OKLAHOMA CITY — Guiding Right Inc., one of Oklahoma’s longest standing community health organizations focused on HIV prevention and care, honoring World AIDS Day on Dec. 1st with the launch of its new Center for Excellence at the New Hope Wellness Clinic.
This expansion represents a major step forward in Guiding Right’s work to improve minority health access and increase the availability of HIV prevention and treatment services across Greater Oklahoma City and Greater Tulsa.
For more than 25 years, Guiding Right has provided culturally rooted, community driven HIV services designed to reduce disparities facing African American and other minority communities. The Center for Excellence builds on that legacy by advancing high quality training, outreach, prevention and clinical services under one coordinated program.
Founded by Theodore Noel, Guiding Right has always been grounded in the belief that prevention, education and community trust are essential to ending the HIV epidemic. The Center for Excellence carries that mission forward by strengthening partnerships, offering expanded clinical capacity and elevating community informed best practices in HIV care.
The State of HIV in Oklahoma
Oklahoma continues to face persistent challenges in HIV prevention and treatment. Recent public health data show that the state has an estimated several hundred new HIV infections each year, with African American residents experiencing the highest rates of new diagnoses and the highest rates of people living with HIV. Statewide figures also show that about one in five newly diagnosed cases are among people who were already significantly immunocompromised at the time of their first positive test. These indicators highlight the continued need for early testing, culturally informed outreach and preventive care.
Expanded Prevention Through PrEP and PEP
The Center for Excellence includes expanded access to PrEP and PEP through the New Hope Wellness Clinic. PrEP, or Pre Exposure Prophylaxis, is a daily or long-acting medication taken by people at higher risk of HIV to prevent infection before exposure. PEP, or Post Exposure Prophylaxis, is an emergency medication regimen that must be started within 72 hours after a known or possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
“Increasing access to PrEP and PEP is one of the most effective ways to reduce new HIV infections, especially in communities that continue to face systemic barriers,” said Theodore Noel. “The launch of the Center for Excellence strengthens our ability to meet people where they are and ensure that every individual has access to high quality prevention and care.”
Community Engagement Throughout December
Throughout December, Guiding Right teams will host HIV testing events, provide educational outreach in community hubs and churches, distribute information about PrEP and PEP and connect individuals to supportive services. The organization encourages all Oklahomans, especially those in historically underserved minority communities, to learn their HIV status, talk with health care providers about prevention options and support organizations dedicated to health equity.
“Minority communities continue to carry the highest burden of HIV in Oklahoma,” Noel said. “The Center for Excellence will help ensure we respond with culturally competent, compassionate care and that no one falls through the cracks. World AIDS Day reminds us of the progress we have made and the work that remains.”
