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SEXUAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS | #BETHEGENERATION

BE THE GENERATION

#BeTheGeneration (#BTG) is The Center’s comprehensive Sexual Health & Wellness Program that ensures individuals are empowered to take charge of their sexual health and wellbeing.

BTG’s five tenets:
– Fight to reduce stigma and barriers and improve access to screening
– Test so individuals know their HIV status
– Treat should someone be diagnosed with HIV or STis
– Protect by providing resources to remain HIV negative or undetectable, and STI free
– Empower with a robust combination of education, engagement, and services

Follow us on social media!
Facebook: facebook.com/bethegeneration
Instagram: @BeTheGeneration2.0

For more info contact: bethegeneration@thecentersd.org

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted based on availability.

Please note that we do not offer MPOX testing as part of our testing services, please call 211 for testing assistance.

There are approximately 16.6 million API (Asian Pacific Islander) people living in the US, about 5.4% of the US population. 

From 2017-2021, there was a 19% DECREASE IN HIV DIAGNOSES IN THE ASIAN COMMUNITY. Yet Asian men are still twice as likely to have a new HIV diagnosis than women.

From 2017-2021, there was a 55% INCREASE IN HIV DIAGNOSES IN THE PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY.

Stigma is a big issue in the API community. API community members don’t get tested consistently or at all due to perceived stigma. 

Among prEP users, people identified as part of the following communities: 69% white, 11% black, 13% Latino, and 4.5% asian. 
More work is needed to ensure equitable prescribing of PrEP, the once daily pill that prevents HIV. Of the 1.2 million people in the US who could benefit from PrEP, only 30% were prescribed PrEP in 2021.

The Center's Services

FREE HIV TESTING AND EDUCATION AT THE CENTER

At The Center, we encourage you to know your status. Free and anonymous HIV testing is available at The Center, Monday - Friday. Walk ups welcome, or make an appointment by calling 619.692.2077 or emailing bethegeneration@thecentersd.org. Get tested in a safe and LGBTQ-affirming space and know your results in 20 minutes. English and Spanish speakers available.

The Center's test counselors utilize 4thGen rapid testing technology. The Alere Determine Rapid HIV-1/2 Ab/Ag is a fourth-generation test that detects two factors in the blood: HIV antibodies and p24 antigens. When an individual contracts HIV, the immune system starts to produce HIV antibodies. This is the body’s defensive response for trying to fight the virus. These antibodies can take from 2 weeks to 12 weeks after infection to be detectable via testing.

The immune system produces these antibodies in response to p24 antigens. P24 antigens are actually a part of the virus itself, and they tend to appear within 1 to 4 weeks of HIV entering the body. Therefore, the Determine test can detect the virus before the immune system starts producing HIV antibodies. This is because p24 antigens appear before HIV antibodies. This allows for earlier diagnosis of HIV so individuals can seek medical care to begin treatment sooner, and become undetectable faster. That is the goal! Undetecable equals Untransmittable #UequalsU

The Center offers OraQuick Rapid HCV antibody testing. Results within 20 minutes.

FREE STI Screenings

Free screening service for sexually transmitted infections (STI) began in 2022! The Center now provides STI screenings for HCV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis as part of our #BeTheGeneration program. Sexual health does not begin and end with HIV testing. For people who are on PrEP, the CDC recommends regular STI screening every six months. People living with HIV who are sexually active should also get screened for STIs regularly, at least every six months.

Anyone who needs access to this free service can make an appointment by calling 619-692-2077 (English and Spanish translators available), or by sending an email to bethegeneration@thecentersd.org.

Walk-ins for STI screening and HIV/HCV testing will be available based on staff availability. You can contact our Welcome Desk during these hours at 619-692-2077.

