THE DOCTALC PROGRAM:

Doctors Talking About Lifestyles and Choices (DOCTALC) is designed to enable health care providers and staff to talk more effectively with patients about protecting themselves, protecting their sex partners and disclosing their HIV status. DOCTALC encourages individuals living with HIV/AIDS, doctors and counselors to talk about sex in a culturally sensitive environment and provides them the opportunity to talk with knowledgeable professionals. They will ask about sexual choices, risks, drug use, sexually transmitted infections, mental health concerns and communication with your sexual partners.
 
This Program is now a part of what we call a continuum of care in our clinic. This means that, although individuals living with HIV need to meet with a variety of providers to maintain good health, we understand that each service needs to address the whole person and not just one aspect of the infection. This intervention specifically addresses sexual behavior, and will start when the client arrives for their medical appointment and sees messages placed on the waiting and exam room walls.

Your participation is very important, and you have a lot to gain regarding your health and medical management.  For example, by participating in the program you could:

• Take a more active role in your sexual health.
• Learn accurate information from your doctor.
• Learn to make difficult, but important, decisions that will affect your life or others’ lives in a positive way.
• Learn new communication and negotiation skills.
• Discuss sensitive issues about your health in a non-judgmental environment.
• Expand your relationship with your doctors, nurses and counselors.
• Take advantage of other resources and referrals available.