ALFA's mission is to improve the lives and health of those affected by HIV/AIDS while preventing transmission through education and testing. ALFA is a United Way agency and serves the Appalachian Mountains and foothills of rural Northwestern North Carolina: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, Watauga and Wilkes counties. ALFA offers free and confidential HIV testing every week day at our office. Goals - Achieve early detection and care through HIV/STD counseling, testing and referral - Engage in targeted prevention efforts with persons who are at high risk for HIV infection and people living with HIV/AIDS to reduce secondary infections - Get individuals who are newly diagnosed as HIV positive into medical care quickly - Keep clients in medical care