Resources in the Louisville Area
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Tell your tricks, hookups, ex's, boyfriends, girlfriends and partners they
may have been exposed to an STD and need to be tested. Use this free
e-service confidentially or anonymously - all you need is your sexual
partner's e-mail address. Chose from 11 different card designs, learn
about STDs, tips for informing your partner and where to get testing,
treatment or related area resources. Together we can help stop the
spread of STDs in our community.
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Click the logo
to download a printable version of the
Louisville AIDS Resource Directory,
a useful quick reference guide to many of the
AIDS services available in our area. The directory is
a service of Louisville AIDS
Resource Center and AIDS Services Center Coalition.
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| Louisville AIDS Resource Center
(502) 574-5490 or LARC@asccinc.org
The resource center keeps updated literature available to people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and those needing to study the facts of HIV/AIDS and other STDs. The innovative education center offers the latest publications, newsletters, Internet access, service organization information and a news board (Hot Off The Press). Other user-friendly features offered are an information tree and over 160 educational binders with categories including opportunistic infections, drug protocol, specific populations living with HIV, advocacy and other empowerment issues. The resource center also allows individuals to sit in a comfortable setting and watch the latest videos available on the center's TV/VCR and pamphlets from all the pharmaceuticals about treatment. We also periodically host special forums presented by Pharmaceutical representatives.
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Since 1993 Louisville AIDS Walk has raised funds which are distributed to
agencies throughout the community to pay for services that HIV Positive
people depend on every day of the year. |
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AIDS Services Center Coalition, Inc.
(502) 574-5490 or www.asccinc.org
AIDS Services Center started in 1989 and in 1994 incorporated into AIDS Services Center Coalition, Inc. d.b.a. the Louisville AIDS Walk. This umbrella organization consists of
twelve community-based organizations that provide direct service to people both infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. The association also serves as an organization compiled of clearinghouse for information, statistics and the Louisville AIDS Resource Center to give direction to the newly diagnosed, their friends and their families about available services.
Click here to read more about AIDS Services Center Coalition, Inc. |
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AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana,
Inc.
(502) 574-6086 aimvolunteers@aol.com
AIDS Interfaith Ministries (AIM) of Kentuckiana, Inc. is committed to people
living with HIV/AIDS by providing spiritual, nutritional and emotional
support in a community building context, which is non-judgmental and life
affirming in approach. AIM seeks to be a bridge between the HIV/AIDS and
faith communities. AIM provides pastoral care and counseling for
individuals, couples, families and groups. Hospital, home and nursing
facility visitation is provided as well as funeral services and grief
counseling. AIM provides a Food Closet inclusive of personal care items and
household cleaning supplies, life skills educational workshops, spiritual retreats, a
monthly fellowship dinner, and volunteer services through the AIM Care Teams.
Click here to read more about AIDS
Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana. |
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AIDS Legal Project of the Legal Aid Society
(502) 574-8199 www.laslou.org
Provides free legal services to individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS who otherwise cannot afford an attorney. Since 1992, the Legal Project has provided free services to over 3200 clients on issues involving insurance, discrimination, access to care and public benefits, testing and confidentiality.
Click
here to read more about HIV/AIDS Legal Project.
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Provides various programs and services to empower families and individuals who have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. House of Ruth also administers Glade house and provides case management for those on housing programs.
Click here to read more about House of Ruth. |
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Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness
www.louisvilleky.gov/health or HIV Prevention Services: (502) 574-5600 or STD Specialty Clinic: (502) 574-6699
HIV Prevention Services offers a variety of HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs, field outreach, prevention case management, counseling and testing. The Specialty Clinic offers testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Click
here to read more about Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and
Wellness. |
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Louisville Metro Housing and Family Services
(502) 574-5149
Provides rental and utility payment assistance for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS who meet eligibility guidelines.
Click here to read more about
Louisville Metro Housing and Community Development. |
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Community-Based Dental Partnership at The University of
Louisville School of Dentistry
(502) 852-1267
Through federally funded Ryan White grants, the U of L School of Dentistry is able to provide dental care to HIV/AIDS patients who have no other means of payment. Care is available at these locations: the U of L School of Dentistry and the U of L Ambulatory Care Building, the Hardin County Community Clinic at Elizabethtown Community College, and the Dixie Metro Clinic on Dixie Highway.
Click here to read more about
the Community-Based Dental Partnership at The University of Louisville School of
Dentistry.
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TRI-COUNTY HEALTH COALITION
OF SOUTHERN INDIANA, INC.
(812) 944-7265 or e-mail at:
TCHCOSI@sbcglobal.net
Tri-County Health Coalition of Southern Indiana,
Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization which
acts as a clearinghouse for health information for
the minority and disadvantaged population of a three
county area in Southern Indiana. The Coalition
provides health screening, referral services,
resources and follow up as well as educational and
prevention workshops.