HIV PREVENTION

The Center offers connection to HIV prevention services, resources, and information including: PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis): Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention tool where HIV-negative individuals take anti-HIV medications before coming into contact with HIV to reduce their risk of becoming infected. The once daily pill has been shown to be up to 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission through sex. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): If you think you’ve been exposed, visit an emergency room or urgent care center and ask for PEP within 3 days! PEP prevent HIV from making copies of itself and turning into infection if taken within 72 hours. TasP (Treatment as Prevention): We can now say with confidence that if you are living with HIV and taking your medication as prescribed, and have had an undetectable viral load for over six months, you cannot pass on HIV with or without a condom. The risk is effectively zero. Other resources: Undetectable = Untransmittable; Looking for PrEP providers; Picking a Covered California Plan with HIV coverage; How To talk to your doctor about PrEP.

There are many prevention tools in the toolbox of sexual health. Which one is best for you? We can help you decide. Email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our Community Health Educators

DISCUSSION AND SUPPORT GROUPS

The Center offers a number of weekly ‘Living with HIV’ groups facilitated by mental health professionals from The Center’s Behavioral Health Services.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER HARM REDUCTION SERVICES


In 2021, The Center launched our first-ever substance use disorder (SUD) / harm reduction prevention program as a compassionate and empowering effort to help those using substances in San Diego. As an extension of our Sexual Health and Wellness program, our new prevention service is evidence-based, client-centered, and models the vision and mission of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Center has built strong collaborative partnerships with top community LGBTQ+ affirming providers and organizations Family Health Centers of San Diego, Owen Clinic, San Diego Harm Reduction Coalition, and Stepping Stone of San Diego that allows our clients a seamless link to immediate substance use disorder treatment and prevention support services.

For more information on our substance use prevention services, please contact bethegeneration@thecentersd.org and click here for a list of community organizations that offer SUD harm reduction services.

Food Resources

The Center hosts two food banks per month. The Neighborhood Food Bank is open to all on the first Tuesday of the month from 8-10am. The Senior Food Bank is for low-income 60+ individuals on the 4th Tuesday of the month from 12pm - 3pm. Visit our food resources page for more info.

COMMUNITY CARE PARTNERS​

For information about affordable HIV medical care, please call one of our community primary care partners listed below for information and scheduling.

  • North County Health Services, 150 Valpredo Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069, 760.736.6782
  • Hillcrest Family Health Center, 4090 4th Ave., San Diego (Hillcrest), CA 92103,  619.515.2545
  • Our Place/Comprehensive Health Services, 286 Euclid Ave., Ste. 309 San Diego, CA 92114, 619.527.7390
  • San Ysidro Health Services/Casa South Bay, 4004 Beyer Blvd, San Ysidro, CA 92173, 619.662.4161
  • UCSD Owen Clinic, 4168 Front St. San Diego, CA 92103, 619.543.3995
[Services funded, in part, by AIDS Walk & Run San Diego, US Dept of HUD, HRSA - through the County of San Diego HHSA, and Dining Out For Life® San Diego]

TOGETHER WE CAN BE THE GENERATION
THAT BRINGS HIV TRANSMISSIONS DOWN TO ZERO

For more information on about HIV Services or to schedule a test, please call  619.692.2077.

The Center's Sexual Health & Wellness Programming and Events

14
January
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Las Manzanitas – Grupo de Apoyo en Español (En Persona)

Grupo de apoyo en español para personas latinas LGBTQ+ que viven con VIH y aliad@x de la comunidad. Un grupo seguro y confidencial para aprender y hacer comunidad. Incluye cena. Lugar: Latin@x Services at The Center Fecha: 2do y último miércoles del mes Hora: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Para más información:  alfredo_djr@hotmail.com ...

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15
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
16
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
16
January
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Yoga at The Center

Join us for Serenity Yoga with instructor Nathan Serrato (he/him). Come move, breathe, and find your balance in this inclusive and restorative class designed to support your well-being. Yoga mats are available. All ages and experience levels are welcome! When: Every Friday, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: 3909 Centre St. San Diego, CA 92103 Contact: For […] ...

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16
January
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Youth HIV Testing at HYC – Ages 18-24 (In Person)

Sexual health and wellness is self care! Youth ages 18-24 are welcome to get a free HIV Test at Hillcrest Youth Center. All participants are eligible for a $20 gift card while supplies last. We administer rapid HIV tests which are the most accurate at 3 months post infection. When: Third Friday of the month, […] ...

