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AIDS/HIV – RESOURCE SUMMARY FOR CONNECTICUT RESIDENTS
INFORMATION/FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AIDS AND HIV:
For information and for answers to frequently asked questions about HIV and AIDS, go to the Centers for Disease Control web site: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/ or to the CT Dept. Public Health’s FAQs: http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BCH/AIDS/HIVAIDSINFO.htm
CONNECTICUT'S HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AND CARE GUIDE:
http://www.211ct.org/Search/AIDSHIVPreventionCareGuide.pdf
FEDERAL AIDS INFORMATION SITES:
CT STATE AGENCIES OFFERING SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS:
CT DEPT. OF PUBLIC HEALTH – AIDS AND CHRONIC DISEASES SECTION funds prevention initiatives, health care services, and AIDS statistical data collection for the State of Connecticut.
CT DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES Administers cash and medical benefits programs including CADAP, CIAPAP, cash assistance programs, Medicaid, Medical Spend Down, Food Stamps. Apply at DSS regional offices and suboffices.
AIDS/HIV RELATED SERVICES AND PROGRAMS IN CONNECTICUT
(For specific information on service providers for any of the following, please search our online database, or dial 2-1-1 to speak to a 2-1-1 Call Specialist. 2-1-1 is open 24 hrs./7 days; calls are anonymous and confidential.
- AIDS PROJECTS: AIDS Project agencies in Connecticut provide case management, assistance with basic needs services, counseling, information on alternative therapies, educational outreach, linkage to community services and social support to people with AIDS or HIV.
- CASE/CARE MANAGEMENT*AIDS/HIV: Case management links people who have AIDS or who are HIV positive to entitlement and benefits programs, housing, treatment and health services, and other support services.
- CASE/CARE MANAGEMENT*PEOPLE AT RISK FOR AIDS/HIV: Prevention Case Managers work with people who are at high risk of HIV infection by providing counseling on risk prevention, and coordination of services needed to meet a client's basic needs so that the client can better focus on developing behaviors to protect his/her health. Prevention Case Management (PCM) is for individuals with multiple complex problems and risk reduction needs.
- DRUG TREATMENT ADVOCATES: CT’s Dept. of Public Health funds case managers (usually in urban areas) who do drug/alcohol addiction assessments and then find treatment beds for substance abusers who want to get into drug or alcohol treatment. Case managers can also arrange for subsequent levels of care.
- HEALTH INSURANCE – ASSISTANCE WITH COBRA PAYMENTS: CIAPAP (Conn. Insurance Assistance Program for AIDS Patients) pays for employer-related group health insurance continuation for individuals with AIDS who are terminated or lose coverage because of reduced work hours or who are unable to continue working because of their illness. Program also pays for insurance that covers the spouse and children of the former employee if they also have AIDS.
- HEALTH RELATED SUPPORT GROUPS*AIDS/HIV: There are over 60 support groups statewide for people with AIDS/HIV and their families, friends, and caregivers.
- HIV TESTING: In Connecticut everyone is entitled to a confidential and anonymous HIV antibody test. Testing and counseling are offered at various health agencies including city health departments and community health clinics. Private physicians can also give a patient an HIV test.
- HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH AIDS: CT AIDS Resource Coalition produces a directory of member AIDS residence provider agencies. AIDS residences and scattered site apartments are also listed in Connecticut’s Community Resources Database.
- MEDICATION ADHERENCE PROGRAMS: Nurses/counselors help people who are HIV+ how to best manage their medication regimens.
- MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN/YOUTH WHO HAVE A LOVED ONE WITH AIDS/HIV: Several child guidance clinics in Connecticut offer special support and counseling for children and teens who have a family member who is HIV+ or has AIDS, or who have experienced the death of a loved one because of the disease.
- NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: There are 5 needle exchange programs in Connecticut.
- PARTNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM –CARE PROGRAM (Companion Awareness and Risk Education: AIDS) helps people with HIV/AIDS or other STDs notify present and previous sex or needle-sharing partners that they may have been exposed. Counselors will tell partners and keep the source confidential, or will provide the support needed for the person who is infected to inform the partner(s) him/herself. DPH manages the CARE Program.
- PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE: CADAP (Conn. AIDS Drug Assistance Program) is a state program that helps eligible people living with HIV/AIDS pay for federally approved HIV antiretroviral drugs and drugs which prevent opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Net countable income must be at or below 400% Federal Poverty Level; there is no asset limit.
- PREVENTION CASE MANAGEMENT: HIV prevention case managers work with people who are at high risk of HIV infection by providing individualized counseling on risk prevention and coordination of services needed to meet a client's basic needs in order that the client can better focus on developing behaviors to protect his/her health.
- RENT SUBSIDY PROGRAM: Shelter Plus Care programs provide subsidized rental housing for adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness AND who have a history of psychiatric disability, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, or who are homeless/at risk of homelessness AND HIV symptomatic. People apply for this program through their case managers.
- RYAN WHITE FUNDING: Ryan White Care funding provides a system of services for people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Different parts of the Ryan White Act fund different types of services; some services are targeted for low income households. Funded services include medical treatment, and for some regions of Connecticut, non-medical services such as emergency financial assistance, transportation, congregate meal programs, mental health services.
- SPECIALIZED TREATMENT*AIDS/HIV: Many health agencies in Connecticut provide AIDS and HIV treatment including hospitals, community health centers, and health clinics.
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Go to : http://www.211ct.org/search/AIDSHIVSubCategory.asp
to find providers offering services targeted SPECIFICALLY for people who are HIV+ or who have AIDS.
NOTE: Non-targeted services can of course also be used by people with AIDS! The difference is that the ones with the targets are designed specifically for people with HIV or AIDS. To find non-targeted services, search the whole database by going to: http://www.211ct.org/referweb/.
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PREPARED BY: 211/cdd
CONTENT LAST MODIFIED: August2007
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