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Community Resources

Mental Health Resources

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

Call or text 988 to connect with a crisis counselor, or start an online chat at https://988lifeline.org/chat/.

Learn more: https://988lifeline.org/

¡Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español!
Haga clic aquí para obtener información sobre cómo acceder a todos los servicios en español.

Conocer más: https://988lifeline.org/es/servicios-en-espanol/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)

AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:

  • Funding scientific research
  • Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention
  • Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention

Learn more: https://afsp.org/

American Association of Suicidology (AAS)

AAS is an inclusive community that envisions a world where people know how to prevent suicide and find hope and healing. Their mission is to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those who have been affected by it.

Learn more: https://www.suicidology.org/

Crisis Text Line

The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.

Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE)

SAVE is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and operating under the nonprofit laws of the State of Minnesota. SAVE works at the international, national, state and local levels to prevent suicide using a public health model in suicide prevention; concentrating its efforts on education and awareness.

Learn more: https://save.org/who-we-are/

JED Foundation (JED)

The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.

Learn more: https://www.jedfoundation.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

Learn more: https://nami.org/Home

Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America (MHA) –founded in 1909 –is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

Learn more: https://www.mhanational.org/

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

Learn more: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is dedicated to preventing suicide and attempts by making suicide prevention accessible to everyone and removing barriers to help by:

  • Empowering individuals and communities through leadership, awareness, education
  • By collaborating and partnering with support networks to reduce stigma and help save lives.

Learn more: https://yellowribbon.org/

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is an organization run by and for trans people, offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. Its mission is to connect trans people to a community of support and resources.

Call: 1-877-565-8860

Learn more: https://translifeline.org/

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline

The LGBT National Hotline is for all ages. They provide a safe, anonymous, confidential space where callers, online chatters, or emailers can speak privately on different issues and concerns including, but not limited to:

  • Coming out issues
  • Gender and/or sexuality identities
  • Relationship concerns
  • Workplace issues and bullying
  • HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information

Call: 1-888-843-4564

Learn more: https://www.glbthotline.org/

PFLAG

PFLAG is an organization that provides support, information, and resources for LGBTQ people, their parents and families, and allies. They provide multiple different resource hotlines.

PFLAG Hotlines: https://pflag.org/hotlines

SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline

Resources such as health care, transportation, counseling, legal services and emotional support programs for LGBT elders.

Call: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428)

Learn more: https://www.sageusa.org/

The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists (AGLP)

The AGLP provides mental health resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including psychiatric professionals.

Learn more: https://www.aglp.org/

Black Mental Health Alliance (BMHA)

The BMHA is an expansive database of culturally competent and patient-centered licensed mental health professionals.

Learn more: https://blackmentalhealth.com/

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

A healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color. Provides a directory to help queer and trans people of color locate mental health practitioners.

Learn more: https://nqttcn.com/en/

Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE)

SAIGE has educational, counseling, and support resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Learn more: https://saigecounseling.org/

SAN DIEGO ORGANIZATIONS

Community Health Improvement Partners-Suicide Prevention Council (SPC)

The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council (SPC) is a collaborative community-wide effort focused on realizing a vision of zero suicides in San Diego County. Their mission is to prevent suicide and its devastating consequences in San Diego County.

Learn more: https://www.sdchip.org/initiatives/suicide-prevention-council/

Up2SD

The It’s Up to Us campaign is designed to empower San Diegans to talk openly about mental illness, recognize symptoms, utilize local resources and seek help. The organization does not provide any direct services but is a hub of information to other local and national resources. It provides links to crisis line and online live help.

Call the San Diego County’s Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240

Learn more: https://up2sd.org/learn/suicide-prevention/

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – San Diego Chapter

AFSP focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

Learn more: https://afsp.org/chapter/afsp-san-diego/

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – San Diego Chapter

NAMI offers a helpline, support groups, educational meetings, newsletters, a lending library and a number of classes on mental illness held at various locations throughout San Diego County. Nami offers multiple in-person services, including workshops, forums and trainings.

