Guide: Resources for people living with HIV/AIDS

People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. Here are some resources in our area.

Sandrina Rodrigues

Jun 8, 2023, 9:30 AM

Updated 317 days ago

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Guide: Resources for people living with HIV/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
Below are resources in your area:

CONNECTICUT RESOURCES

Connecticut provides core medical and supportive services to people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHA) and their families through various "HIV/AIDS service and community-based organizations." Find information here.

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES

HERE find HIV/AIDS resources for New Jersey residents.

NEW YORK STATE RESOURCES

HERE find HIV/AIDS resources for New York residents.

NEW YORK CITY RESOURCES

HERE find HIV/AIDS services for New York City residents.

CARE AND TREATMENT

HIV care services near you: Find local HIV medical care, housing assistance, and substance abuse and mental health services.
Find your state HIV/AIDS toll-free hotline: Connect with agencies that can help determine what services you are eligible for and help you get them.
CONNECTICUT:
HIV/AIDS Hotline - National Hotline: 800-232-4636
NEW JERSEY:
HIV/AIDS Hotline - In New Jersey: 800-624-2377 | TTY/TDD: 973-926-8008
NEW YORK: 
New York State AIDS Hotline - In New York: 505-476-3612
New York State Counseling Hotline - In New York: 800-872-2777
Deaf and Hearing Impaired/TDD: 800-369-2437
Voice callers should use NY Relay: 711 or 800-421-1220 and ask for 800-541-2437
Search for HIV care specialists: Find HIV providers who are members of the American Academy of HIV Medicine.

GET HELP PAYING FOR CARE

Find out if you’re eligible for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program: If you do not have health insurance or money to pay for health services, you might qualify for medical care and other essential support services.
See if you qualify for disability benefits: If you have HIV and cannot work, you may qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Estimate the cost of health coverage: Use online cost calculators to help you understand options for lowering the cost of health insurance.
Find out how to get Medicare drug coverage: If you have Medicare, learn about what the drug plans cover and the costs you’ll pay.
Get affordable health insurance: See if you can enroll in or change plans and get answers to common questions.
Learn about the Affordable Care Act (ACA): The ACA created several changes that expand access to coverage for people with HIV.
Learn about Patient Assistance and Expanded Access Programs: Find prescription drug assistance information and learn about current expanded access trials.

HOUSING RESOURCES

Learn about the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) Program: HOPWA is the only federal program dedicated to addressing the housing needs of people with HIV.
Find affordable housing opportunities: If you are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or know someone who is, you might be eligible for housing assistance.
Find questions and answers about housing assistance: Find out what housing programs are available for people with HIV and learn about eligibility requirements.

JOB RESOURCES

Get advice on getting a new job or returning to work: Find out how to return to work and learn about your right to request reasonable accommodations.
Find resources on employment options for people with HIV: View toolkits, read success stories, and find resource guides for entering or returning to the workforce.
Learn how to reduce stigma and prevent discrimination against employees with HIV: Get tailored resources and tools from CDC’s Business Responds to AIDS program.

HELP WITH LEGAL ISSUES

HIV-specific criminal laws: Access resources about disclosure, confidentiality, and the law from the Center for HIV Law and Policy.
Get information about HIV discrimination: Learn about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people who are discriminated against because they have HIV or have a relationship with someone with HIV.
File an HIV discrimination complaint: File an ADA complaint related to HIV discrimination in employment or housing.

FIND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT

Find mental health treatment programs: View a list of organizations and contact numbers that can help you find mental health treatment and support in your local area.


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