New Orleans Gay Bars End HIV Testing Partnership Over Management Rule Change

CrescentCare has lost authorization to host HIV testing services at three prominent New Orleans gay bars—Good Friends, The Cafe Lafitte in Exile, and Rawhide Lounge—following a corporate rule change enacted by management company Wood Enterprises.

Good Friends and Partner Bars Require Prior Scheduling for Testing Vendors

Wood Enterprises defended the operational shift by emphasizing that outside service providers must coordinate visits through the business office. In a statement posted to Good Friends’ Facebook page, the company stated that anyone entering its establishments for reasons other than being a customer or employee must obtain prior management approval. WDSU reported that Anne Breaud clarified by phone that CrescentCare is not permanently banned from the venues, provided the organization follows the newly enforced scheduling protocols.

Conversely, Anne Breaud stated on Facebook that the dispute centered on volunteer conduct rather than HIV prevention itself, alleging that CrescentCare volunteers refused to schedule times and dates with the business office and insisted on immediate attention when managers were unavailable.

CrescentCare Expresses Disappointment While Maintaining Community Services

CrescentCare voiced surprise over the decision, noting in its official statement that decades of partnership had successfully integrated testing into spaces where community members naturally gather. The non-profit emphasized that setting up community health screenings involves extensive logistical planning, coordination of access, and discussions regarding procedures with host venues.

Despite the setback at the three Wood Enterprises locations, CrescentCare assured the public that its medical care, treatment, and testing operations continue elsewhere. The organization expressed gratitude to community members and auxiliary venues such as The Phoenix Bar for offering support and stated an openness to discussing how to reestablish the partnership with Wood Enterprises.

Dispute Over Communication Exposes Community Tensions

Wood Enterprises countered this characterization by maintaining that the rule applies universally to third-party vendors to protect the security, privacy, and operations of patrons and employees.

Discussions Remain Open on Restoring Health Services

CrescentCare remains open to dialogue with Wood Enterprises to restore the decades-old testing access points across the French Quarter nightlife venues. At the same time, the non-profit actively invites other local organizations to coordinate new testing events as alternative options. Whether the two organizations will reach an agreement on scheduling procedures to bring health screenings back to Good Friends, The Cafe Lafitte in Exile, and Rawhide Lounge remains unconfirmed.