Stigma can make people who suffer from a substance use disorder deny the need for treatment - and it is frequently a barrier to HIV testing. Wendy Felix, EIS coordinator for the Ogeechee Division of the CSB of Middle Georgia has thought a lot about how to engage clients in HIV testing - despite the stigma.

"We try to be patient and compassionate and open so clients feel comfortable," says Wendy. "Although conducting a thorough assessment and providing education is important, sometimes it's not about talking or asking questions, it's just about listening to what they have to say - a lot of times just being willing to listen goes farther than anything."

"Sometimes it's not about talking or asking questions, it's just about listening to what they have to say."

Wendy has also had success reaching her audience with down-to-earth educational resources."We have different pamphlets and literature on HIV, but they're not very user-friendly," says Wendy. "So I tried to create a handout that contains useful information and is easy to understand. I call it Here's the 411 on HIV," (to request a copy, email winona@imaginehope.com.) She uses the handout - which explains how HIV is contracted, the risk factors and how to prevent exposure, what happens if someone does test positive, and emphasizes that HIV testing should be a routine part of healthcare for everyone - to help educate clients, their family members, and Ogeechee staff members.

And finally, Wendy uses a combination of creativity and humor to attract passers-by at health fairs.

"The biggest testing incentive was Punch the Pumpkin."

Each paper pumpkin conceals a prize; all those who agreed to an HIV test were eligible to punch a pumpkin and claim their prize.

Brainchild of Shannon Corda at Alliance Recovery Center in Athens: Spirit Week.