• HIV Prevention Programs
• Safety Counts
• Counseling and Testing
• Medication Adherence
• Wellness Resource Center
• Supportive Housing Program
• Ryan White Case Management

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

Safety Counts - a 7 session workshop series to help reduce the risk of transmitting HIV and Hepatitis C and to reduce substance abuse. The workshop series is for those who are active drug users, are HIV positive, HIV negative or of unknown status and are at risk of contracting HIV. This DEBI program (Diffused Effective Behavioral Health Intervention) includes HIV counseling and testing, social events, individual and group support and assistance in achieving realistic risk reduction goals.

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Counseling and Testing - a strictly confidential service offered free of charge to any individual who wants to know his/her status. The counselor performs rapid testing on-site and shares the results with the individual within minutes. In addition to the results, the counselor offers risk reduction counseling and educational information on HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other STDs; and referrals for drug and alcohol treatment as needed. This service targets difficult-to-reach high-risk residents in areas where they congregate.

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Medication Adherence - is available to educate individuals with HIV about the disease and the importance of complying with their antiretrovial medication regimen. The specialized nurse works with the individual and the case manager to review medication compliance and to develop a plan to address any social or physical barriers. This service is also part of the Ryan White case management services.

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Wellness Resource Center - a multi-service drop-in center for individuals and families who are living with HIV/AIDS which offers comprehensive care, support and assistance in accessing primary care and related services. The center provides the most up-to-date information on HIV/AIDS in its resource library, computer lab and seminars. Support groups and social events help people avoid the crippling isolation that often accompanies HIV/AIDS. Individuals and families can also receive nutritional counseling and case management. In addition, mental health professionals will assess clients for substance abuse and mental health problems and will refer them for appropriate assistance.

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Supportive Housing Program - provides rental assistance and related support services for individuals and families who are living with HIV/AIDS. The program's primary goal is to help HIV positive people secure and/or maintain stable, safe and affordable housing. Secondly, it's designed to teach people how to maintain healthy lifestyles and work towards self-sufficiency. The program's third purpose is to increase connections to other community based services.

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Ryan White Case Management (Title A and B) - case managers who deliver medical, psycho-social and health services to HIV/AIDS clients so they can lead healthier lives. The case managers also work closely with the provider network in New Britain and surrounding areas. By providing the most current information about HIV/AIDS services, the case managers help clients develop and build the resources to be independent.

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Success Story - "Before coming here (the Wellness Resource Center) I was living in survival mode. I lived wherever I could find shelter and lived at high risk abusing myself physically and emotionally."

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

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

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."

As an active member of the center's programs, he also joined the Positive Action Committee, an advocacy group. The group meets regularly to discuss HIV/AIDS concerns locally and statewide. He also received his GED which has greatly increased his self-confidence.

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Human Resources Agency of New Britain
180 Clinton Street, New Britain, CT, 06053
Phone: (860) 225-8601 • Fax: (860) 225-4843

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