HIV and STD testing and resources. Does a comprehensive listing already exist on the web?

[TechBear_Seattle]

The idea has taken root in my brain for a comprehensive listing of HIV and STD related resources on the web, focusing where one can find anonymous testing, counseling and other related resources anywhere in the United States where such services are available. In addition, the site would offer some basic national and state by state information about HIV related laws and safer sex educational materials. First off, does such a site already exist? If not, any suggestions on a name for such a site?

I'm not asking for resources right now, but if I decide to follow through with this project, I will come calling.

[Avalux]

1. There are sites out there...

here's one that's been around for a long time; I often recommended it to my patients. :hi:

http://www.thebody.com/

Also, the CDC has a site listing testing centers by zip code:

http://www.hivtest.org/

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. That is an excellent site, but...

I live in central California or Mississippi or South Dakota or Wyoming. Is anonymous testing available and, if so, where? If I were just diagnosed as HIV positive by my doctor, where is the nearest support group or counsellor or other resource?

That is specifically what I am looking for. I don't believe there is one, at least not a one-stop website. I think there should be.

[Avalux]

3. I am not sure there is anything like that.

Usually, with a newly diagnosed patient at our clinic, we counsel them and recommend resources in the area based on their needs. I live in a large metropolitan area though.

If you're serious about putting something together and need some assistance, PM me. :hi:

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. And therein lies a major problem with getting tested

Men who have sex with men who do not openly identify as gay are often unwilling to ask their medical practitioner for an HIV test, or they are in a situation where they do not feel they can trust their doctor, or they cannot afford the cost, or they dare not let testing appear on their regular medical records. I was talking with someone this weekend who told me that many anonymous testing resources are underutilized, and that nearly all anonymous testing sites will accept a sliding scale. Men who openly identify as gay can usually find these kinds of resources through the local gay paper or by networking; men who do not identify as gay and straight women are very often ignorant of what is available.

I would like to do something to help change that.