The BASE program was started in 2010 by a group of young leaders who were passionate about their community, passionate about pushing themselves to be strong leaders, and passionate about sexual health education. Since its inception, The BASE has not only reached all over East Harlem, but stretched into the rest of Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.
Our youth leaders have taught curriculums like Being a Responsible Teen--helping community youth navigate safe sex and reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS through education--and taught workshops such as The Talk, where we spark conversation among adults to help foster open and honest communication with their children about sex ed and beyond. Most recently, The BASE wrote and implemented the Too Much Information workshop, helping youth use social media safely and effectively.
We've partnered with other community organizations and local businesses for campaigns such as It's A Safe Thing, providing youth with free barrier protection in youth-friendly environments, or our recent Talk About It campaign geared towards starting conversations about HIV status among young LGBT men of color. Our youth leaders have engaged young people to encourage regular STI screening, and been able to refer them to free services in the community through our Step Up! campaign.
The BASE has actively participated in numerous events including youth conferences and large scale affairs such as the 116th Street Puerto Rican Day Festival and AIDSWalk New York. We’ve held yearly events for days like National Youth HIV/AIDS Day, National Black HIV/AIDS Day, and World AIDS Day, even having some of our youth leaders selected to speak on panels for the Department of Health’s World AIDS Day observance.
On May 30th, 2015, The BASE program will be closing its doors. We’d like to thank everyone who’s used us as a resource in person and online; you are why we’ve done so much to be proud of in the last five years.
We would like to leave you with a list of other valuable resources:
Latino Pride Center
“The mission of the LPC is to inspire, empower and support gay Latinos to build and pursue their lives to their full potential.This mission will be pursued through the creation of health and human services programs that affirm individuality, sexual identity and diversity; build family and community life; advocate for equality and justice; and support the pursuit of happiness free of oppression and violence for all people.”
The LPC provides workshops and HIV testing and counseling.
Planned Parenthood NYC
“For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) has been a beacon of hope for the thousands of women, teens, and families who rely on us for essential reproductive health care, innovative educational programs, and effective advocacy.”
Planned Parenthood NYC provides breast and cervical cancer screening, GYN care & testing, birth control, pregnancy testing and counseling, surgical and medical abortions, STD testing and treatment, HPV vaccines, HIV testing and counseling, emergency contraception, and health insurance enrollment.
Iris House
“Iris House saves lives through comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families, and under served populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities in a safe, family-centered environment by passionate, professional and culturally competent staff.”
Iris House provides HIV testing & counseling.
DayOne
“Day One partners with New York City youth to end dating abuse and domestic violence through community education, supportive services, legal advocacy and leadership development.”
Day One provides workshops, counseling and legal support for youth experiencing intimate partner violence, and resources.
Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center
“Our unique, New York City-based program delivers comprehensive, integrated medical and mental health services and prevention education to young people aged 10 to 22.
We are the largest center of its kind in the United States providing confidential, quality health care and support services to underserved and at-risk youth, regardless of their ability to pay.”
The Adolescent Health Center provides primary health care, counseling, STI screening and treatment, dental care, and nutrition, fitness, and wellness programs.
Harlem United
“Our mission is to provide 100% access to quality HIV/AIDS care for all our clients, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation; To ensure that each of our clients remains connected to treatment and obtains the best possible health outcomes; To provide quality HIV prevention, housing, and care services in a safe and nurturing environment; To unite Harlem’s diverse communities and address the needs of all people living with and threatened by HIV/AIDS; To empower our clients physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.”
Harlem United provides HIV testing and counseling.
William F. Ryan Community Health Center
“The four centers in Manhattan that make up the Ryan Network support culturally diverse communities most in need of medical assistance. Part of the Community Health Center movement, the Ryan Network strives to provide affordable, quality medical services at a fraction of the cost. Patients can expect to be treated with dignity, confidentiality and respect.”
The Ryan Center provides low- to no-cost HIV/STI testing.
East Harlem Teen Health Project
“Our mission at THP is to help reduce the rates of teen pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and STIs in East Harlem via community awareness, educational workshops, and events. We periodically conduct parent workshops, financial literacy courses, healthy living courses, and college trips for our teens. We also offer a paid internship to a group of teens, every 6 months, to be a part of our Teen Health Council. The council consists of 12 peer leaders who help organize and facilitate community events, as well as host “information parties” for their friends.”
THP provides workshops and services similar to those provided by The BASE.
