Caracole

Our 2025 Annual Report has officially dropped!

Inside, you’ll learn more about our advocacy efforts and see how we continue to create real, tangible impact in the fight against HIV in our region.

Read the full report: caracole.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2025-Caracole-Annual-Report.pdf

Join us this October for Caracole’s Caraconference 2026: Policy, Power & Progress: The Fight Continues.

This two-day, in-person learning experience takes place October 15–16 in Cincinnati and features keynote speakers Venita Ray, Executive Director of Black South Rising, and Sam Rivera, Executive Director of OnPoint NYC.

Together, we’ll dig into bold community leadership, real-world solutions and what it takes to keep moving forward in the fight to end the HIV epidemic.

Registration is $25 per day or $40 for both days. Scholarship opportunities are available for community members and students to help reduce financial barriers to attendance.

Reserve your spot today: caracole.org/event/caraconference-2026

Special thanks to:
Presenting Partners: MATEC at the University of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Health
Sponsor: Gilead Sciences
Community Partner: Harm Reduction Ohio

Exciting news!

Caracole Board Member Mark Haggard and dear Caracole friend Michael Cotrell have been named 2026 Cincy Serves Honorees by the Cincinnati Open and Fifth Third Bank.

We’re proud to see their dedication to our community recognized in such a meaningful way. Their support, generosity and commitment help strengthen the work happening across Greater Cincinnati every day.

Congratulations, Mark and Michael!

A big thank you to the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy for collecting personal care items for our clients at Caracole! Pharmacy student Griffin Hobbs kindly delivered the donations.

Items like soap, toothpaste and other daily essentials may seem simple, but they can have a real impact. Since SNAP benefits don’t cover personal care items, community drives like this help fill important gaps and make everyday life a little easier.
Want to help? Check out caracole.org/collect

As we age, our health needs can change—and learning how to advocate for yourself is an important part of living well with HIV. This month at Pozitive Attitudes, we’ll talk about aging while living with HIV, navigating healthcare conversations, understanding your needs, and speaking up for the care and support you deserve.

Join us for discussion, shared experiences and community in a welcoming space.

Dinner provided. Transportation available if needed.

🗓️ Wednesday, May 13, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH

For more info or transportation help, contact:
Caracole: [email protected]
: [email protected]

Stop by the Clifton Branch of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library this Saturday for their Annual “Lemonade on the Lawn,” an outdoor health and wellness fair.

Check out health, well-being and community service organizations, like Caracole, while snacking on light refreshments and listening to the beats of DJ Grav3yard! Drop by our table to learn more about HIV prevention and testing, including our HIV self-test kits, from Lou and Ariel.

Lemonade on the Lawn
Saturday, May 9
12:00–3:00 PM
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library: Clifton Branch
3400 Brookline Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45220

Find out more: https://cincinnatilibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/69b2e71a4dacf581ff8169c0

See you there!

Good news: repairs are underway to restore power in our building.

As that work is completed, our physical office will be closed Monday, April 27, but we’re still here for you!

Remote and virtual services continue 100% business as usual! If you had an in-office appointment scheduled, your case manager will reach out with an alternate plan. Need an HIV test? Order one at caracole.org/at-home-testing

We plan to reopen Tuesday if all goes as scheduled.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we get everything back up and running.

Drag Me to Brunch is back on May 3—and we’re so excited to be part of it!

Hosted by Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire - Isqccbe, this brunch brings our community together for good food, big flair, and a shared commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. You’ll be surrounded by incredible performers, friends, and allies—all while raising funds to support Caracole’s work right here in our community. 🌈

Grab your seat and come through for a relaxed, joy-filled brunch that gives back: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/drag-me-to-brunch-on-may-3rd

It’s National Volunteer Week and we’re giving a big shoutout to our incredible volunteers!

Caracole couldn’t do this work without you—seriously.

To our harm reduction vending machine kit assembly crew (you show up every third Wednesday!)—you’re helping save lives.
To our front desk volunteers—you’re the first friendly face or voice people experience, and that matters.
To our board of directors—we rely on your leadership, expertise and generosity every day.
And to our event volunteers—you bring the energy, care and hospitality that make our fundraisers shine.

We appreciate you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Want to join them? Get involved: caracole.org/get-involved

Young people aren’t just the future of the fight against HIV—they’re leading it right now.

But they’re not getting the support they deserve. Only 35 states and DC require HIV education in schools—and just 12 require that education to be medically accurate.

Too many young people are left to navigate stigma, misinformation and barriers to care on their own.

Our communities can—and must—do better.

Because knowing your status is power.
Because prevention should be accessible.
Because support should never come with conditions.

At Caracole, we believe every young person deserves honest, judgment-free information about their health—and real access to care.

We offer free HIV testing for youth starting at age 13. They can stop by, get tested and talk with one of our Health Educators about prevention options like PrEP.

Let’s keep showing up for young people—not just today, but every day. Let’s invest in their education and health.

Learn more about National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day at advocatesforyouth.org/campaigns/nyhaad