Social Networking Strategy

Continuing its tradition of innovative prevention strategies, HARC is using Social Networking Strategy (SNS) to promote HIV testing through a referral program called Friends With Benefits.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56,000 people are infected annually with HIV. Over one million people are currently infected with HIV in the US. Approximately 25%(250,000) of those currently living with HIV are unaware of their infection. MSM of all races continue to be severely affected by this epidemic, accounting for a majority (53%) of new infections. HARC can and must impact these devastating stats by any means necessary, which is why we  implement this strategy.

Friends With Benefits involves recruiting MSMs who receive their HIV testing at HARC, to talk with other MSMs they know, within their social network, about their testing experience in an effort to get them to come in for HIV testing.

So, if you have a friend or two that you are concerned about and know they need to get tested and you can get them to come to HARC for the test, you will get $10 cash or gift card for each friend you refer to us. When your friends come back for their test results, they will get $10 cash or gift card and be invited to become a part of the Friends With Benefits program. SNS is also used for our  It’s Not Over program.

Your assistance with this referral program is not meant to provided continued or prolonged employment. HARC designated staff will work closely with you in an effort to monitor your progress and determine when to discontinue your involvement.

If you are interested in becoming a recruiter in our Friends With Benefits program or simply want to learn more, contact Calvin Dishmon at cdishmon@hivaidsresource.org or Anthony Jenkins at ajenkins@hivaidsresource.org.