Girl Workshop consists of a "wholistic" approach to young women's sexual and reproductive health. The peer focused intensive workshop includes self-assessment and reflection, frank discussions on sex and sexuality, anatomy, how to access reproductive services, and basics in pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS and HPV. Click here to learn more.

HIV Outreach Events

Check out our HIV/AIDS related events and activities here.