M.I.S.T.E.R. (Men’s Information Services: Testing * Empowerment * Resources) is a program of Positive Impact, Inc. and supported by multiple Federal, State and Foundation grants as well as community and private donations to provide a comprehensive range of services to meet the vast and unique needs of gay and bisexual men in metropolitan Atlanta. These funding sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Fulton County Human Services Grants, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and ViiV Healthcare, as well as private donations and fundraising events with generous support from private citizens as well as the Armorette's and the Sisters of the Flaming Sugarbaker.
To find more details about the MISTER Center, please visit the dedicated MISTER Center website.
TESTING
HIV Testing: The HIV Testing Center at MISTER offers free confidential rapid HIV testing on a walk-in basis (no appointment needed!) Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM. The Testing Center utilizes the OraQuick rapid HIV testing protocol, which means once the oral swab is collected (no needles or blood), you get your results in approximately 20 minutes! To learn more about HIV testing at MISTER, click here.
STD Screening: The Men’s STD Clinic at MISTER offers free screenings for gonorrhea and Chlamydia to all men Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM, and offers free syphilis screenings to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (including men who identify as straight/heterosexual but who also have sexual encounters with other men) Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
A urine sample is required for gonorrhea and Chlamydia screening; a blood sample is required for a syphilis screening. Results are typically available 5 to 10 days depending on how backed up the laboratory may be.
To learn more about STD screenings at MISTER, click here.
For positive HIV results, MISTER offers linkage to primary medical care for persons who have insurance as well as for persons who do not have insurance and who do not have the financial resources to pay for medical care. For positive gonorrhea and Chlamydia results, MISTER offers linkage to primary medical care for persons who have insurance or the ability to pay for treatment, and offers free treatment for those persons who do not have insurance and who are unable to pay for a medical visit. For positive syphilis results, MISTER offers linkage to primary medical care for persons who have insurance as well as for persons who do not have insurance and who do not have the financial resources to pay for medical care.
EMPOWERMENT
MISTER offers a wide variety of services to members of the gay, bisexual, and non gay identified men who have sex with men (MSM) communities. These include sex coaching and risk management services, support groups for HIV negative men and for men in sero-discordant (where one partner is positive and one partner is negative) relationships, and group sessions for HIV positive men struggling with issues around disclosure, self-care, and medical concerns.
We are dedicated to helping the Atlanta MSM population arm themselves against the threat of HIV and STD transmission. We care about the safety of your health and want to provide the tools necessary for the community to care for itself.
For more information about the variety of programs and services offered through the MISTER Center at Positive Impact, please click here.
RESOURCES
The MISTER Community Center is a safe place where individuals can visit for information on everything from HIV and STD services to safer sex information and free condoms and lubricants.
Stay up to date with MISTER via the MISTERCenter.org website; check the website daily for new information or to learn about changes in hours or services.