Click
here to read more about Tri-County Health Coalition of Southern Indiana, Inc. |
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Volunteers of America
www.voaky.org
Care Coordinator Program
(502) 574-0161
Volunteers of America manages the Care coordinator Program offering case management and financial assistance for health related needs, such as education, health insurance, nutrition, transportation to medical appointments, and housing stabilization, for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Click here to read more about
Volunteers of America's Care Coordinator Program.
STOP Program (502) 574-5373
Our HIV Prevention Specialists
and dedicated volunteers coordinate several programs to educate the
community on how to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. We are often looking
for volunteers and participants for our entertaining and informative
programs. If you are interested in volunteering, hosting a workshop, being a
participant or attending a forum, contact the STOP Program.
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Wings Clinic
(502) 561-8844
WINGS is a federally funded outpatient medical clinic for HIV+ persons. The goal of WINGS is 100% access to comprehensive medical care and 0% disparity in the quality of care provided. Wings provides services including primary care, infectious diseases, nutrition services, support groups, mental health assessments and referral, as well as a liaison to community services for those with HIV/AIDS.
Click
here to read more about WINGS. |
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Friend to Friend Internet Project
(502) 574-8248
or www.friendtofriend.org
The goal of the Friend to Friend Internet Project is to utilize the Internet to bring awareness and information about HIV and other STDs to those in our community. The project has helped several related community organizations develop a website and helped others enhance their presence on the world wide web. We educate volunteer Peer Leaders and train them how to encourage safer behavior among their peers to prevent the transmission of disease. Peer Leaders share their knowledge about STDs and offer resources/referrals to their peers through websites, chat rooms, email and by instant messaging.
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SABSA
SABSA (Sisters and Brothers
Surviving AIDS) is not only a support group, but also one who will advocate and
speak out on issues that affect the African-Americans with HIV/AIDS. We
promote prevention through advocacy as well as serving as a place to bring
individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS together for sharing resource
information and collaboration with other local agencies. b |
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Louisville Poz Buddies
The Louisville Poz Buddies group is comprised of gay men who are HIV positive
and wish to interact with similarly situated men in a relaxed and social
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S.A.I.L., a name chosen by
participants which stands for Surviving AIDS In Louisville,
is a support group for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS patients,
caregivers, family and friends. The group is sponsored by AIDS Interfaith
Ministries of Kentuckiana and is facilitated by Linda Reynolds and Daniel Coe.
SAIL meets at the Urban County Government Center, 810 Barret Ave., Room 115 from
1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. For
more information, contact Linda by email:
AIMofKentuckiana@aol.com or by
phone (502) 574-6085 or call Daniel at (502) 969-0336 or email:
daniel.coe@insightbb.com. |
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Seven Counties
24-hour Crisis and Information
Center line: (502) 589-4313 or 1-800-221-0446
TDD-(502) 589-4259 or 1-877-589-4259
A community mental health center serving Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham,
Shelby, Spencer and Trimble counties in Kentucky. We provide planning,
prevention, treatment and support in the areas of mental health, alcohol and
other drug abuse, and mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. |
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The Center for Women and Families
The Center
engages individuals and community in the elimination of domestic violence,
sexual violence and economic hardship through service, education and advocacy.
The Center assists all people who are
dealing with domestic violence including those involved in intimate same sex
relationships. Get Help. The Center's counselors are available
every day of the year. Call toll-free 24-hours a day.
1-877-803-7577. |
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Planned Parenthood of Louisville
www.plannedparenthood.org/sexual-health/sexual-health.htm
(502) 584-2473
Planned Parenthood of Louisville currently provides testing and treatment
for chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, and herpes. HIV testing NOT
available. Please call 584-2473 to schedule an appointment |
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University of Louisville's Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered, and Their Allies Student Group
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The Lambda Student Union was founded to provide a means of communication
among gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, and heterosexual students at
Indiana University Southeast.
The group serves the area through various educational programs, social
activities, and political actions. |
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LYG supports young people by providing resources and a safe social atmosphere for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning (GLBTQ), and supporting young people under 21
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A support organization for Parents, Friends and Family Members of the GLBT Community. |
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Sienna - The Louisville Gender Society
Sienna is a support and social group serving the transgender community of
Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana. We welcome crossdressers, the
transgender (either Male to Female or Female to Male), intersex,
transsexual, "drag kings or queens", and any one who does not conform in
their mind, personality, or outward appearance to the bipolar gender norms. |
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Pandora Productions
Pandora Productions is a local
theater company that stages cutting-edge works by and for gays and lesbians.
The company is dedicated to instilling respect and compassion for all people
and for using theater to transform people's lives.
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Voices of Kentuckiana
www.voicesky.org or (502) 583-1013
A fully inclusive, Self-affirming chorus welcoming everyone!
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Bluegrass Classic
Louisville's GLBT and their Allies
Bowling League and Tournament |
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Kentuckiana Pride Festival
The KPF is a voluntary,
not-for-profit organization which strives to accomplish the following: 1.
