SETAC Mobile Testing Unit Makes First Excursion to Zona Romantica

SETAC Mobile Testing Unit

On Friday January 24, 2020, the new SETAC Mobile Testing Unit Makes First Excursion to Zona Romantica. SETAC Dr Jorge Ruiz and 8 volunteers setup the HIV testing center van, provided condom distrubution and information about PREP on Lazaro Cardenas Street with amazing results. Dozens of people came for testing as well a hundreds of free condoms were distributed. 

SETAC, Puerto Vallarta’s LGBT wellness center, now has a way to vastly increase the scope of its health  services both here in Vallarta and in outlying communities across the state. A new Mobile Testing Unit, an enormous van earned through a statewide call for proposals by the Jalisco State Government for nonprofit associations, has been delivered and has already made its inaugural visit to the Community! The Testing Unit will be officially presented to SETAC in a ceremony in Guadalajara and then be available for use in bringing health and testing services to marginalized populations in Puerto Vallarta’s outlying areas and small towns in coastal Jalisco and in the mountains.

The van has been outfitted with a full-size exam table, medical cabinet, sink with running water, even a mini-refrigerator for storing medicines and blood samples. SETAC medical and testing staff will use the unit to conduct rapid testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, take and transport blood samples for other infections back to the laboratory, treat or begin treatment for some of those infections on the spot, as well as link patients to other health resources in their area. This effort will also support and supplement the work of other government-funded health agencies.

SETAC has launched a new 2020 Annual Giving Campaign to collect additional funding to support the Mobile Testing Unit’s mission to bring much-need health services to under-served and marginalized communities. The campaign is designed for individuals and companies wishing to donate on a regular and automatic basis (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, or annually).

Find out more information on SETAC’s donation page. This support will be used to buy medications and medical supplies, gasoline and maintenance for the van itself, as well as the extra personnel to staff the van. SETAC leaders expect the van to be used at least once or twice per month in early 2020, gradually ramping up to be used 3-4 times per month.

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