ALL services provided by the Philadelphia Center are FREE to all who are eligible. We are able to provide these supports due to funding through multiple state and federal grants, private foundations, regional church tithes and offerings, fund-raising activities, and YOUR donations. The Friends of the Philadelphia Center have played a vital role in fund-raising and donor relations. We THANK YOU for your support of our mission in the community. All services are provided with dignity and respect – placing a high value on client confidentiality.
HIV Prevention Services: Our team of very knowledgeable HIV educators are available for community and venue-based educational opportunities. The best defense against the transmission of HIV is knowledge. Part of our mission is to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS – and how to prevent the transmission of the virus. You can come to us – or we’ll come to you. Contact Sylvia McIntyre (318.222.6633, ext. 14) to schedule your HIV/AIDS Educational Events.
HIV Testing, Counseling, and Referral Services: Testing for HIV is now quick, reliable, and painless. The Philadelphia Center uses the OraQuick Rapid test – which is an oral swab test that provides you with preliminary results in only 20 minutes. This means NO needles – NO blood – NO waiting. In addition to the testing, we conduct risk assessments, HIV prevention education, and – if necessary – referrals for needed services and supports with other providers in the community. A variety of condoms (both male and female), dental dams, lubes, and other prevention materials are made available at both offices and at many businesses throughout northwest Louisiana.
HIV Case Management / Care Coordination: Our well-trained and compassionate staff work individually with people who are infected with HIV to develop their own care plans. These plans help each individual and their case manager determine what the person’s needs are – and how to get those needs met through linkages and referrals and direct assistance. Case Managers are the key to coordinating the medical and psychosocial care for each individual we serve. One of the main issues we try to help with is treatment adherence. It is well-established that access to specialized medical care (infectious diseases specialists), routine lab work (CD4 and Viral Load), and adherence to customized medication treatments significantly increases the survival rate for people living with HIV/AIDS. Our case managers help clients remove the barriers to taking care of themselves and staying healthy and alive.
Medical Transportation: Our Case Managers first try to link people up with other sources for transportation to/from medical appointments and social services. However, we also can contract with individuals and with local transportation services (taxis and bus passes) if necessary to help remove this barrier to care.
Food Pantry: The Philadelphia Center operates the only HIV-specific Food Pantry in north Louisiana. Nutritious food and dietary supplements are available – based on household size and income level. The Food Pantry is supported through small foundation grants, church offerings, and donations from people in the community.
Maternal/Child AIDS Program: Our specialists are trained to work with women of child-bearing age and children who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this program, the perinatal transmission rate for HIV has dropped significantly over the past 10 years. In addition to medical case management, the MCAP program also provides supports through assisting with diapers, formulas, baby clothes & supplies, school uniforms/supplies, as well as individual, group, and family counseling. Pre-natal HIV testing is strongly encouraged. Early interventions proven to prevent transmission of HIV from mother to newborn are available.
Latino Outreach/Case Management: The Philadelphia Center offers HIV education, outreach, testing, and case management services to people who speak Spanish-only, or have limited English skills. For information in Spanish, call our main number (318) 222-6633, extension 20 OR (318) 751-0221.
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