Produce an annual festival focused on the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and
transgendered (GLBT) community in the Kentuckiana area. The festival is
known as the Kentuckiana Pride Festival. 2. To provide a forum for creative
expression for all members of the community. 3. To promote and encourage the
understanding that the GLBT community plays an important role in
Kentuckiana's social, cultural and economic landscape. 4. To give back to
the community through charitable donations and in-kind services.
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Louisville
Alternative Volleyball Association
www.lavaball.org
The Louisville Alternative
Volleyball Association is a gay sports organization in Louisville, KY. Our
members are primarily gay and lesbian but we also welcome individuals who
are bisexual, transgendered and straight. The main purpose of LAVA is to
promote the development and enjoyment of the sport of volleyball among the
GLBT community in particular, as well as the general populace. We are a
sports organization that encourages competition in a friendly and supportive
atmosphere.
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Louisville Trailblazers
Louisville Trailblazers, "Blazing the trail for a stronger leather
community", are a group of like-minded individuals, united to provide
fraternity, support, education and charitable service to our greater
community. |
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A fully inclusive Christian Church
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Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.
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Central Presbyterian Church
A community of faith learning to
celebrate our differences and reaching out to others with God's peace and love. |
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Rainbow
Spirituality Education Center
www.rainbowspiritualeducationcenter.org
The mission of Rainbow Spiritual
Education Center, Inc. is to facilitate holistic spiritual awareness and
wellness through education and celebration, utilizing wisdom from Christ's
life teachings, Native American Spirituality, and Buddhism.
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G3 Illustrated
Magazine
www.g3illustrated.com
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The Word Newspaper
www.the-word-online.com |
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Kentuckiana Gay Phonebook
The Kentuckiana Gay Phonebook
helps Gay Louisville connect with gay and gay-friendly businesses, service
providers and community groups in the Louisville, Kentucky and Southern
Indiana area. |
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Free Email, Chat Rooms, User Profiles, Public Forums, Polls & Questionnaires, Community Information. |
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The Event Company
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Woodys' Tavern
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FuZion Night Club
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The Pink Door
A mixed crowd bar which hosts 'Thurs-Gay' every Thursday night. The
Pink Door is located at 2222 Dundee Road in Louisville. |
HIV/AIDS
Agency Overview:
AIDS Services Center Coalition, Inc.
By: Brad Hampton
For 22 years, AIDS Services Center Coalition, Inc. (ASCC) has served as an
umbrella organization for HIV/AIDS service organizations in the Louisville
Kentucky and Southern Indiana area.
Our Board includes At Large Members as well as agency representatives from AIDS
Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana, Friend to
Friend, HIV/AIDS Legal Project of The Legal Aid Society, House of Ruth,
Louisville Metro Health Department, Louisville Metro Housing and Community
Development, University of Louisville Ryan White Dental Care Partnership
Program, Tri-County Health Coalition of Southern Indiana, Volunteers of America
and The WINGS Clinic.
The ASCC Board is seeking to expand our At-Large Membership. If you are
interested in joining as an At-Large voting member, please email
info@asccinc.org. We generally the third
Wednesday of every month at 3:30pm in the First Floor Board Room of The 850
Barret Avenue Building (Louisville KY 40204).
The Mission of ASCC is to provide a forum and formal structure to collaborate
and support HIV/AIDS programs and services. Our goal is to prevent
duplication of efforts and gaps in services, and to develop, implement and
monitor a strategic plan for HIV/AIDS programs and services.
ASCC oversees and funds the Louisville AIDS Resource Center. The education
center contains an information tree and over 160 educational binders with
categories including opportunistic infections, drug protocol, specific
populations living with HIV, advocacy and other empowerment issues. We
also publish the Louisville AIDS Resource Directory, a useful quick reference
guide to many of the AIDS services available in our area.
ASCC serves as the Board of Directors for Louisville AIDS Walk, Kentucky's
largest single-day HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness event. Each year, the
coalition organizes a series of events to commemorate World AIDS Day.
Several of our member agencies also take part in recognizing National Black AIDS
Awareness Day, a national mobilization effort is designed to encourage African
Americans across the United States to get tested and get involved with the fight
against AIDS.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about AIDS Services Center
Coalition, Inc. we invite you to visit our website at:
www.asccinc.org, email:
info@asccinc.org or call us at (502) 574-5490.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview:
AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana, Inc. (AIM)
Written by: Linda Reynolds, M.Ed., M.A., Director of Pastoral Care and
Counseling
Janet R. Mann, Director of Program Development
AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana, Inc. (AIM) was co-founded in the late
1980's by Dr. James Hyde, Sr. Mary Bennett Cecil, Fr. Vernon Robertson, Jack
Kersey, and Sr. Marilyn Spink. AIM is a non-profit AIDS Services Center
Coalition organization comprised of clergy, laity, community professionals and
volunteers of all faith perspectives committed to People Living with HIV/AIDS by
providing spiritual, nutritional and emotional support in a community building
context that is non-judgmental and life affirming in approach. AIM seeks to be a
bridge between the HIV/AIDS and faith communities.
