ARCS Hosts Grand Opening of New Drop-in Service Center

August 4 , 2008

For immediate release

Mount Vernon , NY – AIDS-Related Community Services (ARCS) will hold an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its newest location, the MOSAIC Center , in the heart of Mount Vernon . The drop-in service center's grand opening will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2008 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

Guests are welcome to stop by for refreshments, tours and information on ARCS' HIV prevention programs, workshops and HIV testing available at the MOSAIC center, located at 137 South 4th Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10550.

The MOSAIC Center began operating out of a storefront on vibrant South 4 th Avenue in May to provide much-needed community services in the middle of the city hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Westchester . 18% of Westchester residents with AIDS live in Mount Vernon.

MOSAIC is a unique program focused on reducing the incidence and impact of HIV and other related infections, such as hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases. It offers individual counseling, social events and support group sessions. MOSAIC staff provide oral HIV tests, risk assessments, and referrals to other needed services. The storefront doubles as a safe community drop-in center where people can grab a cup of coffee and a light snack along with HIV risk reduction information.

The MOSAIC Center plans on reaching over 800 neighbors at high risk for HIV infection through a multi-faceted approach. “ARCS is extremely proud to bring these much-needed services directly to the streets of Mount Vernon , where it's needed most,” said ARCS' Education and Prevention Director, Trina Hiemcke.

More information and directions to the MOSAIC Center can be found at www.arcs.org or by calling (914) 699-1025.

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For more information on ARCS or the MOSAIC Center, contact J. Dewey at (914) 785 -8326 or jdewey @arcs.org.

Date Posted: August 4, 2008