BuddyUp is a youth mentor program for HIV-positive youth to connect with their peers, learn how to manage their health, build relationships and navigate the health care system as they grow older.
BECOME A MENTOR
Mentors give HIV-positive youth an opportunity to connect with their peers, learn how to manage their health, while navigating the health care system as they grow older.
ENROLL
YOUTH
BuddyUp helps young people connect with peers on life experiences, and form friendships with others experiencing similar situations.
ABOUT
BuddyUp is a support group led by and for youth living with HIV ages 13-24 in Mobile County, AL. The group will help young people connect with peers on life experiences, and form friendships with others experiencing similar situations. In addition to having youth peers and a ‘peer champion’ to help guide the program – youth will be matched with young adults who have successfully transitioned from pediatric to adult care and/or AIDS Alabama South staff, and/or other community members who would like to be involved in supporting youth.
The BuddyUp program is made possible by support from ViiV Healthcare.
COVID-19 Statement: In the interest of the health and well-being of the communities we serve, as well as our staff, BuddyUp and KoffeeKupp will both be virtual programs.
YOUTH
PROGRAM
BuddyUp youth mentor program for HIV positive youth in transition from pediatric care into the general health care system. BuddUp is a support group led by and for youth living with HIV ages 13-24 in Mobile County, AL. The program will help young people connect with peers on life experiences, and form friendships with others experiencing similar situations. In addition to having youth peers and a ‘peer champion’ to help guide the program – youth can be matched with young adults who have successfully transitioned from pediatric to adult care and/or AIDS Alabama South staff, and/or other community members who would like to be involved in supporting youth.
MENTOR
PROGRAM
As a Mentor, your purpose is to help transitioning youth through the transition from adolescent to adult healthcare.
Transitioning from adolescent to adult healthcare settings is a challenging event and may raise a myriad of challenges for HIV+ youth. Mentors work with HIV+ youth, to coordinate his or her transition from one provider to another. Mentors can be – either HIV+ young adults who have successfully transitioned themselves, or clinic/community workers or volunteers who understand the transition process. Having gone through experience and/or having knowledge of the transition process. Mentors provide a unique perspective, along with support and guidance, to transitioning youth during this challenging period of change.
PARENT/GUARDIAN
SUPPORT GROUP
KoffeeKupp a monthly supportive resource for parents, guardians and other loved ones - where researches, service providers, mentors, and AIDS Alabama South staff can present HIV data, receive feedback, and everyone can ask questions.
SIGN UP
Parent and/or guardian enrollment applications for KoffeeKupp are now being accepted. Please sign up below and you will receive information by email. If you have questions, please email us at
ENROLL YOUTH
Youth enrollment applications for BuddyUp are now being accepted. Please fill sign up below and you will receive information by email. If you have questions, please email us at
BECOME A MENTOR
Mentor applications for BuddyUp are now being accepted. Please sign up below and you will receive information by email. If you have questions, please email us at
DONATE
Nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses in Alabama occur among young people between the ages of 13-24 years old.
SIGN UP
SIGN UP
OUR TEAM
AIDS Alabama South has been working with youth and young adults for many years. We facilitate and participate in numerous HIV prevention and advocacy events continuously. The new program is an opportunity for HIV-positive youth to connect with their peers, learn how to manage their health, build relationships and navigate the health care system as they grow older