One of AIM's major goals is to keep HIV clients independent and self-sufficient
in their homes, helping to keep families together and reduce the risk of
eviction, homelessness, and/or the necessity of extended nursing facility care
due to the impact of the illness. This is done in a myriad of ways through free
of charge, direct client services.
The Pastoral Care and Counseling Program (PCC) offers counseling to individuals,
families, caregivers and community service providers who have been directly
impacted by HIV/AIDS. Pastoral counseling services include: grief and
bereavement therapy; home, nursing home, and hospital visitation; spirituality,
support and self-help groups and crisis intervention. A weekend retreat is
planned for the fall of 2006 to allow clients and their caregivers an extended
time in a relaxed environment to reflect and to nurture a supportive community
among themselves.
The services offered aim to integrate the spiritual and psychological dimensions
of a person's unique experience of coping with the affects of HIV/AIDS. AIM
serves as a pastoral resource and consultant for clients, families and community
HIV/AIDS service organizations. The Pastoral Counselor follows-up and schedules
referrals received by physicians, social workers, community organizations and
the Kentucky Care Coordinator Program. We make our services most accessible by
seeing clients not only in the office, but also in the home, nursing home or
hospital.
One of the most valuable components of AIM's direct services is the Food Closet
where non-perishable groceries are distributed to clients each month along with
personal care items and gift cards to purchase household cleaning supplies.
Approximately 100 food bags and 100 personal care bags are distributed each
month.
The Third Tuesday Night Dinner is a joint venture between AIM and Central
Presbyterian Church where 50-70 HIV positive men and women gather each month for
fun, food, and fellowship. The dinner helps create lasting friendships and
provides a wonderful environment for community building among our clients thus
helping to alleviate the isolation that can accompany the disease.
AIM offers on-going life-skills educational workshops for clients dealing with
topics promoting self-sufficiency and self-advocacy such as budgeting and money
management, landlord negotiations, nutrition, HIV and healthy relationships,
employment, community resources, end-of-life issues, self-esteem, spirituality,
exercise, and healthcare, to name a few.
AIM Care Teams are volunteers who are matched with individuals and families
infected or affected by HIV/AIDS to meet special needs and offer expressions of
care and compassion. The services they provide, along with staff, may include
transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments, grocery shopping, meal
preparation, laundry, pet care, and friendly visiting.
Minor home repairs and yard work are arranged when possible. When illness is
present, home maintenance and property maintenance can be a real challenge.
AIM does not discriminate against any person for any reason and all services are
free of charge to persons infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS living within the
seven county regions. This includes professional services to Metro Louisville's
poorest and minority populations. 99% of our clients receive disability payments
and are low income/poverty level families. This vulnerable population consists
of men, women, youth, children, heterosexuals, homosexuals, bisexuals, and
transgendered persons.
For more information about AIM, please call (502) 574-6086 or (502) 574-6085.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview:
HIV/AIDS Project of The Legal Aid Society
by Eileen Ordover, Agency Director
The HIV/AIDS Legal Project of the Legal Aid Society of Louisville provides free
civil legal services to low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Jefferson
and 14 surrounding Kentucky counties (Breckinridge, Bullitt, Grayson, Hardin,
Henry, Larue, Marion, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble, &
Washington). Founded in 1992, it is the only program in Kentucky providing a
comprehensive range of free legal services specifically for individuals with
HIV/AIDS. Since its inception, the Legal Project has represented more than 2,600
clients, and provided individualized legal information to many, many others.
The Legal Project is currently staffed by one full-time Director/Attorney, a
full-time Project Secretary and a part-time Law Clerk/Paralegal. Over these
years, we have developed three broad priority areas for our legal assistance:
Access to health care, which may include, for example, addressing issues of
discrimination or confidentiality; securing continuous health insurance coverage
during times of job change; or obtaining benefits under Medicaid or Medicare.
Keeping a support model in place, for example, obtaining or maintaining safe
housing; obtaining or maintaining income; resolving family structure issues; or
debt management.
Life planning for self and family, making arrangements for personal and
financial affairs in the event of disability or death.
The Legal Project uses a wide variety of legal strategies to pursue these
priorities for clients. Keeping a support model in place might mean defending
someone against an unlawful eviction, or using landlord-tenant law to force a
landlord to make necessary repairs. It might also mean confronting issues of
housing discrimination, or defending against home foreclosure. Or appealing a
denial or reduction of disability benefits or unemployment compensation. Or
invoking remedies under family law in regard to child support, custody or
marital status, or under consumer law to address debt collection or harassment
by creditors. Life planning might mean drafting advance medical directives and
legal documents relating to health care surrogates; drafting Wills and/or Powers
of Attorney; or establishing guardianships for self or children. Access to
health care might require securing rights under, among other laws, COBRA, HIPPA
(Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act), the federal Medicaid and
Medicare acts and state and federal civil rights laws.
