Mr. Sexx returns
to Berkeley, Calif.'s Steamworks

The Pacific Center for Human Growth and popular Berkeley bathhouse Steamworks have relaunched Mr. Sexx, an innovative approach to HIV/AIDS prevention that combines casual banter with HIV education and mental health support.

The program allows Steamworks members to engage in one-on-one dialogue while in the club with "Mr. Sexx," a trained professional provided by the Pacific Center. They are free to discuss a variety of issues including substance abuse, alcoholism, or mental wellness. By discussing these topics, the bathhouse hopes its members will make smarter, healthier choices about their sexual behavior

"In partnership with Steamworks and the City of Berkeley Office of AIDS, the Pacific Center continues to seek out creative HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programs like Mr. Sexx, which make our services more available in the community," said the Pacific Center Executive Director, Juan Barajas in a press release. "Steamworks is a close community partner, and we believe this program will continue to benefit the community in many ways."

Steamworks Director of Health Information and Education Programs Nirmalpal Sachdev added, "Mr. Sexx will help our members continue to lead healthier and safer lives. Steamworks is proud to have developed the Mr. Sexx program in partnership with City of Berkeley and the Pacific Center, as part our continued commitment to entire Bay Area. Steamworks has been a contributor to the prevention and education community for over 20 years now. We are thrilled that Mr. Sexx now exists at both our Berkeley and Chicago locations."

According to the press release, the Pacific Center's HIV Program Manager, Aaron Testard, is the new Mr. Sexx. He holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. (The Advocate)