SISTA Project (Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS)

SISTA Project (Sisters Informing Sisters on Topics about AIDS)

The SISTA Project is a science-based intervention developed by African American women tailored towards the needs of African American women.

The SISTA Project seeks to reduce HIV sexual risk behaviors among women so that they have a lower risk of HIV infection as well as infections with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The SISTA Project is made up of five 2-hour sessions, taught in the community by a Peer Educator. The sessions are for African American women and include group discussions, lectures, role-playing, video viewing, and take-home exercises.

Free HIV testing is offered to the women participating as it is important that all people know their HIV status. Snacks and door prizes are provided at each session, and a gift card is given to women who complete all sessions.

To participate, request a list of upcoming session dates, recommend a new community site, or serve on the SISTA Project Advisory Council, please call the SISTA Project Coordinator at (910) 814-6195.

The SISTA Project is successful due to its strong community partnerships. Partners include (as of December 2008):

· Brookside Hills Apartments

· Community Service Network

· Criminal Justice Partnership Program

· Dunn Housing Authority

· Harnett County Pre-Trial Release Program

· Harnett County Department of Social Services

· Harnett Voices (Community Leadership Development, Inc.)

· Healthy Harnett

· Johnston-Lee-Harnett Community Action

· NC Cooperative Extension, Harnett County Center

· S.A.F.E. of Harnett County, Inc.

· St. John Terrace Apartments

· The Working Group

· Triangle South Enterprise Center

· Tri-County Community Health Center

This program is coordinated by the Harnett County Department of Public Health in conjunction with Healthy Harnett/Healthy Carolinians Partnership made possible by funding from the NC HIV/STD Prevention & Care Branch.