HIV Prevention & Counseling

You’re not alone if you feel anxiety about an HIV test. But we’re here to help with FREE HIV testing by friendly, knowledgeable staff in a confidential and safe environment. A tiny amount of blood from a finger-poke is all we need to give you results in 20 minutes.

In our Benton Harbor office, walk-in HIV testing hours are from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm every Wednesday. You can also schedule appointments as needed. Contact Erwin at (269) 210-7569, Beth at (269) 210-7583, or email Prevention@CARESswm.org for more info.

At our Kalamazoo location, walk-in hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, and also by appointment by calling our Prevention Department at (269) 210-7561. After hours appointments are available as well.

Not ready for a test? Feel free to call the Prevention Department to talk.

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Free condoms and lube are available at both offices at the front desk Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

PrEP/PEP Navigation

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a newer HIV prevention approach where HIV-negative individuals use medications to greatly reduce their risk of becoming infected if exposed to HIV. It is a great option for people to consider that prevents HIV. Our team can answer your questions, connect you with local PrEP doctors, help you with insurance coverage, and more.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is for someone recently exposed to HIV.  PEP is intended for urgent situations and must be started within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV. If you think you’ve recently been exposed to HIV during sex or through sharing needles or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.  CARES can help guide you through this process.

Schedule an appointment with our PrEP/PEP Navigator Alonzo at AJulian@CARESswm.org  or (269) 210-7561. After hours appointments are also available.

Mpowerment SW MI Program

Are you a young gay/bi/queer man who wants to get involved? Do you like to plan fun events? Would you enjoy making a difference in our community? Mpowerment is a social group of young gay/bi/queer men ages 18-30 that meets a few times per month. This CARES program helps these young men create a healthier community for themselves and their friends.

Most meetings are held in our Kalamazoo location but events take place all over Southwest Michigan.

Contact Cory at CThompson@CARESswm.org or (269) 210-7566 for more information.