The lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS can be stressful. Not only is there the emotional and physical aspects of living with the disease, but HIV/AIDS is often socially stigmatizing. This can make disclosing HIV status to family, friends and sex partners especially stressful.

Healthy Relationships is an interactive program for small groups (5-12) of men or women living with HIV/AIDS. At each meeting group participants will work with two facilitators and other group participants to talk about different issues people living with HIV/AIDS face. Members will participate in role play, modeling, and feedback. They will also watch short movie clips that are used to generate discussion about times when disclosure or safer sex decisions might need to be made.

This program aims to reduce stress by helping build coping skills around solving problems, making decisions, and negotiating choices. These skills are applied to three life areas: disclosing HIV status to family and friends, disclosing HIV status to sex partners, and building healthy and safer relationships. Group participants will be able to use these skills to make informed decisions about disclosure and sexual behavior.

To sign up for Healthy Relationships, contact the program staff at 713-830-3057 or 713-830-3021.

This service is free to any HIV-positive person.