The Southwest Health District HIV Program is dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV by providing free and confidential HIV testing, linkage to care, and long-term case management.
HIV Testing & Linkage
HIV Testing
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. About 1 in 7 people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it. CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy!
HIV testing is a free service available on a walk-in basis at all local health departments. “Fast track” testing days are scheduled at select health department locations throughout the month. Call (229) 638-6428 for more information about testing dates and times. Additionally, condoms are available free of charge at your local health department.
What should I expect?
HIV testing is 100% confidential and conducted by certified HIV Testing Counselors. Your Testing Counselor will talk to you about HIV risk factors, answer your questions and discuss prevention measures. A sample is collected through a small finger prick and the result of your rapid HIV antibody test is completed in as quickly as one minute.
What if my test is reactive/positive?
A confirmatory test will be conducted. If that follow-up test is also positive, it is a confirmed HIV diagnosis and you will be connected to a Linkage Coordinator.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. About 1 in 7 people in the United States who have HIV don’t know they have it. CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner healthy!
HIV testing is a free service available on a walk-in basis at all local health departments. “Fast track” testing days are scheduled at select health department locations throughout the month. Call (229) 638-6428 for more information about testing dates and times. Additionally, condoms are available free of charge at your local health department.
Linkage Care Program
What is the Linkage to Care Program?
The Linkage to Care Program is your link to medical care and supportive services for living well with HIV. Trained Linkage Coordinators are here to assist both newly and previously diagnosed HIV-positive individuals with access to care and services.
How can providers refer clients to the Linkage to Care Program?
For additional information or to refer a client, providers may contact the Linkage to Care Program at (229) 638-6428.
Contact Information:
HIV testing, condom distribution, and outreach requests: (229) 638-6428
Linkage to Care Program: (229) 638-6428
Mail Order Condoms & HIV Test Kits
The Georgia Department of Public Health Southwest Health District is offering free condoms and/or HIV self-testing kits to residences of the following counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth. Recipients must be at least 16 years of age to receive condoms and at least 17 years of age to receive a test kit. To request free condoms and/or an HIV self-test kit, please fill out the form below.LIMITATIONS DO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
- Prevention supplies will only be sent to people living in the counties listed above.
- Orders are limited to one shipment per person each month.
- Orders will be shipped and filled once per week.
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Sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PreventionAtHomeFOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS CALL: (229) 638-6428
HIV Treatment, Case Management & Social Services
Nothing is more important for people with HIV than having access to quality health care. If you have difficulty accessing the health care you need or receiving financial benefits you can lean on our case management team and their expert knowledge in navigating the health care system. Their top priority is to help you get enrolled in quality HIV health care and to ensure that your health care benefits are secure.
Our social services help eliminate serious barriers to successful HIV treatment. Homelessness, poor nutrition, discrimination, benefit denials, and poverty are common problems that often overwhelm clients. These problems cor patients to give the attention that’s needed to their HIV treatment plans. If you experience any of these problems, we are here to help you strategize and become so severe that it’s impossible f develop solutions that focus on your health and well-being.
Access to Treatment
Your case manager can process your application to access medications via the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. HIV medication and treatment services for uninsured individuals who meet certain income guidelines. We can also assist with prescriptions that may not be covered by the AIDS Drug Assistance Program. Health Insurance Continuation Program assists those who have active insurance and meet specified income guidelines, but who are unable to pay their health insurance premiums.
Comprehensive Needs Assessment
Your social work/nurse case manager will meet with you to do a full assessment of your needs including:
- Medical and dental needs
- Nutritional, housing, and other social service needs
- Transportation
- Resources or referrals
Care Plan Creation
Based on the results of your comprehensive needs assessment, the social work case manager will work with you to create a care plan personalized for you
Medical Care Enrollment
If you aren’t enrolled in medical care, your social work case manager will provide you with information on local HIV providers, as well as a range of services available to you through other medical care providers.