South Arkansas Fights aids (SAFA)

HIV IS PREVENTABLE. KNOW YOUR STATUS... GET TESTED!

Who we are

On August 18, 1989, a mother, Sue Worsham, lost her only son, Freddie Worsham, to AIDS. Heartbroken but determined, she made a vow to protect and save others from the same fate. From that promise, South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA) was born. Since 1990, SAFA has remained steadfast in its mission—continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS and serving the community with compassion and dedication.

Working together

At South Arkansas Fights AIDS (SAFA), we believe meaningful change happens when communities come together. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, social service agencies, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and advocates, we are able to extend our reach and strengthen our impact throughout South Arkansas.
Working together, we provide HIV prevention education, testing services, resource referrals, food assistance, transportation support, utility assistance, and other essential services that help individuals and families overcome barriers to care. These collaborative efforts ensure that vulnerable and underserved populations have access to the support they need to live healthier, more stable lives.
Every partnership, donation, volunteer hour, and act of support contributes to a stronger community where individuals affected by HIV/AIDS are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Together, we are reducing stigma, increasing awareness, improving access to care, and creating a future where no one faces HIV/AIDS alone.
Together, we are turning compassion into action and making a lasting impact across South Arkansas.

Our impact

Union County, where the office is locate, is in the Top 20 for poorest counties in Arkansas. SAFA has improved the lives of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS through prevention education, testing, advocacy, and direct support services. By addressing both health and basic living needs, SAFA helps reduce new HIV infections, combat stigma, and ensure that underserved residents of South Arkansas have access to the resources necessary to live healthier, more stable lives.
In addition to the Direct Service Program, (Food Pantry, Prescription Co-Pay, Utility and Transportation Assistance) SAFA provides free oral HIV testing, prevention education and literature. Staff takes every opportunity to inform the community of its mission.
*To learn more, click the Services Button at the top of the page.

  • Food Pantry

    SAFA's Food pantry is dedicated to those living with or affected by the HIV/AIDS virus.SAFA is a generously sponsored by Arkansas Food Bank.

    FREE Oral HIV Testing

    The rapid oral HIV test detects antibodies made by the immune system in response to HIV infection, just like the standard blood antibody test. The rapid oral test, however, detects these antibodies in oral fluid, and doesn't require a blood sample.FREE to EVERYONECall to setup an appointment

    Prevention Education

    SAFA provides Sexual education, HIV/AIDS, and STI Educational pamphlets to all. We also provide lectures to the schools, churches and other interested individuals.Call to setup an appointment.

  • Utility & Transportation Assistance

    We provide Utility (Gas, Water, and Electric) Assistance to clients Semi-Annually. We also provide Transportation assistance to Appointments.

    Prescription

    Co-Pay

    We provide Prescription Co-Pay to our HIV/AIDS clients and Ensure for those living with AIDS.

20k+

Donated Volunteer Hours
Approximately 6,493 adults and adolescents are living with diagnosed HIV in Arkansas.

8k+

Individuals Assisted
Women account for approximately 22.5% of people living with diagnosed HIV in Arkansas.

24k+

Individuals Counseled about HIV/AIDS Prevention
Men account for approximately 77.5% of people living with diagnosed HIV in Arkansas.

3k+

Individuals Tested
About 1 woman for every 3.4 men living with HIV in Arkansas.
Our programs and services are funded by the generosity of our community partners, members, family and friends. Your donation will make a difference is someone’s life. ALL donations are tax deductible.
*If you would like to donate to our efforts, mailing information is listed.*
RADA, helping fundraisers raise money for their worthy cause since 1948 Don't just take our word for it... Click the button below to shop and order to support SAFA's fundraising efforts.
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Gallery

Client & Volunteer Testimonials

"SAFA is one of the non-profits in El Dorado deserves more support than they receive. Once while volunteering, a woman came in. They talked with her to figure out what type of help she needed. When she left the office, she was smiling and so was I."
V. Smith
"SAFA helps people with HIV by giving them food and helping them get to their appointments. It makes me feel happy that they are helping them stay healthy and not judging them. No one deserves to be hungry."
"SAFA is one of the only places where you can go and feel welcomed. I bring my aunt up there every month for their pantry. From the moment we walk in the door they are sweet and loving. Making sure we have water, and we are doing good."
B. Comner
“I never knew people still didn’t talk about sex with their kids. When I was young we volunteered as a family at SAFA. I didn’t realize at the time that we were one of their clients. I have so many warm memories volunteering there.”
~ 12 year old Volunteer
K. Barnette
"I have heard of SAFA. Acted as if they were invisible. Made rude statements out loud. Avoided their tent at events thinking I would never need them. Until the day I actually needed them. I felt like a hypocrite. I just knew they would recognize me and give me a hard time. I was completely wrong. They welcomed me in. Sat with me as I explained why I was there. Comforted me during the waiting period for the results. Thankfully my results were Negative. I went there feeling hurt and betrayed but left there with a smile on my face and feeling hopefully about my next steps."
R. Johnson
“I am amazed by SAFA. They are always bending over backwards to help people like me. When me and my kids had the flu, Linae delivered my pantry food to my house. She even brought medicine and a card for me and my kids. She works so hard to keep SAFA open. I’m not sure who will read this, but Linae and SAFA are saving lives!”
D. Thrizzler

Donations

Give Hope. Fight HIV. Change Lives
Address
526 West Faulkner Street El Dorado, AR. 71730 United States
Contact Us
Director: Linae Fort
Phone: 870.875.2099
Our Hours
Monday - Thursday 10am - 5pm Closed for Lunch 11:30am - 1pm Friday - Sunday CLOSED
South Arkansas Fights AIDS
Serving the South Arkansas Community since 1990
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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