Social Support Services

SOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES

CASE MANAGEMENT

Case management services are available to link you to community resources and services that address health, emotional, financial and personal issues associated with HIV/AIDS. Services can be provided short term or long term to assist you with overcoming any challenges that you may be facing, or to help you reach personal goals.

The Ryan White Program has a case manager who assists with patient medical coverage. Understanding medical coverage may be complicated and a Financial Counselor can help navigate systems, find benefits, and access resources. We will help you learn about the special services and pharmacy that the Ryan White Program offers to patients.

CRISIS SUPPORT

Crisis Support services are offered to address a wide range of needs. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, contact 9-1-1, immediately. If no immediate danger to yourself or others is present, but you are still experiencing an extreme mental health situation contact Crisis Stabilization at: 1-877-928-9062.

• One-on-one counseling: Available to help patients address specific concerns or get connected with needed services. Generally, acute needs can be addressed the same day, or with an appointment within 72 hours. If needed, treatment can include a wide variety of options such as individual counseling, medication, and training in stress management just to name a few. Whatever the course of action, it's important to note that all Ryan White staff has training and experience in working with people who are living with HIV/AIDS and are available to help.
• Behavioral Wellness: Living well with HIV/AIDS requires patients to take charge of their health - both physically and mentally. If patients feel overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, are dealing with an emotional crisis, or just need someone to talk to, our counselors at the COE HIV/AIDS can help - often the same day.

Mental Health Counseling is provided on-site for HIV+ individuals by COE HIV/AIDS staff. 

TRANSPORTATION

Certified Ryan White recipients are eligible for assistance for transportation to and from medical appointments, on an as needed basis. For individuals residing within Washington County, bus passes are also available to assist with transportation to and from Lab Visits, as well as other Social Service appointments, either at our office, or within the community.

FOOD

Between services offered within our clinic, as well as local resources, a variety of services are available to assist you and your family if you are in need of food. Certified Ryan White recipients are eligible for assistance for nutritional food purchases.

FINANCIAL

Short-term financial help may be available for rent, utility deposits and/or bills. You must meet with your case manager to determine whether or not you quality for this assistance. Financial planning and budgeting assistance is also made available to you, per your request, to ensure that you are making the most of your money and to assist you meet your financial goals.

EMPLOYMENT

Assistance for employment is available, per your request, and includes services such as exploring career options, ensuring job readiness, resume development, interview assistance, and networking. Schedule an appointment with your Case Manager for additional information.

HOUSING

Housing support is available to assist you if you are homeless or just needing to find a new residence. We are able to assist in a variety of options, and to clarify your needs, an appointment must be made for assessment.

CLOTHING

Between services offered within our clinic, as well as local resources, a variety of services are available to assist you if you are in need of clothing.

OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING

Due to the nature of care, there is no one size fits all approach to dealing with your mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. ETSU Physicians employs an Individual and Family Psychotherapist and is also able to provide referrals to community agencies to best meet your needs and wishes. Additionally, a Psychiatric Pharmacist is available, by referral, to assist with medication therapy management in the areas of psychiatric and neurologic pharmacy, substance abuse and addiction, and other primary care disorders.

HIV EDUCATION

New or old diagnoses can benefit from having education about HIV. Our clinic offers services not only to those that have been diagnosed, but also to their families and support systems to ensure that all involved are aware and share an understanding about options and care.

Prevention

PrEP EDUCATION

Our clinic is committed to offering services to not only address the needs of those that have contracted HIV, but to provide options for those at high risk of contracting HIV. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis also known as PrEP is a pill taken once a day to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV. Those at high risk include: individuals with multiple sexual partners, having a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases, exchanging sex for food or drugs, inconsistent condom use, as well as injection drug use. Additionally, Youth aged 13 – 24 is the fastest growing age group to contract HIV, with gay males most at risk for transmission.

PEP Education

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, involves taking anti-retroviral medications immediately after exposure to HIV to reduce risk of transmission. Due to the immediate need for dispensing as soon as possible after exposure, those seeking PEP should head to their nearest emergency department to obtain treatment (ideally four hours or less after exposure, but not more than 72 hours).

Testing

COE HIV/AIDS HIV 

Know your status. Get tested, stay protected. 

• All sites are open to the public and no appointment is needed.
• Free, confidential, twenty-minute HIV testing is available in many convenient locations in the Northeast regional area.

How is the HIV test done?

A plastic pad is used to swab the gums (the pink tissue above your teeth). The fluid that is collected is used to look for protein that may be present if you are infected with HIV. This takes just 20 minutes. If this first test is preliminary positive, then a second test will be done to confirm the test results. If the second test is positive, you will be referred to care with a specialist.

• Use condoms every time you have sex. Get tested regularly.
• Talk to your partners about HIV and ask that they get tested with you.

Please note that the services above are available to people who meet the program's guildelines.  To ensure that the care you receive is specific to you and to guarantee you are eligible for the services you are requesting, you must contact a Case Manager and schedule an appointment to meet at: 423-930-8337