SETAC Semana Protegida Campaign Paco Arjona - SETAC-GLBT
April 12, 2012

Over the final three days of the Semana Santa holiday, SETAC, in collaboration with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the Department of Public Heath, Comusida, CAPASITS (HIV Clinic), once again reached out to the community.

On the 5th, 6th, and 7th of April 2012, twenty volunteers reached out to the community at three locations, Playa Los Muertos, Puerto Vallarta City Hall and Parque Lázaro Cárdenas. It is estimated by the event director that an estimated 10,000 people made contact with one or more of these volunteers during this three day period of time.

During the three day event, 25,000 condoms were distributed to persons free of charge. Additionally, there were 300 vouchers/coupons for a free rapid HIV test distributed to the community.

Within twenty-four hours of the end of the campaign, persons were already coming to the three most common HIV testing sites (SETAC, Comusida & CAPASITS) for their free rapid HIV test. This is a great indicator that the message of HIV and other STD's (Sexual Transmitted Disease) prevention and treatment is truly out there, being heard, being understood, being accepted and being acted upon by our community.

In response to concerns over the number of condoms distributed and their cost, experience has proven that a 2 Pesos condom is very effective in protecting individuals from a diagnosis that costs an estimated 20,000 Pesos per month for the rest of their lives, in medicines, tests and treatments. We believe that the funds spent on the condom distribution programs is money well invested in the prevention of STD's.

It was noted by the volunteers that there was an increased number of women approaching the volunteers for information.  This is great! SETAC is first a community organization providing recourses, services and support to all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Though this campaign ended on the Seventh of April, it's important to remember that SETAC has not stopped our efforts to support the community. There are many campaigns still in action at the center and around the city, most notably the Milk Drive for the infants and children of HIV positive mothers ending on April 30, 2012. We encourage you to donate money or powdered milk at any of the many locations throughout the city.

We have many ongoing services at the center located at Constitución #427, Col. Emiliano Zapata. Some of these include free access to condoms, HIV testing, education and prevention information. We also have support group meetings, i.e. Alcoholics Anonymous & HIV Support groups, Workshops on acceptance, relationships, personal & professional development, and professional services including massage, chiropractic, reflexology and reiki. We have movie nights and provide a safe drug and alcohol free space to gather and meet other like members of our community.

SETAC also provides condom and information distribution to many of the businesses throughout the community regardless of sexual orientation.

SETAC would like to give thanks to our volunteers who serve selflessly to support a mission they believe in.  We would also like to give a special mention to Tribuna de la Bahía, Siempre Libres, Vallarta Opina and Milenio newspapers for their continued assistance in spreading the word about what we're doing and what's upcoming.

SETAC welcomes all people of all backgrounds, identities and orientations with open arms, please, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us. We are happy to support you however we are able.

Look for our newly renovated website coming soon. This updated site will provide much more information on things like HIV Prevention and Treatment. We will have an interactive Blog and many more links to other meaningful businesses, organizations or service providers who also support our mission. We are also the first and only center in Mexico linked to other major centers around the world, including, Canada, Japan, Israel, USA and many others via Center Link.