QIdaho Magazine August 2016 | Page 8

8  |  QIdaho Magazine  | NEWS QIdaho.com | Issue 22 | August 2016 Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS (a.l.p.h.a.) Founded in 2003, a.l.p.h.a. has been providing the local community with a safe, comfortable environment for STD testing services including: • Rapid HIV Testing • Chlamydia • Gonorrhoea • Hepatitis C • Syphilis • PrEP Testing In addition to these services, a.l.p.h.a. also educates the public and health care professionals about issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. Their office provides free condoms and other safer sex items. Their staff of volunteers is trained to assist the public with testing services and safe sex practices. Testing is completely private and confidential. The a.l.p.h.a. Choice Food Pantry is a free support service for individu- als infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. They also partner with the Idaho Food Bank, the Wellness Center, and other great allies to help provide great food choices which clients can build into their weekly nutritional needs. Last year they distributed over 75,000 lbs of food to families in need. Their trained volunteers also canvass Downtown Boise several times throughout the year, educating people on safe sex practices, and providing free condoms in what they call Condom Raids. If you’re interested in becoming an a.l.p.h.a. volunteer, you can contact their office and speak with their volunteer coordinator. Their office is located at 575 N 8th St inside the Carnegie Library Building. Entrance is on the 8th St side of the building. 575 N 8th St Boise, ID (208) 424-7799 http://alphaidaho.org Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 12-8pm Saturday: 12-3pm Sunday: Closed Testing Hours: Monday 5pm-8pm Tuesday 5pm-8pm Wednesday 5pm-8pm Thursday 5pm-8pm Friday 5pm-8pm Saturday 12pm-3pm Food Pantry Hours: Mondays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tuesdays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Thursdays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Fridays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Saturdays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NONPERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS FOR a.l.p.h.a. Choice Food Pantry.!!! Items can be dropped off at their office during business hours.