HIV and AIDS Programs and Services

Case Management

The purpose of the Case Management Program is to help people living with HIV/AIDS maintain an optimal level of health by focusing on individual client needs. Case Managers link clients with appropriate health and support services and also serve as their advocate. Case Managers work with clients and their families to access services through Piedmont Care or other community organizations. Case Managers determine each client's eligibility for Piedmont Care services.

Clients are empowered to be responsible for their own health and wellness. Each client is assigned a Case Manager to contact for assistance. In the absence of the assigned Case Manager, another will be available. To help ensure situations are addressed appropriately, clients should contact their Case Manager as quickly as possible. As with all Piedmont Care staff, Case Managers follow strict rules for confidentiality and are expected to treat all clients with dignity and respect.

Referral and Intakes

Referrals come from those who administer HIV tests, such as family doctors, hospitals, and health departments. However, if you or someone you know is living with HIV/AIDS and is in need of help or more information, please call our office at (864) 582-7773 or call toll-free at 1-866-454-7773. An intake appointment can be scheduled with a Case Manager.

Prevention and Health Education

The Health Education Program is designed to provide education and tools which help reduce the spread of HIV. The Health Educator assists clients and their support network understand how their lives are impacted by HIV/AIDS. Education is focused on improving health knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Activities and interventions address individual client needs in a safe, nonjudgmental manner. The Health Educator is required to maintain strict rules of confidentiality.

Short Term Rent and Utility Assistance

Despite taking the necessary steps to budget your monthly income, emergencies may occur. To help prevent homelessness, Piedmont Care can assist with rent/mortgage payments or utility expenses, depending on the client's needs and eligibility. Case Managers may also help clients apply for other housing assistance programs. It is the intent of Piedmont Care to provide clients the tools to maintain safe and affordable housing.

Medication

HIV positive people are generally prescribed several medications that can be very expensive. Case Managers can help clients access drug assistance programs to cover all or most of the cost of their medicines, based on eligibility requirements.

Insurance Assistance

People with health insurance have more health care options than those who don't. Unfortunately, the cost of premiums and copayments can be unbearable. Piedmont Care strives to help clients maintain their health insurance coverage. Eligible clients may receive financial assistance with payment of insurance premiums, COBRA premiums, and/or medication copays and deductibles.

Transportation

Attending medical appointments is extremely important to maintaining good health, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS. But oftentimes, getting transportation to the appointments can be a challenge. Transportation to the doctor's office and other approved appointments, such as Social Security or Vocational Rehabilitation, may be available.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements can help HIV positive people maintain a healthy weight. In addition, nutritional supplements may help people tolerate powerful HIV medications. Piedmont Care may provide nutritional supplements for clients as recommended by a physician or other medical provider.

Dental Care

Dental services may be provided to clients with no dental insurance. Some dental services may also be provided for Medicaid clients, if Medicaid does not cover that service, such as cleanings.

Emergency Financial Assistance

In the event that an emergency arises and the client is not eligible for assistance from other agencies, Piedmont Care may be able to assist. Situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Language Services

Piedmont Care recognizes that HIV can infect men, women, and children of any age, race, or ethnicity. By accessing translation and interpretation services in the community, Piedmont Care is prepared to serve all clients.

Outpatient Medical Care

Piedmont Care is committed to helping clients access appropriate medical care. Through our partnership with the Spartanburg Regional Health System Infectious Disease Clinic, comprehensive care is more readily available.

• Specialty care: Infectious Disease Physicians and a Nurse Practitioner are available to provide HIV care during clinic hours.
• Primary care: A Nurse Practitioner is available for appointments and walk-ins.
• Mental Health and Counseling: Individual appointments and group sessions are available with a Mental Health Professional.
• Nutritional Education: A nutritionist is available to address questions and concerns. Nutritional supplements are available at the clinic.

Community Awareness and Education

Awareness and Education are essential to preventing the spread of HIV. The staff of Piedmont Care is available to provide community education sessions focusing on HIV/AIDS and the services we provide. If you are interested in scheduling a free educational session, please contact us.