HRA - Health & Education

In 2006, supporting one of the strategic goals of the agency, HRA of New Britain developed a new division that encompassed Health & Education Services, the newly formed Health and Wellness Division. The mission of the Health and Wellness Division is to recognize the need for AIDS education, prevention and outreach for New Britain residents, HRA developed its first AIDS prevention program in 1989. There are six program areas that fall under the new division: HIV Prevention, RW Title I, RW Title II, Supportive Housing, Wellness Resource Center and The Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA). Although separate programs, the division embraces the principles of inter-relationships amongst program areas.

The HIV Prevention Programs provide culturally appropriate education including risk reduction information about HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and sexually transmitted diseases for the community to assist individuals to lower their risk for these diseases and maintain and improve their Health.

Drug Treatment Advocacy - provides case management and advocacy services for injection and non-injection drug users and their partners who are at risk for HIV/AIDS. Services are also provided for HIV positive individuals with alcohol and other drug problems. Relapse Prevention Support Groups are also provided on a weekly basis.

Latinos Act and Talk Awareness - is a community HIV/AIDS prevention program for the Latino residents of New Britain. LATA empowers women, their families, and the community to take responsibility in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. HIV prevention education presentations in English and Spanish are offered to the community through this program.

Latinos Act and Talk Awareness (LATA) provides one-on-one discussion support in deciding how to reduce risk of HIV. Stories about other community members provide examples of problems that were overcome. Presentations and informal gatherings provide the knowledge and skills to support safer behaviors. LATA empowers the community through education about HIV and by getting individuals, organizations, and all kinds of businesses mobilized to support the norm of practicing HIV Prevention.

Community Promise - offers HIV/AIDS and STDs outreach and education for individuals and their partners that use injection drugs. Drug treatment advocacy and referrals are also available.

Wellness Resource Center - The Wellness Resource Center is a multi-service center for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and offers comprehensive care, support, and assistance in accessing primary care services for HIV/AIDS related issues. The center also helps to reduce the crippling isolation experienced by individuals and families infected/affeted by HIV/AIDS. The Wellness Resource Center provides instant access to up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS, through it resource library, computer lab and educational seminars. Additional offerings include support groups, nutritional counseling and case management.

Supportive Housing Program - The Supportive Housing Program (SHP) is a component of the Wellness Resource Center and provides rental assistance combined with support services for individuals and families that are affected with HIV/AIDS.

The primary goals of SHP are three-fold:

Ryan White Case Management - The Ryan White Program (Title I and II) offer access to a broad array of services and resources to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Our case managers work to deliver client-centered services to individuals who are seeking support to address their HIV/AIDS medical, psycho-social, and health needs. The case managers also work closely with a provider network in New Britain and the surrounding areas to ensure that quality services are provided to our consumers. Clients are supported receiving educational and self awareness skills that will broaden their ability to live healthier lives. Staff works to empower clients to reach their maximum potential while aiding them in accessing the most current information related to HIV/AIDS services, at the same time they facilitate the development of individual personal resources as a means of promoting independence.

Coalition Against Substance Abuse - The Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA) is a community action group that seeks to reduce and prevent substance use primarily among youth in New Britain. CASA offers a Natural Helpers Program which provides training and support to assist individuals and their families live healthy productive lives. CASA works to change attitudes and behaviors in order to eradicate the ravaging affect of substance abuse.

Success Story - A homeless, HIV infected man came into the Wellness Resource Center. "Before coming here I was living in survival mode," he shared with us. "I lived wherever I could find shelter and lived my life at high risk physically and emotional abusing myself."

He became a regular at the Wellness Resource Center and received all of his support services there. "I felt comfortable and safe there; everyone faced the same problems and feelings I had."

After a few years of participation he was accepted into the housing program. He has lived in the same apartment for the last few years and continues to work with his Primary Care case manager on long and short term goals.

This client became involved in the Positive Action Committee, an advocacy group that was developed at the center. The group meets regularly to discuss HIV/AIDS and housing concerns in the community and state. He also recently received his GED which has increased his self confidence and satisfaction with the way he lives.