South Health District’s HIV Program provides comprehensive outpatient primary care (including nutritional services and oral health) and case management to persons with HIV/AIDS through our Adult Health Promotion Clinic (AHPC). AHPC is a federally funded clinic that is operated from monies granted to the State of Georgia through the Ryan White Care Act Title II and Title III.
Clients benefit from a wide spectrum of programs and services, including primary medical care and labs, centralized case management, oral health services, ID consultant services, radiology (by referral), retinology consultant services, medication dispensing/pharmacy, mental health counseling, nutritional assessment/counseling, partner counseling and referral services, and transportation assistance (gas vouchers).
South Health District’s HIV Clinic treats any HIV positive individual age 18 or older, including those who have a CDC-defined AIDS diagnosis. Supportive services for clients such as hospice care, emergency financial assistance, food and food vouchers, housing assistance, support groups, etc. are available by referral with various community providers/partners.
HIV/AIDS Testing:
Every county health department provides no cost HIV testing daily; however, appointments may be needed. Call your local health department for more information.
Enrollment Requirements:
Enrollment into the HIV Program requires an advance appointment. Clients are assessed by the case manager and then are scheduled for primary care intake. Clients should bring the following when possible:
1. Medical history (medical records with detailed history of medications)
2. Proof of seropositivity (required, test drawn at intake if unavailable)
3. Current CD4 count and viral load (preferred, not required)
4. Current PPD status and treatment history (preferred, not required)
5. Proof of income: (mandatory for services) paycheck stubs, SSI letters, etc. If no income, be prepared to provide statement as to how living expenses are being met (i.e., family support) and the intake case manager can do a notarized affidavit of poverty.
6. Proof of residency (paycheck stubs, SSI letters, utility bills)
7. Identification (driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card)
Follow-up:
Clinic provides comprehensive medical care for chronic medical problems in addition to HIV. Subspecialty care is arranged by referral if needed. Eligible clients are enrolled in ADAP for HIV medications as indicated.
Financial Services:
Care is provided on a sliding fee scale based on household income. No one is denied services due to an inability to pay. Medicaid and Medicare and some private insurances are accepted.
Social Services:
Centralized case management is provided in the program. The case manager will complete the initial psychosocial assessment upon referral to the program and schedule the primary care intake appointment. Clients are assigned to a case manager who is knowledgeable about all of the HIV services available in the community and the referral process for each.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has a HIV/STD Infoline that offers risk assessments and risk reduction counseling as well as information about testing, treatment, care and related services. The toll-free number is (800) 551-2728.
HIV/AIDS Data:
The HIV/AIDS Atlas is an online tool giving the public better access to HIV/AIDS data. Via this website, you can look at HIV/AIDS prevalence in the community (county) in which you live. Access the HIV/AIDS Atlas at http://www.maphiv.org/.
Contact Information:
Phone: (229) 245-8711
Georgia Department of Public Health HIV/AIDS – http://dph.georgia.gov/what-hiv-and-aids
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention HIV/AIDS – http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/