The Legal Project tailors its services and strategies to meet individual client
need. Depending upon how complex an individual's situation is, we will provide
either direct legal representation, or advice and counsel. Our services to
individual clients fall into two broad categories: Direct Legal Representation,
and Advice and Counsel. In direct legal representation, we serve as an
individuals counsel in judicial or administrative proceeding, in negotiations,
or in drafting documents. In advice and counsel cases, we assess an individual's
problem and provide him or her with information about legal rights and remedies,
and guidance on how he or she can assert and protect those rights.
As a member of the AIDS Services Center Coalition, we are most grateful to the
community for its support of the Louisville AIDS Walk, a vital source of funding
for our work. For further information about the HIV/AIDS Legal Project, or to
request legal assistance, call 574-8199, or visit us at 810 Barret Avenue, Room
301, Louisville, KY 40204.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview:
House of Ruth
By Linda Underwood, Executive Director
Since 1992, House of Ruth has been an association of persons caring for families
and individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The mission of House of Ruth
is to provide advocacy and support for the physical, psychological, emotional,
and spiritual needs of persons affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.
House of Ruth provides multiple types of support including financial resources,
housing and case management, crisis or emergency support and interagency
services to HIV positive individuals and household members. House of Ruth
Programs are intended to maximize the potential of HIV/AIDS infected and
affected individuals and families. Its goal is to improve the quality of life of
the persons infected with HIV/AIDS and to address the homelessness and isolation
often experienced by this population. Together, the client and the staff address
specific needs including alcohol and substance abuse, homelessness, mental
illness, poverty, illness, access to medical treatment, and emergency need for
food, clothing, and transportation. Clients are provided services to support
their stability and growth. Program staff conduct initial and ongoing assessment
of clients, provide medical information and support, make referrals for clients
to access other mainstream resources and services and provide emergency
assistance to clients. Educational workshops are also offered to clients.
Clients who are homeless are provided with housing options if there is
availability in House of Ruth's permanent supportive housing program sites and
are connected with other housing partners if there are no vacancies.
House of Ruth is an AIDS Services Center Coalition member and is closely tied
with other HIV/AIDS agencies in the community. These partnerships and
relationships help to better address the future of service provision to HIV
positive individuals and ensure collaboration to promote quality of services to
HIV positive individuals. House of Ruth actively participates in the Jefferson
County Continuum of Care to address the condition of homelessness experienced by
HIV positive persons and families.
Clients come to House of Ruth thru referrals from the WINGS Clinic at University
of Louisville Hospital, Volunteers of America Kentucky Care Coordinator Program
and by peer referral. Because HIV is a chronic illness, clients continue with
House of Ruth after their first contact until they move to another geographic
area or until they die. Client numbers continue to grow, currently at an average
of 8-10 new clients per month. Of the 830 individuals served by House of Ruth in
2005, 59% are between the ages of 18-54, the most productive years for the
individual and the community.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview:
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness
By: Brad Hampton
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is a government agency whose mission is
to protect, preserve, and promote the health, environment, and well-being of the
people of Metro Louisville. Services are provided from the department's
administrative headquarters at 400 E. Gray Street as well as from 19 satellite
and Neighborhood Place sites throughout the community.
The department operates the STD Specialty Clinic, Louisville's only
sexually transmitted disease clinic. The department works to prevent the
spread of sexually transmitted diseases and helps to reduce complications from
these diseases. The department also assists in Partner Notification so
that the partners of those infected with sexually transmitted diseases know to
seek testing and treatment. The department tests for HIV, syphilis,
gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis, it diagnoses infection by providing
examinations to determine signs and symptoms of many other STD's such as Herpes
Simplex Virus II (HSV) and Human Papillomavirus (HP). The department also
provides treatment and care for many STD's and, in some cases, medication or
prescriptions. It also offers Hepatitis A & B vaccines.
The Specialty Clinic is located on the Corner of Barret Avenue and Breckinridge
Streets at 850 Barret Avenue. No appointments are needed at the Specialty
Clinic, and everyone is welcome. You do not need health insurance to be seen.
Services are provided at a significantly reduced fee, and no one is ever denied
services due to inability to pay.
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness also provides HIV testing and counseling,
prevention case management services and workshops about reducing the risk of HIV
transmission. It also promotes awareness of HIV/AIDS, provides education on
abstinence and safer sex strategies to high risk youth and adults. The
department includes special emphasis programs for injection drug users, sex
trade workers, African Americans, Hispanics and members of the gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender communities. The department also conducts field and
Internet outreach, as well as distributing free condoms and other safer sex
supplies to residents throughout the area. The department also provides HIV
testing at the Kentuckiana Pride Festival and helps organize the African
American and Hispanic Leadership Conference on HIV/AIDS each year. Each year,
the department plans activities and events to commemorate National Black AIDS
Awareness Day, National HIV Testing Day and World AIDS Day.
Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is proud to be a member agency of AIDS
Services Center Coalition (an umbrella organization of twelve AIDS service
providers in Kentuckiana) and to provide integral support to the Louisville AIDS
Walk.
