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HIV/AIDS Client Services Program
The HIV/AIDS Program offers comprehensive Case Management and Home Based Health Services to individuals living with HIV Disease in Berkshire County. Services are funded by the Ryan White Care Act through the Department of Public Health.
The new Home Based Health Services began offering services in the summer of 2005 to people living with HIV disease, providing Home Health Nursing. Kristina Biasin, RN has joined our staff and will be providing advocacy, home wellness checks, helping patients understand their disease, monitoring progress, and assisting with adherence. A second component of Home Based Health Services is the provision of Life Skills Advocacy. Kristina’s main responsibility is to train people to live well with HIV. Kristina will work with people with daily living skills including maintaining their homes, improving nutrition, financial management, and when appropriate escorting clients to critical medical appointments.
Pat Wood continues to provide comprehensive HIV Case Management and Support Services including benefits advocacy (SSI/SSDI, HDAP, MassHealth, Dental Ombudsperson Program, etc.) food, over the counter medication, transportation, emergency financial assistance, and acupuncture. Massage therapy continues under privately raised funds. These services have been provided by the American Red Cross since the mid-1980’s and continue to offer quality services to HIV+ residents.
New services provided under the Case Management contract include Mental Health Services for the uninsured. We are pleased that Hedy Lipez, MSN, CS has joined us to provide this service with her 20+ years of experience. In addition to mental health services, we have also received funds to develop a Peer Support Program where clients who are living successfully with their HIV disease will be trained to mentor the newly infected and those struggling with disease management. Through One-to-One linkages and a Peer Facilitated Support Group, people will be introduced into a community of others living with the virus seeking to eliminate stigma and isolation.
If you would like more information please contact us at the American Red Cross 413-442-1506.
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