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Dine College - The Higher Education Institution of the Navajo since 1968

Home > Institutes & Programs > HIV Initiative Program

HIV Initiative Program

"Know your status"

Since 1991 Diné College has provided information on HIV/AIDS to the students and community with a grant from the CDC funded through the New Mexico Department of Health.

In September 2009, Diné College received a one year award from SAMHSA to continue its effort in HIV education and to offer free and anonymous testing.

The HIV Peer Educator Program was established to assist the project’s scope of work with the students.

In September 2010, the DHHS Office of HIV/AIDS Policy (OHAP) awarded the Diné College HIV Program a 3-year contract administered by Abt Associates to continue efforts in HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

Protection Efforts:

  • The Diné College HIV Initiative Program assures culturally relevant, appropriate and sensitive implementation with the teaching of HIV/AIDS.
  • Traditional healers and faculty members are utilized in the training of the HIV/AIDS Peer Educator Project.
  • Diné philosophy is shown in the illustration to the left. This is utilized in planning daily activities and long term goals.
  • Diné philosophy is implemented into the teaching of HIV education, awareness and prevention.

Contact

Darlene V Hunt
dvhunt@dinecollege.edu
505-368-3559

Sheldon Benally
sbenally@dinecollege.edu
505-368-3582

P.O. Box 580
1228 Yucca Street
Shiprock, NM 87420
F505.368.3585

HIV Testing, Counseling, and Referrals Services

Diné College HIV Initiative Program offers free anonymous HIV testing. No names, or any other identifying information is requested. Currently, we are using the conventional oral swab test kit called OraSure. The test result is available within two weeks after the test is administered. No needles are used. Eventually, the program will offer rapid HIV testing. Results will be available a few minutes after the test is administered.

Community HIV Prevention Education

Diné College HIV Initiative Program conducts HIV Prevention classes to any organization that may be interested in requesting information for their staff or clients.

Diné College HIV Initiative Program is open to collaborating with other health organizations in the community to conduct HIV awareness events and provide information to the public.

Annual Events

March 10 - Women and Girls HIV Awareness Day
March 20 - Nat'l Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
June 27 - Nat'l HIV Testing Day
December 1 - World AIDS Days