To receive information on other services provided by the department,
obtain clinic hours or directions call the department's main phone line
at (502) 574-6520, the STD Specialty Clinic at (502) 574-6699, HIV Prevention
Services at (502) 574-5600 or visit us online at
www.louisvilleky.gov/health.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview: Volunteers of America
HIV/AIDS - A Ministry of Service
Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America is one of the largest and most
diversified nonprofit human services organizations in the country. Volunteers of
America of Kentucky, Inc. was established the same year and has operated
con?tinuously as one of the oldest chartered affiliates. Today from our
Louisville headquarters we provide essential human services in four states:
Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The Kentucky Care Coordinator Program (KCCP) became a project of Volunteers of
America of Kentucky in July, 1999. ???The program is designed to provide a
variety of social services for individuals diagnosed with the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome
(AIDS). KCCP primarily functions as a case management program, assisting clients
with obtaining services important to the treatment and remission of
life-threatening illnesses. The Program serves individuals with HIV/AIDS
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or
religious affiliation. KCCP is operated with a dedicated team of ten staff
members.
The mission of the Kentucky Care Coordinator Program is to empower individuals
who are living with HIV or AIDS to maintain and improve the quality of life for
themselves and their families through education in accessing resources and
support available in the community. The Care Coordinator Program advocates for
the rights of persons who are HIV-positive and facilitates collaboration among
agencies concerned with providing care for those whose lives are affected by
HIV/AIDS.
Comprehensive systems as well as social service case management approaches are
utilized in developing an individualized care plan (ICP) with each client of the
program. Clients are required to meet with their case manager twice a year to
update their ICP.
Another program managed by Volunteers of America is the STOP Program. It is
dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV through education, outreach, group
interactions and advocacy. These activities are conducted in a caring,
nonjudgmental and direct manner. STOP program staff seek to provide the best
information to clients on how to reduce the risk for HIV infection. This
includes HIV prevention education, empowerment classes, HIV testing, including
state-certified pre and post-test counseling services, and referral to other
social service providers.
Target populations of the Stop Program as determined by the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) and the Department of Public Health are: injectable drug users,
men having sex with men, high risk heterosexuals with special focus on minority
populations, and HIV+ individuals. Volunteers of America employs eight full time
Stop Program staff who are responsible for providing HIV Prevention Services to
Jefferson County and the seven surrounding counties.
Volunteers of America's Kentucky Care
Coordinator Program is funded by state and federal grants and through the
generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. For additional
information please contact Tina Haley, Director at 502-574-0161.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview:
WINGS Medical Clinic
by Deborah Wade, Program Director
The WINGS Clinic, part of the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center,
is Kentuckiana's only medical clinic specializing solely in care for
HIV-positive people. WINGS was founded in 1995, focusing first on women, and
received federal funding in July of 1999, expanding medical services to men and
all people infected with HIV living in a 7-county region and portions of
Southern Indiana. Funding for services comes to the University of Louisville
Research Foundation from two federal grants under the Ryan White CARE Act. The
CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Administration) Act is the congressional
legislation which is intended to help communities and states increase the
availability of HIV-related primary health care and support services. The
purpose of this Act is to reduce utilization of more costly inpatient care,
increase access to care for underserved populations, and improve the quality of
life of those infected and affected by the 25 year old AIDS epidemic. In 2001,
UL Research Foundation was awarded a second grant for the delivery of HIV
medical care and services that specifically targets women, adolescents, and
families who are both infected and affected by HIV disease
The WINGS Clinic is the largest provider of HIV care in Kentucky. The number of
patients seen has expanded tremendously. In 1999 there were 176 HIV-positive
patients enrolled into care. Today there are currently 1,100 patients being
served. Approximately 15-20 new patients are referred to our clinic each month.
Current HIV services activities provided by the HIV medical clinic include: 1)
HIV counseling & testing services; 2) Primary HIV medical services; 3) Client
advocacy/financial eligibility services; 4) Mental health screening, assessment,
treatment, referral and case management; 5) Substance abuse screening,
assessment, treatment, and referral; 6) Nutritional assessment and referral; 7)
Oral health care referrals; 8) On-site consultations with a pharmacist regarding
medication adherence education and evaluation of medication tolerability; 9)
Referrals to other specialty care within the UL medical clinics; and 10) Access
to clinical drug trials.
The goal of the WINGS Clinic is 100% access to care with 0% disparity in the
quality of care regardless of disability, social background, race, ethnicity,
religion, gender, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation or
ability to pay. Care is based on a sliding fee basis. If you have questions
about WINGS or HIV medical services, please call (502) 561-8844. The WINGS
Clinic is proud to be a member organization of AIDS Services Center Coalition
and beneficiary of funds from the Louisville AIDS Walk.
On The
Home Front With Louisville Metro Housing & Community Development
Louisville Metro Housing & Community Development (LMHCD) plays a vital role in
addressing our community's needs meet in order to continue its stability and
viability. The mission of LMHCD is to enhance our neighborhoods and improve our
quality of life for everyone in Louisville.