Learn more: https://namisandiego.org/

San Diego LGBT Center – Support Groups

The San Diego LGBT Center offers a wide array of support groups in response to the needs of our varied communities. Some support groups are peer-led, while others are facilitated by Behavioral Health Services staff counselors and counseling interns.

Learn more: https://thecentersd.org/support-groups/

North County LGBTQ Resource Center – Mental Health Intake

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center provides clinical service intakes and referrals at low or no cost.  Therapy intake sessions are provided by several associates and licensed therapists. Our associates are pre and post graduate directly supervised by Dr. Nicole Kent. We provide consultations every day, Monday to Friday, by appointment only. Your session fee is based on a sliding scale approach.  Sliding scale is anything between $25 to $65 per session. 

Learn more: https://www.ncresourcecenter.org/mental-health-intake-referral-progr

Violence & Abuse Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Call: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

If you suspect that a child’s health or safety is jeopardized due to abuse or neglect by parents or other caretaker who has custody of the child, contact the child protective services agency in your county. These 24-hour Hotlines are staffed by trained social workers.

If you are reporting suspected child abuse or neglect regarding children in another county please contact that county’s child protective services agency.

Learn more: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/report-abuse/child-protective-services/report-child-abuse

YWCA of San Diego County

YWCA provides services to all genders of adult and child survivors who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Our comprehensive programs are designed to help survivors understand their options and access critical resources at the pace and level that is best for their unique circumstances. Our priority is to provide safe and flexible solutions that lead to healing, stability, and opportunity for a healthy and thriving life.

Call the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 619-234-3164

Learn more: https://www.ywcasandiego.org/help/services/

San Diego Family Justice Center

The San Diego Family Justice Center, the first center of its kind in the U.S., provides help and hope to victims of family violence — adults and children. Every day, those affected by family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse, find safety, protection from their abuser, legal help, counseling, food, clothing, spiritual support, medical assistance, and so many other free services from the center’s professionals and volunteers.

Call: 866-933-4673 (HOPE)

Learn more: https://www.sandiego.gov/yoursafeplace

Community Resource Center 

Community Resource Center (CRC) provides emergency shelter and comprehensive services supporting families affected by domestic violence, and works to prevent violence through educational programs. Domestic Violence Program participants receive comprehensive social services to facilitate the transition to healthier, happier, and safer lives.

Call the 24-hour Emergency Hotline: 877-633-1112

Learn more: https://crcncc.org/domestic-violence-program/

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

RAINN provides the national hotline for sexual violence survivors as well as information on topics related to sexual assault. RAINN also provides confidential crisis counseling online for rape and sexual abuse survivors in the U.S. and internationally. Chat online with a trained support specialist.

Call: 1-800-656-HOPE

Learn more: https://rainn.org/

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is the leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

Learn more: https://www.nsvrc.org/

Center for Community Solutions (CCS)

It is our mission to end relationship and sexual violence by being a catalyst for caring communities and social justice. CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline. The nonprofit agency also provides emergency domestic violence shelters, hospital and court accompaniment, as well as legal and counseling services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. CCS also works with local community groups and schools to provide innovative prevention programs to promote healthy relationships and peaceful communities. 

Learn more: https://www.ccssd.org/

SafeHouse Center Support Groups

Although each survivor’s experience is unique, it can be especially helpful to talk to others who have been or are going through situations similar to your own. The groups provide a safe environment as well as support and healing from the abuse you have experienced in your life. Support groups are currently available via Zoom video and/or audio conference and are free and confidential.

Learn more: https://www.safehousecenter.org/supportgroups/

Make the Connection

Learn more about military sexual trauma (MST), treatment options, self-help tools, and resources to overcome the effects of MST.

Learn more: https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/military-sexual-trauma/

1in6

The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences live healthier, happier lives. Our mission also includes serving family members, friends, partners, and service providers by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.

