Healthy Relationships

Can I see myself
in this picture?

What is Healthy Relationships?

Healthy Relationships is a program for small groups of men or women living with HIV/AIDS. Knowing that the lives of persons living with HIV/AIDS are stressful, the program aims to build coping skills to reduce stress. These skills involve:

o solving problems,
o making decisions, and
o negotiating choices

The skills are applied to three life areas:
o disclosing HIV status to family and friends,
o disclosing to sex partners, and
o building healthy and safer relationships.

Healthy Relationships does not tell people that they should disclose.
Group members use the skills to make informed decisions about disclosure and sexual behaviors.

Healthy Relationships is:
o Interactive
o Fun
o Educational
o Stress-reducing
o A time to share common experiences and learn decision-making skills

Healthy Relationships is not:
o Lectures
o Classes
o Forums
o 12-step program

How can I take part?
Call the number on the back of this brochure to talk with a Healthy Relationships’ facilitator about how the program might benefit you. If you decide you want to take part, the facilitator will help you complete a survey. You will then be able to join a group with 5 to 12 people who share a similar background.

When are the meetings held?
Groups meet for two hours, usually once a week, for 5 to 8 weeks. Meeting times vary, so ask the facilitator about the current schedule when you call. If you need help with childcare or transportation, let the facilitators know when you sign up.

For more information on Healthy Relationships, contact:

Kari Kirchgessner
HIV/AIDS Program
Bethlehem Health Bureau
10. E Church St
Bethlehem PA 18018
610-865-7058(p)
kirchkara@bethlehem-pa.gov