Program Background

Project SHALEM is a partnership between the JACQUES Initiative, a program of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland, the Maryland Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration and multiple community and faith-based institutions around the city of Baltimore.

Meaning "peace" or "safe place" in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, the program was kicked off on July 21, 2009 as part of City Uprising, a four-day event sponsored by the Gallery Church Baltimore. During this initial event nearly two years ago, volunteers from nine states and 11 local community organizations worked together with a goal of testing 1,000 Baltimore citizens for HIV.

Current Testing Initiatives

Project SHALEM works to mobilize the community in an effort to prevent and test for HIV, and provide linkage to care when necessary. The project also provides wrap-around services such as housing, substance abuse rehabilitation, HIV education, case management and interaction with people living will with HIV.

For more information please contact Project SHALEM at projectshalem@ihv.umaryland.edu