Medical Services

HIV Testing and Treatment/GHAP

The Gay Health Advocacy Project (GHAP) offers free and confidential HIV antibody testing to the entire Columbia community and arranges treatment and support for HIV-infected students. GHAP also provides information about transmission, treatment, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections and peer counseling around issues of sexuality. These services are offered to people of all genders and orientations. Additionally, GHAP staff and volunteers offer programs, mentoring, and support specifically for the LGBTQ community at Columbia.

About GHAP

A group of concerned students and medical staff at Columbia University organized the Gay Health Advocacy Project in 1985 to address the health-related needs of gay men affected by the emerging HIV epidemic. Through the efforts of those original GHAP Advocates, Columbia became the first institution of higher education in the world to offer HIV antibody testing to its students, faculty, staff, and community. More than 1,000 people of all genders and orientation are tested per year.

From its inception, GHAP has recognized the connections among physical health and social or psychological well-being. In addition to developing an intensive training program for the volunteer Advocates who carry out pre- and post-HIV antibody test counseling, GHAP has sponsored support groups, conferences, a mentoring program, educational talks, and workshops for the Columbia community.

Support Services

HIV Antibody Testing: The HIV antibody test provided through GHAP is confidential, open to the entire Columbia community (including partners), and provided at no charge. 

GHAP Advocates: Volunteers are trained to address a broad range of issues pertaining to sexual and emotional health. In addition to information about HIV, we can provide you with information about the transmission, prevention and treatment of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as the psychological factors connected to these issues. Even if you do not want an HIV test, Advocates are available during walk-in hours to answer your questions and provide support.

Support for HIV-positive students: GHAP works with other Columbia Health staff to offer the clinical care, support, and information that HIV-positive students need to manage HIV infection effectively. Individualized care from an HIV specialist, regular monitoring of CD4 and viral load, medications, preventive treatments, and psychological support (both individual and group) are all provided through Columbia Health and covered under the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan.

Workshops and Groups: GHAP offers workshops and groups on a variety of topics, and are facilitated in dormitories, academic classes, orientation programs, student organizations, and employee groups. Topics can also be tailored to specific interests.

• HIV transmission and risk reduction
• Other STIs
• Physical and emotional health of the LGBT population
• Sexuality

Students, faculty or staff may contact GHAP to request a workshop.

Coming Out Discussion Group

Are you thinking about coming out? Have you recently come out and are looking for community? What does coming out mean to you and others? Join us for our biweekly discussion to connect, support, and encourage.

For more information and location, contact Lea Robinson (lr2476@columbia.edu), Daniel Chiarilli (dbc15@columbia.edu), or call (212) 854-6655.

Presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Gay Health Advocacy Project/GHAP.

Queer Academics at Columbia

Queer Academics is a supportive discussion group open to LGBTQ grad students from all of Columbia's schools. Come meet students from other departments and schools, talk about the challenges and opportunities of being queer and a CU grad student, and learn about resources on and off campus.

This group meets the last Thursday of every month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the CPS conference room - Lerner Hall, 8th floor.

For more information, contact Daniel Chiarilli (dbc15@columbia.edu) or Rachel Efron (re15@columbia.edu).
 

LGBTQ Support: Although GHAP serves the entire Columbia community regardless of gender or orientation, we continue to develop our commitment to advocating for the sexual and emotional health of the LGBTQ population. LGBTQ students may have particular psychological, health-related, and social needs–related to coming out and homophobia, among other factors–that deserve special attention. Either during walk-in hours detailed below or by appointment with a GHAP Coordinator, students can talk with someone in a confidential, non-judgmental environment. GHAP also makes referrals to other LGBTQ-sensitive organizations, counselors, and support groups, either on- or off-campus. 

Drop-in Hours for HIV Testing

Handbook for HIV and AIDS

The Columbia Handbook on HIV and AIDS is a newly revised version of two original works published by Simon & Schuster (Pocketbook): The Essential AIDS Fact Book, was initially published in 1987, sold several hundred thousand copies and was translated into four languages. The second book, The Essential HIV Treatment Fact Book, was written to provide more complete information for those who were infected with HIV and their friends and family. The book was acclaimed by a number of leaders in the field of AIDS.

Download the Columbia University Handbook on HIV and AIDS, by Laura Pinsky and Paul Harding Douglas.

Interactive Map: Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources

Sexual and reproductive health resources include access to free condoms and lube.

Check the interactive map for locations, hours and directions.

Courtesy of Google Maps.