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17
January
All Day

The Center is Closed on January 17

The Center will be closed on Saturday, January 17-19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We will resume operations on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. ...

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19
January
All Day

The Center is Closed on MLK Jr Day January 19th

The Center, South Bay Youth Center, Hillcrest Youth Center, and our Behavioral Health Services office will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. We will resume operations on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. ...

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20
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
20
January
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

GBT Men Living with HIV – Tuesdays (Virtual)

This group is for gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) men living with HIV, open to male-identified individuals living with HIV.  Please reach out to us to schedule an intake before attending this meeting. When: Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm Where: Virtual via Zoom Contact: For more information, please contact Joe (he/his) at jseverino@thecentersd.org ...

View Detail
21
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
22
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
23
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
23
January
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Yoga at The Center

Join us for Serenity Yoga with instructor Nathan Serrato (he/him). Come move, breathe, and find your balance in this inclusive and restorative class designed to support your well-being. Yoga mats are available. All ages and experience levels are welcome! When: Every Friday, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: 3909 Centre St. San Diego, CA 92103 Contact: For […] ...

View Detail
24
January
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings – Saturdays

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
26
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
26
January
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Golden Lotus Discussion Group

Golden Lotus Discussion Group Join us for the Golden Lotus Discussion Group, a welcoming and affirming space designed specifically for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals living with HIV. This in-person support group provides a safe environment for sharing experiences and building community. Facilitated by Alexander Vo (she, he, they), AAPI Community Engagement Coordinator. […] ...

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27
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
27
January
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

GBT Men Living with HIV – Tuesdays (Virtual)

This group is for gay, bisexual, and transgender (GBT) men living with HIV, open to male-identified individuals living with HIV.  Please reach out to us to schedule an intake before attending this meeting. When: Tuesdays, 6-7:30 pm Where: Virtual via Zoom Contact: For more information, please contact Joe (he/his) at jseverino@thecentersd.org ...

View Detail
28
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
28
January
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Las Manzanitas – Grupo de Apoyo en Español (En Persona)

Grupo de apoyo en español para personas latinas LGBTQ+ que viven con VIH y aliad@x de la comunidad. Un grupo seguro y confidencial para aprender y hacer comunidad. Incluye cena. Lugar: Latin@x Services at The Center Fecha: 2do y último miércoles del mes Hora: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Para más información:  alfredo_djr@hotmail.com ...

View Detail
29
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
30
January
10:00 am - 7:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

View Detail
30
January
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Yoga at The Center

Join us for Serenity Yoga with instructor Nathan Serrato (he/him). Come move, breathe, and find your balance in this inclusive and restorative class designed to support your well-being. Yoga mats are available. All ages and experience levels are welcome! When: Every Friday, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: 3909 Centre St. San Diego, CA 92103 Contact: For […] ...

View Detail
31
January
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

HIV & STI Screenings – Saturdays

It’s time for self-care with our free, confidential HIV/HCV testing and STI screenings in a compassionate and sex-positive environment with connections to health care and resources. Make your appointment today – call us at 619.487.9980 or email bethegeneration@thecentersd.org to make an appointment. We are open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-3pm by appointment. Walk-ins will be […] ...

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In 2014, The Center launched the groundbreaking #BeTheGeneration campaign as an aggressive and strategic effort to end new HIV transmissions in San Diego, prompted by medical evidence and offering a much-needed new opportunity to stop HIV as an epidemic. Based on findings from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, reports showed that use of PrEP and PEP medications could decrease a person’s HIV risk by up to 99 percent.

Today, #BeTheGeneration has morphed into an entire program that focuses on Sexual Health and Wellness for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. The Center has built strong collaborative partnerships with top community health providers Family Health Centers of San Diego, Vista Community Clinics, San Ysidro Health Centers, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and UC San Diego that allows our clients a seamless link to immediate sexual health treatment and prevention support as well as long-term medical care and supplemental services that help sustain and enhance quality of life.

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The Center’s services are provided to all, regardless of immigration status.
Los servicios de The Center se brindan a todes, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.

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