Learn more: https://1in6.org/

The Network/La Red Hotline

The Network/La Red’s 24-hour hotline provides confidential emotional support, information, referrals, safety planning, and crisis intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and/or transgender (LGBQ/T) folks, as well as folks in SM/kink and polyamorous communities who are being abused or have been abused by a partner. We also offer information and support to friends, family, or co-workers on the issue of domestic violence in LGBQ/T communities. All hotline staff are trained in domestic violence, peer counseling, crisis intervention, and safety planning.

Call: 617-742-4911 (voice)

Call: 800-832-1901 (Toll-Free)

The Network/La Red Support Group

The Network/La Red telephone support group specializes in serving adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender survivors of partner abuse. This group may fill in the gap for survivors who cannot attend an in-person support group for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to disability, illness, and geographic location, or the abuse itself.

Learn more: https://www.tnlr.org/en/support-groups/

Love Is Respect

Love Is Respect is a national resource that offers 24/7 information, education, support, resources, and advocacy to young people, between the ages of 13 and 26, who have questions or concerns about their romantic relationships to prevent unhealthy relationships.

Call: 1-866-331-9474 or Text: LOVEIS to 22522

Learn more: https://www.loveisrespect.org/

Housing & Homelessness Resources

San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) and City of San Diego (City) Homelessness Programs

The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) and City of San Diego (City) Homelessness Programs provide temporary shelter, supportive services, and permanent housing to some of the City’s most vulnerable residents.

Learn more: https://www.sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/

San Diego LGBT Center

San Diego is experiencing a housing crisis and our LGBTQ community is significantly impacted. The Center is extremely proud of our work to help LGBTQ people who are experiencing housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness though our housing continuum. Housing insecurity and homelessness create other impacts on a person’s health and well-being and The Center is deeply committed to doing all we can to support them. The Center also provides rental assistance and many surrounding services and resources to prevent homelessness.

Learn more: https://thecentersd.org/housing-services/

San Diego Food Bank

The San Diego Food Bank provides nutritious foods to individuals and families who are in need, in communities throughout San Diego County. By partnering with nearly 500 nonprofit partners, the San Diego Food Bank serves, on average, 350,000 people per month and distributes 28 million pounds of food annually.

Learn more: https://sandiegofoodbank.org/

Chicano Federation

Chicano Federation has provided access to child care, early childhood education, and affordable housing to communities for over 50 years. Serving more than 10,000 people annually, the Chicano Federation provides opportunities for all San Diegans in need to build a better future for their communities.

Learn more: https://www.chicanofederation.org/

MAAC Project

MAAC Project focuses on helping individuals and families create the lives they want and deserve by maximizing self-sufficiency through high quality programs and advocacy. MAAC provides life-changing services to over 35,000 individuals through their Pathways of Service, which include Advocacy & Leadership Development, Economic Development, Education, Health and Well-being, and Housing.

Learn more: https://maacproject.org/

Alpha Project

The Alpha Project’s mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities by providing work, recovery, and support services to people who are motivated to change their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. 

If you are in need of help from the Alpha Project, learn more on how they can help you here: https://www.alphaproject.org/programs

If you are interested in donating, learn more about how you can donate here: https://www.alphaproject.org/donate

Father Joe’s Village

For decades, Father Joe’s Village has helped prevent and end homelessness in San Diego through their CREED values (compassion, respect, empathy, empowerment, and dignity).

If you are in need of help from Father Joe’s Village, learn more on how they can help you here: https://my.neighbor.org/get-help/

If you are interested in donating, learn more about how you can donate here: https://my.neighbor.org/take-action/donate-goods/

­San Diego Rescue Mission

The SD Rescue Mission’s goal is to get people off the streets permanently by distributing donated resources to meet the needs of men, women, and children experiencing homelessness throughout San Diego.

If you are in need of help from the SD Rescue Mission, learn more on how they can help you here: https://www.sdrescue.org/our-programs/

If you are interested in donating, learn more about how you can donate here: https://www.sdrescue.org/meet-the-needs-during-covid-19/#list

My Girlfriend’s Closet

My Girlfriend’s Closet provides quality, gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories to economically disadvantaged teenage girls and young women.

