Support services are available to help people with HIV/AIDS lead happier, more secure lives. But how do you find these services? A Case Manager can lead the way. Most people with HIV/AIDS do not contact a Case Manager until they are in crisis. But it does not have to be that way. Case Managers can help you solve your problems before a problem can cause you stress.

ARE's Case Managers provide assistance to persons with HIV through assessment, planning, service coordination, referral, advocacy, and follow up through which multiple service needs of consumers are met. Many of the services that are needed are provided through other community health and service agencies. The Case Manager will assist consumers in identifying agencies that will provide needed services. The following are examples of services that a consumer may receive through Case Management:

• Rferrals for securing housing
  
• Emergency financial assistance for housing and utilities
  
• Referrals or fainancia assistance for doctors, dentists, counselors, medications and food.
  
• Provide assistance in applying for benefits like Social Security, Social Services, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.
  

Note: There are specific things that must be in place for assistance. First, you must be able to provide documentation of your HIV status. Second, you must have proof of your income or your inability to work.

Services Update

AIDS Response Effort exceeded all health care development and delivery, case management and support service goals during fiscal year 2003-2004. Caseload was at an all time high, fluctuating between 62 in January 2004 to 90 in November, 2004. Accomplishments and activities provided by ARE during the 2003-2004 year included: 1,360 Supportive Services, 765 Health Care Visits, 238 Essential Services and 267 Food Assistance Services.

ARE client medical and supportive services are delivered through our long-standing established partnerships with the following medical providers and agencies: Winchester Medical Center, Warren Memorial Hospital, Selma Medical Associates, Front Royal Family Practice, Edgehill Recovery and Retreat Center, Bridging the Gaps Drug Rehabilitation, Piedmont Labs, The Homeless Advisory Network, Red Cross Community Services, Winchester Family Health Clinic (serving 90% minority population), Behavioral Health Unit of Winchester Medical Center, Lord Fairfax Area Food Bank, Blue Ridge Legal Services, Blue Ridge Hospice, Northwestern Community Services, Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, Regional Health Departments, and other private substance abuse and mental health counselors and physicians .