Write a commentOswego County Opportunities’ Health Education Program celebrated the launch of its new Mobile HIV Testing Van with a ribbon cutting ceremony and get together hosted by the Cayuga Community College Fulton Campus.
“Our partnership with the Fulton City School District and Cayuga Community College played a major role in making the Mobile HIV Testing Van a reality. Fulton City School District helped to lay the groundwork for this project. They collaborated on previous projects, supported youth, and participated in the community assessment that was instrumental in identifying community need and the information we needed to secure the grant that allowed us to begin this project. In addition, Cayuga Community College has invited us to begin an HIV testing and educational program at its Fulton Campus,” explained Ellen Lazarek.
“Our partnership with OCO has proven to be quite beneficial. We share common goals of empowering students and their families to make choices that are healthy and productive and that help make our community a better place,” added FCSD Director of Student Support Services Geri Geitner.
Fully equipped and staffed with individuals trained in NYS HIV confidentiality and testing and promoted through the efforts of OCO Health Education, the Mobile HIV Testing Van will travel throughout the county providing HIV and risk reduction activities.
“This is an exciting venture,” said Cooper-Currier. “It’s critical that we are able to promote these health services in a very creative way, taking the service to the people. That’s what OCO is about, making sure that the services we offer are welcoming, empowering, and easily accessible. What better example that four wheels on the road providing this service.”
Did you know? OCO is a private, non-profit agency that touches the lives of thousands people each year through more than 50 programs operating in over 80 locations throughout Oswego County. The agency is celebrating 50 years of service in 2016. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org.