If you interested in attending a My Girlfriend’s Closet clothing distribution event, learn more here: https://www.mgcsandiego.org/our-events/  

If you are interested in donating items, learn more about how you can donate here: https://www.mgcsandiego.org/donate/#1535320347473-f8ea2b0d-7283

Sharia’s Closet

Sharia’s Closet provides free, emergency clothing to individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis.

If you are in need of clothing or essential hygiene items, learn more on how to obtain Sharia’s Closet’s services here: https://www.shariascloset.org/services/clothing-request/

If you are interested in donating, learn more about how you can donate here: https://www.shariascloset.org/get-involved/donate-clothing/

The National Runaway Safeline

The National Runaway Safeline responds to youth and families in crisis, serving as the national communications system for runaway and homeless youth, to keep America’s runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)

Learn more: https://www.1800runaway.org/

San Diego Health Centers

Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD)

For 50 years, Family Health Centers of San Diego’s (FHCSD) mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD also offers high-quality and affordable LGBTQ Services to the community in a welcoming and open health care environment.

Learn more: https://www.fhcsd.org/ and https://www.fhcsd.org/lgbtq-services/

San Ysidro Health

San Ysidro Health provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services for the entire family. For over 50 years, they have been committed to providing high quality, compassionate, accessible and affordable health care services to the communities they serve.

Learn more: http://www.syhc.org/

TrueCare

TrueCare specializes in providing quality healthcare and wellness services to communities, regardless of income or insurance status. TrueCare offers many health and wellness services including primary care, pediatric, women’s health, dental, and behavioral health, so people can get the care they need.

Learn more: https://truecare.org/

CenterLink LGBT Community Center Member Directory

A directory of LGBTQ community centers to address social, cultural, health and political advocacy.

Learn more: https://www.lgbtcenters.org/LGBTCenters

OutCare Health

A national nonprofit 501(c)(3) LGBTQ+ health equity organization that provides extensive information and resources on LGBTQ+ healthcare. OutCare has a number of national initiatives, including a directory
of LGBTQ+ culturally competent providers (the OutList).

Learn more: https://www.outcarehealth.org/

LGBTQ+ Health: What do you need to know about health screenings?

What screening tests you take depend on what body parts you have, your personal and family history, your age, and your sexual activity. Screening for certain cancers may depend if you take hormones. Talk to your doctor about what screenings you need.

Experts recommend cervical cancer screenings for anyone ages 21 to 65 who has a cervix. This may mean having a Pap test or a human papillomavirus (HPV) test, or both. How often you need these tests will depend on your age and health history. HPV can be passed among partners of any gender. And HPV increases your risk of getting cervical cancer.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a concern for everyone who is sexually active. If you give your doctor a full picture of your past and present sexual practices, it can help you know which STIs you might need to be tested for and when. You may also discuss options for safer sex.

Depression is more common in the LGBTQ+ community. So it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor if you’re feeling down. Treatment for depression can help people feel better each day. And it can help people take better care of themselves so that they lead the healthiest lives possible.

Your doctor can help you figure out what other screenings you may need. These may include screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, or certain cancers, like breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

Along with getting screenings, you and your doctor can also discuss ways to do more of the things that help keep you healthy in general. These include things like being active, eating healthy foods, and spending time with others.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks your immune system. This makes it hard for your body to fight infection and disease. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). But having HIV does not mean that you have AIDS. Treatment of HIV may prevent or delay HIV from developing into AIDS.

HIV often causes flu-like symptoms soon after a person gets infected. These early symptoms go away in a few weeks. After that, you may not have signs of illness for many years. But as the virus multiplies in your body, symptoms reappear and then remain. Fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, diarrhea, and other symptoms are common. If HIV is not treated and progresses to AIDS, your symptoms get worse and your body is less and less able to fight infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

You can get HIV testing done in most doctors’ offices, public health clinics, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood clinics. You can also buy a home HIV test kit in a drugstore or by mail order. If a home test is positive, you’ll need to see a doctor.

