Aid for AIDS

New York Immigrant AIDS Link (NYIAL)

In 2001, AFA created a program to provide social services to immigrants living with HIV or AIDS called New York Immigrant AIDS Link. All our services are provided at our New York Headquarters. The model of the program is designed to help immigrants living with HIV or AIDS to acquire supportive/social services in order to improve their quality of life.

The Immigrant AIDS Link (NYIAL) program understands the difficulties immigrants encounter in adjusting to a new environment, language, and culture, especially when dealing with health issues. NYIAL program helps individuals to cope with all these diverse issues in a confidential and non-judgmental environment where they will receive the support necessary to overcome these barriers.

The New York Immigrant AIDS Link program is also involved in HIV testing and prevention with immigrants because they are at higher risk than other populations of acquiring HIV. With the assistance of the Mexican Dominican Republic and Colombian consulates AFA has been able to conduct these services. In addition, AFA is committed to educating and training individuals to become peer educators in order to conduct HIV testing and prevention in their communities.

Who can join?

Any immigrant regardless of their legal status, who is residing in the New York City metropolitan area and is living with HIV or AIDS.

NYIAL services include

• Case Management
• Individual and group counseling for people living with HIV, their caregivers and family
• HIV/AIDS Peer Education Training
• Treatment Education
• Immigration Counseling
• Translation Services
• Referrals (legal services, ambulatory HIV clinics, mental health, housing, domestic violence, ESL and GED )
• Hospital Escort
• One-on-one Adherence Education
• Support Groups:
  • Womens Support Group
  • MSM Support Group (men who have sex with men)
  • Heterosexual Male Support Group
• Health Education

How does one enroll?

Applications to NYIAL Program are handled by a specialized case management team.
To learn more about how to enroll call Javier Ramirez: (212) 337-8043 ext 332 or email
Applications are available in English and Spanish.