Our History and Vision
In 1985, IFR established the first Chicano/Latino-specific HIV program in San Francisco. At that time, there were no culturally-based services for Latinos at risk for infection or for those living with HIV/AIDS. Today, Sí a la Vida–Integrated HIV Services provides a range of culturally-based services for Latinos at risk of infection, and those living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco.
Sí a la Vida is about harm reduction and empowerment. We provide integrated HIV services that are responsive to community needs and recognize the whole person. This includes supporting HIV-negative clients to understand how to prevent HIV, and helping HIV-positive clients live full lives in spite of their status. Sí a la Vida collaborates with Mission Neighborhood Health Center to establish the Latino Wellness Center to provide increased accessibility to services for Latinos at risk for HIV.
But Si a la Vida doesn’t stop there. We are equally committed to supporting the broader health and wellness needs of the LGBTGQ community. For example, we promote wellness efforts of LGBTQ youth as they embrace their full diversity.
Our vision is for HIV-positive Latinos to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life, and for HIV-negative Latinos to remain so. We strive to support an empowered LGBTQ Latino community that can freely and proudly value their full identity anywhere.
Services
Si a la Vida seeks to reduce the number of new cases of HIV in the San Francisco Latino community; increase access to health and social services for both HIV-negative and positive clients; reduce the stigma associated with HIV status, sexual orientation, and gender identity; and increase the wellness and quality of life of LGBTQ Latinos in San Francisco.
To meet these goals, Sí a la Vida offers the individual services, group services, and community forums. Services may be held at the Latino Wellness Center, IFR, Mission Neighborhood Health Center, or other location. Please note the process, location, and contact information for each service.
| HIV Prevention & Education Services |
PrEP navigation services
HIV testing & counseling
Weekly support groups
Peer counseling
Community engagement activities
For more information, contact Jeremias Rivera, Prevention & Wellness Coordinator
(415) 240-4104 | [email protected]
HIV
| HIV Services for People Living with HIV |
Case management
Therapy
Substance abuse counseling
Psychiatry
Support groups
For more information, contact Renatto Guerrero, Case Manager
(415) 229-0503 | [email protected]
| Transgender Wellness Services |
PrEP navigation services
HIV testing & counseling
Weekly support groups
Case management
Peer counseling
Community engagement activities
For more information, contact Jeremias Rivera, Prevention & Wellness Coordinator
(415) 240-4104 | [email protected]
| LGBTQ+ Youth Services (ages 14-19) |
Peer counseling
Case management
Support groups
Community engagement activities
For more information, contact Antonio Ramos, LGBTQ+ Youth Services Coordinator
(415) 240-4104 | [email protected]
Si a la Vida Response to COVID-19
COVID-19 Outreach & Education: In response to the SF Dept. of Public Health to conduct outreach to hard-to-reach populations within the Latinx community, Si a la Vida staff went to sites where day laborers often meet. Staff provided education on how coronavirus is spread and contracted, and distributed masks and other health materials.
Contract Tracing: Monolingual Spanish-speaking Latinxs are among the hardest hit by COVID-19 and the hardest to reach. Again, in response to the SF Dept. of Public Health's request for Spanish speakers, members of Si a la Vida's team have provided contract tracing to Spanish-speaking Latinxs.
The Show Must Go On!: The Latinx health education and entertainment of the Pride season is the annual Miss & Mr. Safe Latino. Usually drawing over 600 LGBTQ+ Latinxs, such a crowd was not possible during this pandemic. Not to be deterred, Si a la Vida taped an entire show and produced it live on Facebook with over 500 viewers.
Visit us
Latino Wellness Center 1663 Mission Street, Suite 603
San Francisco, CA 94013
Hours
Monday—10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Tuesday—10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesday—10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Thursday—10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday—10:00 am to 6:00 pm
