“Bed-Stuy has one of the highest HIV-infection rates in America,” Dancy told XBIZ. “I saw lots of money being given for the prevention of HIV, but nothing was getting done. I wanted to do something that would feed off the energy of the culture.”
In 2004, Dancy founded STFree, a for-profit company that provides STD education and issues the SSL. Since 2004, STFree has registered about 12,000 card members.
Users sign up for a one-time fee of $19.99 and then pay an annual fee that varies depending on their membership level, which is based on how frequently they choose to get tested and the number of diseases they choose to get tested for.
STFree does not perform testing. Rather, it provides third-party verification of testing information. Members are issued an SSL with their picture, user ID number and a toll-free number. When the member meets a prospective partner, he or she can dial the number and enter the user ID and a PIN so that the prospective partner can hear the most up-to-date testing information for the member.
STFree requires testing at least once every six months to stay active in the system.
Dancy said most members choose a basic membership that covers HIV/AIDs testing, but a Diamond Package that covers a full range of STDs is available. However, Darcy acknowledges that the card is intended for personal use only and by no means could serve as verification of testing for adult video producers.
“It’s a confidential and quick way for people to know more about who they’re with,” he said. “And it’s a good conversation starter.”