SETAC, Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ Center, wrapped up a successful Semana Santa Brigade (Mexico’s Spring Break) with preventive activities that took place during this important vacation period, with three specific efforts: an information module at Plaza Lazaro Cardenas in Colonia Emiliano Zapata, condom distribution throughout Los Muertos Beach, and in the evening at several LGBTQ in the aforementioned neighborhood.
“Semana Santa is a period with considerable tourist-related activity in the city,” commented SETAC Director, Paco Arjona. “This provides us with an excellent opportunity to let our community learn about our services, create awareness about sexually-transmitted infections, and to fulfill our organization’s primary mission: eradicating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in Jalisco’s coastal region and Banderas Bay, Nayarit, through education and behavior modification that encourages responsible sexual health decisions.”
SETAC distributed 50,000 during their Brigade, made available by the Jalisco State Council on AIDS Prevention (COESIDA). “The campaign was very well received, including favorable comments from tourists that commented the lack of similar services in their communities.”
Aside from using Plaza Lazaro Cardenas as a strategic location for condom and sexual health information distribution, SETAC offered 155 rapid HIV tests and 155 syphilis tests, with 4.5 percent and 5.8 percent positive results, respectively. “These cases are being followed-up locally, and in the case of tourists, they received all the necessary information to connect with agencies in their places of origin,” added Arjona.
It is important to mention that 17 volunteers generously donated their time to make the Semana Santa Brigade a success, while other individuals made donations that allow SETAC’s Community Center to continue offering programs and activities. “We are truly proud of our volunteers,” commented Arjona. “But the financial contributions we receive from members of our community are essential to be able to fulfill our mission.” SETAC offers a variety of programs and options for those interested in making a contribution, available here.
SETAC has a Community Center located at Aldanaca 178, 4A&B (at the corner with Viena) in Colonia Versalles, where you can schedule an appointment for an HIV or syphilis test. SETAC also offers sexual health-related counseling services, along with a variety of cultural and recreational activities to strengthen the local LGBTQ community. For more information, please visit SETAC’s website at www.setac.com.mx, call (322) 224-1974, send an email at [email protected], or follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SETACtucentro.
