HIV Prevention and Treatment
Common Ground
Testing, treatment and support services in a non-judgmental, harm reduction setting.
Caring for and preventing HIV
Venice Family Clinic’s Common Ground program is dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and ensuring that people living with HIV receive the care they need.
We provide free, testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs, along with access to medical care, case management and behavioral health support. Our harm reduction services help people stay safe, and we offer medications like PrEP and PEP to prevent HIV.
Whether you need testing, treatment, or support, we provide care in a non-judgmental environment.
Care Provided
HIV, Hepatitis C, and STI Testing
Fast, confidential testing with results in 15 minutes or less. Early detection helps patients take control of their health and connect to treatment right away.
HIV Medical Care
Experienced providers offer high-quality treatment and support for people living with HIV. We focus on long-term wellness, viral suppression and helping patients lead full, healthy lives.
HIV Case Management
Help with medical care, benefits enrollment, food programs and other support services. Our case managers ensure that no one is forced to navigate complex systems alone.
Behavioral Health Services
Individual and group therapy, plus psychiatry for mental health needs. These services support emotional well-being and help patients address depression, trauma and stress. Click here to learn more about our Behavioral Health services
Harm Reduction Services
Naloxone distribution, testing strips, safe use services and street outreach to reduce health risks. We meet patients where they are and support safety at every stage of care.
PrEP and PEP Navigation
Education and access to medications that help prevent the spread of HIV. Our team helps patients understand their options and stay protected through regular follow-up and support.
Hepatitis C Treatment Navigation
Support with medical care, benefits and treatment for Hepatitis C. We make it easier for patients to access curative treatment and stay engaged through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis C or STIs?
You need an appointment for STI testing. HIV testing is done as a walk-in service. All these tests are free.
What does it cost to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis C or STIs?
Testing for HIV, Hepatitis C and STIs is free.
Can I get treatment for STDs/STIs if I test positive?
We can only offer treatment to people who are patients at Venice Family Clinic. If you would like to become a patient at Venice Family Clinic, our benefits support specialist can help you.
What harm reduction supplies do you offer?
We provide free naloxone in both injectable and nasal forms. We also offer safer use resources and education, including trainings in how to reverse overdose.
Do you offer medications to treat opiate use disorder?
Patients of Venice Family Clinic can get a prescription for buprenorphine, which helps people manage their addiction and cravings. Ask to speak to the harm reduction case manager to be linked to the Clinic’s SUMMIT program.
How do I know where your harm reduction outreach team will be?
Our team does not follow a set schedule or map, but you may contact Devon O’Malley, prevention advocate lead, at domalley@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 664-7793 for updated information.
Is there a clinician available at the drop-in center?
A clinician is onsite to offer medical care to unhoused clients every other Tuesday from 1 – 4 p.m.. Walk-ins accepted. Contact (310) 314-5480 to confirm dates.
Locations
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Common Ground at the Judy and Bernard Briskin Center
622 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291
Hours
Monday – Thursday
12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.Friday
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Resources
National
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gettested.cdc.gov
Find local HIV testing anywhere in the county
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thebody.com
Comprehensive HIV/AIDS information
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harmreduction.org
Prevention resources and advocacy for drug users
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hepcchallenge.org
Comprehensive resources about Hepatitis C
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nextdistro.org
Naloxone resource for first responders
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cdc.gov/hiv
Latest info from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. STD/HIV 24 hour Hotline: (800) 342-2437, (800) 243-7889 (TTY), (800) 344-7432 (Español)
Local
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venicefamilyclinic.org
Free, quality health care and HIV clinic
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hiv.lacounty.gov
LA County Commission on HIV: resources, policy & advocacy
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laglc.org
Programs and services by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center
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bienestar.org
HIV resources targeting the Latino community – también en español
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thepeopleconcern.org
Resources and housing for homeless families and individuals
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stjosephctr.org
Services and shelter for low-income families and individuals
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clarematrix.org
Treatment and recovery for alcoholism and substance abuse
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chirpla.org
Housing services for people living with HIV
Related Stories
Information is power: the benefits of knowing your status
Appointments
To make, change or cancel an appointment, please reach out to our Call Center at
(310) 392-8636
Lunes – Jueves: 7:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m.
Viernes: 8:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m.
Pharmacy
To order or refill a prescription from our in-house pharmacy, or if you have questions for our pharmacist, please call (310) 664-7758.
If you need a refill from another pharmacy, please request it from that pharmacy directly. They will contact us for confirmation.
Hours:
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Walk-in Refills: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1:30 – 5 p.m.