HIV Prevention

SOOAR is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing HIV prevention and supporting individuals and communities impacted by HIV. Our mission is to raise awareness, eliminate stigma, and provide education, resources, and support that empower people to protect their health and live full, thriving lives. We believe prevention begins with knowledge, compassion, and access to care—and that together, we can reduce new infections and strengthen community resilience. If you or someone you know is in need of HIV prevention resources or support, reach out to SOOAR. We are here to help.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells) that help fight infections.

If left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off diseases and infections.
Over time, untreated HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV.

Key Facts

How it spreads: HIV is mainly passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways are through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Prevention: Using condoms, taking PrEP (a daily prevention pill), and not sharing needles can prevent HIV.
Treatment: There is no cure for HIV, but with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.

How to prevent HIV?

Ways to Prevent HIV

1. Practice Safer Sex

Always use condoms (male or female) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Use water- or silicone-based lubricants to reduce tearing.

2. Take Preventive Medicine

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily pill that can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by 99% when taken correctly.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medicine you can take within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV.

3. Get Tested and Know Your Status

Regular HIV testing helps you protect yourself and others.
Encourage partners to get tested before sex.

4. Do Not Share Needles or Equipment

If you inject drugs, always use new, sterile syringes and never share.
Many communities have Syringe Service Programs (SSPs) that provide clean supplies.

5. Treat HIV if You Have It

People living with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) can keep the virus at undetectable levels.
U = U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on through sex.

6. Reduce Other Risks

Limit number of sex partners.
Avoid mixing sex with drugs or alcohol, which may lower safer decision-making.
Pregnant individuals with HIV should seek treatment early to prevent passing HIV to their baby.

Bottom line: Bottom line: HIV is preventable. With condoms, PrEP, testing, and treatment, we can stop new infections and help people live longer, healthier lives.

Sister Heal Initiative

Sister Heal: It’s Time to Keep It Real

Sister Heal is SOOAR’s signature program tackling the unique challenges of women—especially Black women, who face some of the highest rates of HIV, trauma, and health disparities. In Metro Detroit, 8 out of 10 new HIV cases affect Black women. Sister Heal responds with prevention, healing, and empowerment, creating safe spaces for women to learn, connect, and thrive.

What We Do

Community Conversations – Town halls with experts, faith leaders, and advocates.
Workshops & Training – Trauma awareness, coping skills, and self-care.
Film & Storytelling – Sister Heal: It’s Time to Keep It Real documentary and workbook.
Support Circles – Sharing stories and building strength in community.

Why It Matters

Sister Heal is more than a program—it’s a movement to fight stigma, advance health equity, and break cycles of trauma so women can heal, rise, and lead stronger lives.