“More importantly,� Pratte stresses, “we are still moving forward with our estimated timeline of reopening in early May.� Others in the Education and Prevention Services Department at SCAP agree. April Jackson, Director of Program Development and Evaluation, is focused on the timeline to revamp and expand the services that are currently at the HIV Resource Drop In Center. “SCAP is anxious to move forward with updated services at the center and get current services out of the parking lot. The property damage is definitely a nuisance, but not a deterrent.�

Current HIV Resource Drop In Center services include continued collaboration with Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (HSA) to provide counseling and HIV testing on Tuesday in the HIV Resource Drop In Center parking lot. The HIV Resource Drop In Center parking lot is also a consistent site for the Santa Cruz County Needle Exchange program to provide services every day during specific times. None of these services have been interrupted during building repair.

Executive Director, Christopher Smith, recognizes the toll that the centers’ closed door has on the Santa Cruz community. “Our friends, supporters and staff have rallied to ensure that services continue and to fight the incorrect notion that SCAP has shirked its prevention responsibilities. We will do everything we can to quickly reopen the HIV Resource Drop In Center doors.�



For more information:

If you would like more information on the effect of HIV/AIDS on the Santa Cruz County community and information on safer sex practices, please contact the Education & Prevention Department of the Santa Cruz AIDS Project at
831. 427. 3900.