What increases your risk of HIV?

You’re at greater risk of getting infected with HIV if you:

  • Have unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. (You don’t use condoms or don’t use them correctly).
  • Are a man who has sex with other men. (If you or your partner[s] don’t identify with the sex you were assigned at birth, talk to your doctor about your risk.)
  • Have more than one sex partner.
  • Have a high-risk partner. This is someone who has more than one sex partner, has HIV or another sexually transmitted infection (STI), or injects drugs.
  • Have (or recently had) an STI, such as syphilis or active herpes.
  • Inject drugs or steroids. This is especially true if you share needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs.

Being born to a mother who has HIV increases the risk of infection. Most children younger than 13 years who have HIV were infected before or during birth or during breastfeeding.

LGBTQ+ Health: Finding Support

Having a strong support network can help people live longer, more satisfying lives. Connecting with other LGBTQ+ people can provide a level of support and acceptance that can make you feel more connected and empowered.

Here are some ways you might find support.

  • Try sports or activity clubs organized for LGBTQ+ people.
  • Join a support group.
  • Visit places of worship that are LGBTQ+ friendly.
  • Find groups specific to LGBTQ+ people for quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs.
  • Get professional counseling.
    • The websites www.samhsa.gov and www.glma.org can be great resources to find mental health services.
    • If you’re being emotionally, verbally, or physically abused, you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at www.ndvh.org or 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). It’s a free hotline that’s available 24 hours every day in English and other languages.

If you’re not sure about reaching out in one of these ways, remember that lots of people have felt the same way. Sometimes, taking the first step is the hardest part.

Check out the VEBA Resource Center Community Resource Page for more local and national resources.

Salud en personas LGBTQ+

¿Qué es LGBTQ+?

LGBTQ+ es la abreviación de “Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual, Transgénero, Queer o que se cuestiona”. El signo + significa todas las demás orientaciones sexuales e identidades de género que no son heterosexuales ni cisgénero (la identidad de género coincide con el sexo asignado al nacer).

Salud en personas LGBTQ+: ¿Qué necesita saber sobre pruebas de detección médica?

Las pruebas de detección médica que le realicen dependerán de las partes del cuerpo que tenga, sus antecedentes personales y familiares, su edad y su actividad sexual. Y las pruebas de detección de determinados cánceres pueden depender de si toma hormonas. Hable con el médico sobre qué pruebas de detección necesita.

Los expertos recomiendan pruebas de detección de cáncer de cuello uterino para todas las personas de 21 a 65 años que tienen cuello uterino. Esto podría significar hacerse una prueba de Papanicolaou o una prueba del virus del papiloma humano (VPH), o ambas. La frecuencia con la que necesita hacerse estas pruebas dependerá de su edad y antecedentes de salud. El VPH puede transmitirse entre parejas de cualquier género. Y el VPH aumenta el riesgo de que llegue a tener cáncer de cuello uterino.

Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) son una preocupación para todas las personas sexualmente activas. Si usted le da a su médico un panorama general de sus prácticas sexuales pasadas y actuales, esto puede ayudarle a saber de qué ITS podría tener que hacerse pruebas y en qué momento. También podría hablar de opciones para tener relaciones sexuales más seguras.

La depresión es más común en la comunidad LGBTQ+. Por lo tanto, es una buena idea que consulte con el médico si se siente desanimado. El tratamiento para la depresión puede ayudar a las personas a sentirse mejor cada día. Y puede ayudar a las personas a ocuparse mejor de sí mismas para que puedan llevar una vida lo más saludable posible.

Su médico puede ayudarle a determinar qué otras pruebas de detección podría necesitar. Estas pueden incluir pruebas de colesterol, pruebas de detección de la diabetes o de ciertos tipos de cáncer, como el cáncer de seno (mama), próstata y colorrectal.

