Free and Confidential HIV Antibody Counseling, Testing and Referral (CTR) Services

It is very important for people to understand what their HIV status is. Knowing this can help those with HIV to live longer, healthier lives. It can also help those who are HIV negative to remain this way. The GUAHAN Project offers free and confidential HIV antibody Counseling, Testing and Referral (CTR) services to the community. All HIV CTR services offered by the GUAHAN Project are confidential, painless and free. Tests results are usually ready in two weeks.

The GUAHAN Project works in collaboration with Guam Public Health and the Life Foundation in Hawaii to bring the OraSure HIV antibody test method to Guam. The OraSure test is a quick, painless and non-invasive way to detect the HIV antibody. It is also very accurate. This collaboration makes OraSure services available to more people who may be at-risk for HIV infection. Early detection of HIV can also mean treatments that can extend the lives of those who may be HIV positive.

Minors (those under 18 years old) do not need parental or legal permission to take an HIV test. However, all minors are counseled and advised that should their test results come back positive, their parents or legal guardians will need to be informed about their HIV status.

The GUAHAN Project discreetly offers the OraSure testing services at the GUAHAN Project offices, at the client workplace, at schools, restaurants, parks and just about anywhere a normal conversation can happen. The GUAHAN Project only utilizes certified OraSure Risk Reduction Counselors to deliver high-quality CTR services. They are trained to be client-centered and to keep client confidentiality intact.

Here are a few of the GUAHAN Project Certified OraSure Risk Reduction Counselors:

Jose “Pepe” Garcia	Barbara Bernardo
Terry Aguon Renate Alik Tim de La Cruz
Bina Rose Lujan	Franklin Sablan

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Director’s Notes:  The Normal Heart
“The human contribution is the essential ingredient.  It is only the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.”  These are the words of Ethel Perry Andrus.  Words that truly represent the work you are about to witness tonight.  The Normal Heart was just another job I auditioned for as a professional actor.  I played the role of Mickey Marcus.  But I did not realize the impact and the importance of this work as a theatre piece and a message piece.  We learn a great deal about each other based on our histories and actions.  This play is a history on the plague we know as AIDS and is one of most important examples of getting to know what we are up against as activists and people living in the age of this disease. 

The presentation of this play is not as unorthodox as you might think.  Plays go through processes of evolution known as staged readings.  The directors, producers, and playwrights need to see the play “on its feet” and more importantly the actors giving the characters a voice.  We as actors kindly and graciously give you this work as an expression of our dedication to educating the public about AIDS and the prejudice that surrounds it.  The work itself is presented in the simplest form possible – bare stage, uniformed costumes, and basic lighting.  It is now your job to use your imagination to create the scenarios and situations.  We hope to help you in the images you create. 

Now we ask you to contribute and to give of yourself for this cause we feel so strongly. 

Ricky Vergara, Director, The Normal Heart (Read More)