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HIV/AIDS Services
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 Title II Care Act through the Department of Public Health.
In the summer of 2005, Home Based Health Services began for people living with HIV/AIDS in Berkshire County. Brenda Silvano, LPN works with us as our Home Health Nurse and Early Intervention Nurse, providing advocacy, home wellness checks, and assisting people in understanding and managing their HIV. Early Intervention provides intensive services to those newly diagnosed or newly into care. A second component of Home Based Health Services is the provision of Life Skills Advocacy. Lee McCasland has joined us to train people to live will with HIV. Lee will work with people honing their 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 Kelly Pizzi Smith, Program Director at the American Red Cross 413-442-1506 ext 23.
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