Además de hacerse pruebas de detección, también puede hablar con su médico sobre cómo hacer más de las cosas que le ayudan a mantenerse saludable en general. Estas incluyen cosas como hacer actividad, comer alimentos saludables y pasar tiempo con otras personas.

VIH: Generalidades

El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, o VIH, es un virus que ataca a su sistema inmunitario. Esto dificulta que su organismo combata infecciones y enfermedades. El VIH es el virus que causa el SIDA (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida). Pero tener VIH no significa tener SIDA. El tratamiento del VIH podría prevenir o retrasar que el VIH se convierta en SIDA.

El VIH suele causar síntomas parecidos a la gripe poco después de que la persona se contagia. Estos síntomas iniciales desaparecen en pocas semanas. Después de eso, podría no tener señales de la enfermedad durante muchos años. Pero conforme se multiplica el virus en el cuerpo, los síntomas reaparecen y entonces permanecen. La fatiga, la pérdida de peso, la fiebre, los sudores nocturnos, la diarrea y otros síntomas son comunes. Si no se trata el VIH y avanza hacia el SIDA, los síntomas empeoran y el cuerpo cada vez es menos capaz de combatir infecciones como la neumonía y la tuberculosis.

Puede hacerse la prueba del VIH en la mayoría de los consultorios médicos, clínicas de salud públicas, hospitales y clínicas de Planned Parenthood. También puede comprar un kit de prueba de VIH para el hogar en una farmacia o por correo. Si una prueba casera es positiva, deberá ver a un médico.

¿Qué aumenta su riesgo de VIH?

Usted tiene un riesgo más elevado de infectarse con VIH si usted:

  • Tiene relaciones sexuales vaginales, anales u orales sin protección. (No usa condones o no los usa correctamente).
  • Es un hombre (o se le asignó sexo masculino al momento de nacer) que tiene relaciones sexuales con otros hombres (o personas a quienes se les asignó sexo masculino al nacer).
  • Tiene más de una pareja sexual.
  • Tiene una pareja de alto riesgo. Esta es alguien que tiene más de una pareja sexual, tiene VIH u otra infección de transmisión sexual (STI, por sus siglas en inglés) o se inyecta drogas.
  • Tiene (o ha tenido recientemente) una STI, como sífilis o herpes activo.
  • Se inyecta drogas o esteroides. Esto es especialmente cierto si comparte agujas, jeringas u otros equipos para inyectarse drogas.

Haber nacido de una madre que tiene VIH aumenta el riesgo de infección. La mayoría de los niños menores de 13 años que tienen VIH contrajeron la infección antes o en el momento del parto o durante la lactancia.

Salud en personas LGBTQ+: Cómo encontrar apoyo

Contar con una fuerte red de apoyo puede ayudar a las personas a vivir una vida más satisfactoria y prolongada. Relacionarse con otras personas LGBTQ+ puede brindarle un nivel de apoyo y aceptación que puede hacer que se sienta más conectado y fortalecido.

Estas son algunas de las posibles maneras de encontrar apoyo.

  • Pruebe clubes de deportes o actividades organizados para personas LGBTQ+.
  • Únase a un grupo de apoyo.
  • Visite lugares de culto donde las personas LGBTQ+ sean bien recibidas.
  • Encuentre grupos específicos para personas LGBTQ+ para dejar de fumar, beber alcohol o consumir drogas.
  • Consiga asesoría profesional.
    • Los sitios web www.samhsa.gov y www.glma.org pueden ser excelentes recursos para encontrar servicios de salud mental.
    • Está sufriendo abuso emocional, verbal o físico, también puede contactar a la línea nacional directa contra la violencia doméstica (National Domestic Violence Hotline) en www.ndvh.org o al 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). Es una línea directa gratuita que está disponible las 24 horas todos los días en inglés y otros idiomas.

Si duda en comunicarse de una de estas maneras, recuerde que muchas personas se han sentido igual que usted. A veces, dar el primer paso es la parte más difícil.

Consulte la página de recursos comunitarios del VEBA Resource Center para obtener más recursos locales y nacionales.