Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - SETAC, Puerto Vallarta's HIV/AIDS Community Center announced the outcome of Red Ribbon Gala, their most recent fundraising event that took place at Casa Karma Boutique Resort this past December 7.

The event was produced by Mexico Event Design and LOve Producciones y Eventos, who successfully convened renowned chefs, along with local and international performers.

"We are deeply grateful with Casa Karma owner, Georgia Darehshori, for opening her doors to us, and for all the support we received from the community," commented Paco Arjona, Executive Director. "Thanks to the generous participation of our guests, as well as that of all the people that donated time, service and goods to the event, we were able to raise $210,158.78 pesos."

The monies raised by SETAC will be used to both launch and continue several pivotal projects for the organization, whose mission is to reduce HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in Jalisco's coastal region and Banderas Bay, through education and behavior modification that encourages responsible sexual health decisions.

Fourth Generation HIV Rapid Tests
Beginning in January, 2018, SETAC will offer the new, fourth generation HIV rapid tests, which can detect the virus in two-to-three weeks after infection.

Doctor's Office and Medical Equipment
Along with the recently announced pre-exposure prophylaxis program (PrEP) for people who do not have HIV but are at substantial risk of getting it, SETAC will hire Dr. Javier Mauricio Renteria Salazar, a Guadalajara University general practitioner and surgeon. Dr. Renteria will supervise and implement the PrEP program in SETAC beginning January. Funds raised at the Red Ribbon Galla will allow SETAC to furnish a doctor's office in order to provide the necessary infrastructure to implement the PrEP program.

Education and Awareness Programs
SETAC will launch a series of lectures, screenings and activities designed to provide the public at large with a friendly space to share their health and sexuality-related concerns, including film and debate evenings, Q&A sessions with physicians and other specialists (including Dr. Renteria), and other events, which will be promoted through a new bilingual monthly newsletter. The newsletter will be made available through email by subscription via SETAC's website, setac.com.mx.

Last but not least, due to the resounding success of the freshman edition of the Red Ribbon Gala, it was announced that next year's event will take place December 1, 2018.

"We welcome all the community to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us through our website and Facebook page in order to receive news from SETAC on a timely fashion," Arjona said.

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The purpose of the SETAC Community Center, located at Aldanaca 178, 4A & 4B, in the Colonia Versalles of neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, is to provide essential services to the community, including physical and mental health treatment, referrals, and education in an atmosphere of safety, free from discrimination. For more information, contact Paco Arjona at (322) 224-1974 or paco(at)setac.com.mx,visit their website, or follow them on Facebook.

Click HERE to learn more about Centro Comunitario SETAC.