BHC COVID-19 RESPONSE NOTICE

 
 

Brothers Health Collective (BHC) is committed to the health and safety of our staff, as well as our clients, volunteers, and community. All of our staff are continuing to provide vital services to vulnerable members of our community. You can reach our providers via email, phone, and in-person. 

Thank you for joining BHC by taking proactive and precautionary steps to ensure the safety of our community. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support of our work!

—Collective Team

When are you open?

Brothers Health Collective’s updated hours are Sunday and Monday, closed.  Tuesday through Thursday from 10:30am - 4pm; Friday 9:30am to 3:30pm and Saturday from 9:30am to 4:00pm. 

How can I contact you?

Please call our Front Desk at 312-808-1044. If you believe you have been exposed to a STI infection or HIV within the last 72 hours please schedule an appointment. 

Are walk-in services still available?

All in-person services at Brothers Health Collective are by appointment only. Our providers will help determine if you need in-person care or if we can meet your needs through a virtual appointment. Please call our Front Desk at 312-808-1044 to talk to our providers.

What’s it like to enter BHC?

We request that only those who work at BHC or have an appointment for services enter the building. Everyone must enter the building through our front vestibule door and speak with the front desk to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire, Wash your hands for 20 seconds and wear a mask. We ask that you do not crowd at the entrance; please maintain 6 feet of space between yourself and others when you arrive. We ask that individuals follow the Illinois ordinance requiring that face coverings be worn in public spaces. Please wear your face covering when entering the building or call ahead and ask for a free mask. 

COVID-19 FACILTY SANITIZING 

Our facility, is deep cleaned weekly and sanitized every evening.  We sanitize with EPA approved and Green cleaning products.  Each evening the facility activates UVC germicidal lamps to reduce lingering bacteria and viruses.  Hourly our doorknobs and surfaces are sanitized to remove viruses and bacteria.  We use EPA approved aerosol to sanitize the air to reduce lingering COVID-19 droplets.  Commercial HEPA 13-14 Medical grade Air purifiers are stationed in each office room to filter harmful micron particles and HEPA grade humidifiers are installed to reduce particle airborne time in dry air. Infectious particles produced by a sneeze or cough remain in the air longer, increasing the risk of exposure to other people. Increasing the humidity makes the infectious particles both bigger and heavier, causing them to drop from the air and land on hard surfaces, which are cleaned hourly.  

Are meetings and events happening at the BHC?

No. To help protect the community, our clients, and our staff, we have suspended all regularly scheduled and special group meetings at the agency.

Can I meet with my case manager?

Yes. Brothers Health Collective’s supportive case managers can meet with you over the phone, through video conferencing or by appointment at the office. None-Medical case management has suspended home visits until further notice.

Where can I get an HIV/STI test?

Brothers Health Collective is proud to launch Home-Connect, a virtual way for you to connect with our team and learn your HIV status. We’ll ship you an HIV test kit and provide you with one-on-one guided support as you learn your results. We’ll also connect you to prevention and support services that meet your needs. Available in English, ASL, and se habla Español. Email homeconnect@bhc.org or call 312-808-1044 to make your appointment today!

Brothers Health Collective has is offering STI testing, and we encourage individuals to access the website for an appointment, which offers Hepatitis-C, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis (Trich), Bacteria Vaginosis and syphilis testing. For more information, visit their ww.bhc360.org

I’m newly diagnosed or living with HIV and out of care—who can I talk to?

Our Care Navigator, Maria’h, would love to talk to you! Call 312-808-1044 to make your appointment. Appointments are available through our website.

Can I meet with someone about getting started on PrEP?

Yes. Call 312-808-1044 to make an appointment with one of our Passport To PrEP Navigators, who can talk with you over phone or video conference. They can help you navigate your insurance plan, get a copay card, and make your appointment with a medical provider.

I think I’ve been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours—can you help? 

Yes, we can. Call 312-808-1044 during our business hours. If after hours, call our PEP hotline at ###-#### and our team will help link you to a medical provider.

Where can I get condoms?

We can mail them to you in a plain package! The best part? It’s FREE!  Call us to choose the right condoms for you. 

Are you offering empowerment programs?

Yes. Brothers Health Collective is offering CLEAR Mind, its one-on-one life coaching program, via phone and video conference. You can call 312-808-1044 to make an appointment. 

Are you doing outreach and HIV/STI testing at local venues?

No. Out of concern and caution over COVID-19, the Brothers Health Collective has temporarily suspended its participation in community gatherings.

Where can I find you on social media?

As new information develops regarding our services we will update this page and the following social media platforms:

Brothers Health Collective Facebook PageBrothers Health Collective Instagram

How can I support the Brothers Health Collective?

Every day the Brothers Health Collective works to create a healthier, more vibrant Illinois. Donors like you make our work possible, and we could not be more grateful. If you want to support us with a donation, you can, click here. Thank you!

Where can I get COVID-19 testing?

Brothers Health Collective is not currently offering COVID-19 testing. However, our friends at Wellness on Morgan have opened testing sites on Kedzie Avenue. If you want to be tested for COVID-19, please call the Wellness on Morgan team at 1- 773-565-4297 and a member of their clinical team will screen you over the phone. For more information, please visit https://wellnesshome.org/

What are some current public health recommendations?

We continue to urge everyone to follow the recommendations of public health officials along with common-sense practices:

Stay home if you are sick. You should not attend public gatherings or meetings if you have a fever and cough.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Carry a tissue with you if you think you might sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue available, cough into your arm, not your hands!

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between hand washing when soap and water aren’t immediately available. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are the easiest areas for germs to spread through.

Wear a face covering when you enter public spaces where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing, per the Illinois ordinance.