The four streams of funding which allow LMHCD to plan projects and activities
directed toward such services are:
" Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
" Federal Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
" Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG)
" Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)
Louisville Metro is focused on identifying and meeting the needs of its homeless
population. This has become an important and common focus for many communities
across the nation. The Housing Policy Advisory Team delivered THE Comprehensive
Housing Strategy report to Mayor Jerry Abramson in August 2005, with
recommendations of strategic objectives and policies were identified that would
advance the mission of providing housing of all types, at all price points,
throughout every neighborhood in metro Louisville. These recommendations took
into account the funding streams that LMHCD can use for various programs. The
five goals identified in the report were:
" Plan for the future
" Ensure neighborhoods of choice
" Create and promote innovative housing finance
" Address regulatory barriers and
" Create a shared vision of housing choice.
One of the programs that LMHCD provides is housing assistance to approximately
25-30 households annually in which at least one household member is infected
with HIV/AIDS related disease. This program is funded with HOPWA funds and
referrals for the program are provided by House of Ruth. The House of Ruth staff
also provides intensive case management for households served through this
program.
In addition to the HOPWA Program there are between 35-40 households that receive
housing assistance annually in which at least one household member is infected
with an HIV/AIDS related disease. These households are assisted by one of three
Shelter Plus Care grants, through LMHCD, that address the housing needs of this
specific sub-population within our community.
These programs are accessed through referrals from agencies that partner with
LMHCD to provide housing participants with case management and other needed
support services. Some of the partnering agencies are Seven Counties Services,
Volunteers of America, The Healing Place, The House of Ruth, and others.
For additional information on the housing assistance programs please call
Michele Bright at 574-8669.
HIV/AIDS Agency Overview: Community-Based
Dental Partnership Program at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Written by: Theresa G.
Mayfield, DMD, Program Director and Jennifer Lavery, MDiv, MA, Program
Coordinator
HIV/AIDS and ORAL HEALTH
The
condition of the mouth the teeth, gums, and soft tissue is a mirror of the
overall health of the body and the state of the body's immune system. It is
especially important for persons at risk for HIV/AIDS or living with HIV/AIDS to
look into this mirror for signs and symptoms of the disease.
By
some estimates, more than 90% of HIV-infected individuals will have at least one
HIV-related oral manifestation in the course of their disease. For many
people, the first indication of HIV infection may be an oral condition such as a
thrush infection, ulcers, warts, or oral cancer. Once HIV antiretroviral
therapy has begun, oral manifestations usually decrease. Persistent or recurring
oral lesions may indicate a change in an individual's overall health or a
decline in the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy.
Many
of the current HIV/AIDS medications used for therapy cause a reduction in saliva
resulting in a dry mouth. Saliva moisturizes the oral tissue, teeth and gums and
helps to prevent infections. Dry mouth can cause discomfort when eating and
speaking. Additionally, dry mouth can lead to an increase in cavities. Anyone
who is on HIV/AIDS medications should see a dentist regularly to check for
cavities and gum disease, to receive oral soft tissue examinations, and to
monitor the state of their overall health by examining their oral health.
All
people feel better and enjoy a better quality of life when their teeth and
mouths are well cared for. The benefits to a person living with HIV/AIDS of
restoring the teeth and mouth to a state of health can be enormous. HIV/AIDS
patients who are suffering from oral pain and discomfort may not feel like
adhering to their HIV treatment. Those who have broken or missing teeth may be
suffering from poor nutrition. Those who are embarrassed about how long they
have neglected their teeth may find that their embarrassment lowers their
spirits. A major step on the road to wellness for anyone with HIV is the
decision to seek professional oral health care.
The
University of Louisville School of Dentistry (ULSD) is a major provider of oral
health care to persons living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Kentucky. The
mission of the School of Dentistry is to educate dental professionals, to
provide quality dental care, and to serve the community. Serving the needs of
persons living with HIV/AIDS is an important part of our mission. Every effort
is made to provide care for all referrals; however, patients are accepted into
the School of Dentistry clinical programs based on the educational objectives of
the School. The University of Louisville School of Dentistry works in
partnership with other HIV/AIDS caregivers to facilitate patient applications
for acceptance into the clinical programs. Anyone who receives HIV/AIDS medical
care through U of L's WINGS Clinic may speak to his or her medical provider
about applying for treatment at ULSD. Kentucky Care Coordinators also have the
application forms for dentistry and will help clients through the application
process. Any person living with HIV/AIDS who does not have a Care Coordinator
may call the dental school at 852-6371. Dental treatment is provided at ULSD
and at two satellite clinics in southwest Louisville and in Elizabethtown,
Kentucky.
TRI-COUNTY HEALTH COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA INC.
By: Jesse Floyd
THE GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF TRI- COUNTY HEALTH COALITION IS TO ENABLE , THROUGH
REFERRALS OR DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ,THE MINORITY AND LOW INCOME
POPULATION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA TO DEVELOP TO THE FULLEST EXTENT POSSIBLE.
