Bergen Family Center

HIV/AIDS Services

10 Banta Place, Suite 201

Hackensack, NJ  07601

Fax: (201) 342-2075

Website: http://www.bergenfamilycenter.org

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus which interferes with the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight other infections. HIV is spread through condomless sex, sharing of needles and passive immunity from mother to child.

What is Involved in Testing?

Before testing, you must sign a consent form. Once the consent is signed, a test counselor will meet with you prior to testing to discuss any risk behaviors and post-testing to discuss the meaning of a positive or negative test result and any other questions pertaining to HIV.

The HIV test consists of a simple finger stick. The results are available to you in under 20 minutes. You must be 13 years of age or older to test. HIV testing is free and confidential.

Where Can I get Tested?

Bergen Family Center

10 Banta Place, Suite 201

Hackensack, NJ  07601

(201) 563-3819

(201) 518-6414

Other locations are available, just call or text Paula @ (201) 563-3819.

Should I test?

Today, HIV is again reaching epidemic levels because people who may be infected don’t know it. Whether you engage in condomless sex, share an unclean needle or had an incident where you may have been exposed, you should get tested. HIV testing is not included in routine blood work. Many people live with the virus for years without symptoms. As a result, they could unknowingly be spreading the virus to others.

Testing is the only way to know whether or not you have HIV. HIV affects everyone, every race, every gender and every age.

We Offer Support:

HIV Testing-BFC partners with several agencies to provide free and confidential HIV testing. Call or text (201) 563-3819 to get tested today.

Outreach & Early Intervention Services:

Our outreach and early intervention providers coordinate community outreach efforts, educate about HIV across all populations, advocate testing among identified at-risk populations, navigate those who are newly diagnosed or out of care into medical care and provide the appropriate resources to the clients. Services are available regardless of insurance or documentation.

Counseling: BFC offers counseling by licensed clinicians to individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS. Individual, couple, family, and group sessions are provided to develop coping strategies to ensure mental and physical well-being.

Transportation: Free transportation can be arranged in order to access medical care appointments or support services.

Fees: BFC had federal and state grant funding to provide services for those living with HIV/AIDS.

For more information about our HIV/AIDS Services, please call or text  Paula Tenebruso, LCSW at (201) 563-3819.

What is Bergen Family Center?

Bergen Family Center (BFC) strengthens communities by providing services to individuals, family and children that enhance their ability to function independently, manage challenges and improve the quality of their lives.

BFC, founded in 1898, has locations in Hackensack and Englewood and is Bergen County’s oldest, continuously operating family service agency. In addition to HIV services, BFC offers day care/educational services for children, support services for adolescents, older adults and families and general counseling.

HIV/AIDS Services at Bergen Family Center:

The goal of the HIV/AIDS Services at BFC is to enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS and to support a positive self-image and healthy attitude. BFC recognizes and understands the impact which HIV/AIDS has on individuals living with the virus.

Disclaimer: This information comes directly from the Bergen Family Center pamphlet and I give them full credit for the information. I have no opinion on the service since I have never used it before. Please call the above numbers for more information on the program.