THE MAIN GOAL IS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH A PROGRAMMED PROCESS OF
APPROPRIATE HELP, REHABILITATIVE AND SOCIAL SERVICES SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO MEET
THE CRITICAL HEALTH AND SELF- ESTEEM NEED OF MINORITIES AND LOW IN CO ME
POPULATION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA COMMUNITIES.
THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY COMMISSIONED BY SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
SHOWS THAT OVER 60, 000 EXCESS OR NEEDLESS DEATHS OCCUR WITH IN THE AT RISK
POPULATION ANNUALLY AS A RESULT OF SEVEN SPECIFIC HEALTH PROBLEMS:
VIOLENCE AND HOMICIDE, LOW INFANT BIRTH WEIGHT , DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE. IN
ADDITION THE SPREAD OF HIV-AIDS AMONG THE MINORITY COMMUNITY HAS PUT THE
POPULATION AT RISK.
THE HEALTH COALITION WAS ORGANIZED AT THE STATE LEVEL BY THE GOVERNOR OF INDIANA
ROBERT ORR. AFTER MANY UP'S AND DOWN'S , THE SOUTHERN INDIANA COALITION WAS
FOUNDED IN SEPTEMBER OF 1987.
TRI- COUNTY HEALTH COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA INC. ( FORMERLY THE BLACK AND
MINORITY HEALTH COMMITTEE OF SOUTHERN )
THE NAME WAS CHANGED BECAUSE OF THE COALITION'S WISH TO SERVE ALL LOW INCOME
CITIZENS IN FLOYD, CLARK HARRISON COUNTIES OF SOUTHERN INDIANA.
THE COALITION CONSISTS OF TWENTY- FOUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS SERVING THE THREE
COUNTY AREA. THE AGENCY IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED IN PART THROUGH
THE COOPERATION OF THE INDIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
MINORITY AND LOW INCOME CITIZENS HAVE AN ALARMING MORTALITY RATE AS A
RESULT OF LACK OF INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES CONCERNING THE
PROBLEM AREAS LISTED ABOVE. POOR HEALTH AMONG HOOSIER CITIZENS,
ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE OF LOW INCOME OR MINORITY STATUS, IS A MAJOR
CONCERN OF TRI-COUNTY HEALTH COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA, INC.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECT THE HEALTH
AND WELL BEING OF LOW INCOME AND MINORITY PERSONS IN THE THREE
COUNTY AREA. WE SEE DETERIORATION IN THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL
WELL-BEING OF MANY POOR FAMILIES. SUBSTANDARD HOUSING, INADEQUATE
HEALTH CARE AND POOR NUTRITION HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT UPON THE
LIVES OF MINORITY AND LOW INCOME CHILDREN AND ADULTS. MANY
CHILDREN BORN INTO MINORITY AND LOW INCOME FAMILIES DIE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF
BIRTH. TOO MANY MINORITY AND LOW INCOME YOUTH DIE FROM HOMICIDE, SUICIDE, AND
OTHER CAUSES THAT COULD BE PREVENTED
OR ALLEVIATED THROUGH EDUCATION OR OTHER MEANS.
FAR TOO MANY PEOPLE COPE WITH THE ANXIETY OF STRESSFUL LIVING
BY RELYING ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. CHRONIC DISEASES SUCH AS HEART
DISEASE, CANCER, AND DIABETES ALSO TAKE A HEAVY TOLL ON THE
LIVES OF MANY MINORITY AND LOW INCOME PERSONS.
TRI-COUNTY HEALTH COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA, INC., IS AN
ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION FOR THE WORKING POOR WHO IN EFFECT 'FALL
THROUGH THE CRACKS' OF THE CURRENT HEALTH AND SUPPORT SYSTEM.
THESE PEOPLE DO NOT QUALIFY FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, BUT DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH
MONEY TO PAY FOR EVEN LOW LEVEL MEDICAL CARE.
SUCH PEOPLE OFTEN DO NOT HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HELP THAT IS
AVAILABLE IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
SERVICES PRESENTLY OFFERED BY TRI-COUNTY HEALTH COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA,
INC., INCLUDE:
1. BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS (MONTHLY AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
BY TRAINED NURSES.
2.TRANSPORTATION FURNISHED TO AND FROM SCREENING SITES.
3.FREE REFERRAL SERVICES TO MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
4.TEEN-AGE PREGNANCY PROGRAM.
5.MOTHER'S DISCUSSION GROUP RE: PROBLEMS AMONG TEENS.
6.DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF RISK REDUCTION AND HEALTH
PROMOTION MATERIALS WHICH ARE SOCIOCULTURALLY SENSITIVE.
7.DEVELOPMENT OF A MECHANISM WHICH PROMOTES COOPERATION AMONG COMMUNITY AGENCIES
AND ORGANIZATIONS.
8.HIV-AIDS-STD EDUCATION AND PREVENTION.
Please feel free to call Jesse if you should need more information at
812-944-7265.