AIDS Outreach - Text Only

Back To......

AIDS Outreach Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday 921 East Third Street Chattanooga, TN 37403 (423) 209-8272 FAX (423) 209-8288
*Mission:* To increase knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS, and to improve the quality of life for those who are HIV positive or have AIDS.
Services Offered Free HIV prevention and education programs to any group or agency in Hamilton County. Free, confidential HIV testing in the community upon request for various groups and agencies. For those who have HIV/AIDS, we offer case management services as well as medical care management services in Southeast Tennessee.
Questions about HIV? Want HIV educational services? Need help getting HIV related medical care? Click Here to Email Us
HIV Prevention and Education Program
Our HIV Outreach department offers free HIV/AIDS educational and prevention programs to groups and agencies in Hamilton County upon request. The information we offer is most appropriate for audiences ages 13 and up; however, our programs are flexible and can be tailored to fit the needs of most any group. Our educators are always exploring new, innovative ways to get the message out to the public that HIV is a preventable disease, and provide them with the tools and information they need to stay safe. We provide an educational program called "HIV 101” where we talk about: The basics of the virus How it is and is not transmitted How to remain HIV negative If you would like to request an HIV program and/or HIV testing for your group or agency, click here to receive one of our program request forms. Just print, fill it out, and fax it to HIV Outreach at (423) 209-8288. One of our staff members will contact you as soon as possible to accommodate your request.
HIV Testing
What happens when you get tested for HIV at the Health Department or through one of HIV Outreach’s community testing sites?
One of our HIV counselors will take a few moments to fill out paperwork with you that gives us permission to do the HIV test. Because we are a confidential clinic we do require information such as your name and address, but we do not give this information to others. After the paperwork is complete, the HIV counselor will talk with you about HIV, how it is and is not contracted (gotten), and about any ways you have been at risk for HIV infection. They will then draw blood from your arm to send to the lab for testing. If you are tested in the clinic: You will come back to the clinic in two weeks to receive your test results in person. The counselor will discuss with you what your results mean, whether they are positive or negative. If your results are negative, the counselor will explain that the window period from the time of infection until a person shows as HIV positive can be anywhere from one week to six months, and that if you have had unprotected sex or shared needles in the last six months, you will need to be retested to ensure you are truly HIV negative. If you are tested at one of HIV Outreach’s field sites: You will be given the option of calling us in two weeks to get your results or coming in to the clinic in person. If you choose the option of calling, we will discuss with you how we maintain your confidentiality and what your responsibility is for keeping your information to receive results confidential. When you call we will discuss your results with you and what those results mean, as well as the window period for HIV.
HIV Case and Care Management
Medical Care Managers Rosemary Readus Cathy McElvain (423) 209-8276 13 Kent St. West Chattanooga, TN 37403 Rachel Inman (423) 648-9907 (423) 209-8278 (423) 648-9927 FAX
Our HIV Medical Care Managers work specifically to get people with HIV/AIDS into the medical system. If you or a loved one is HIV positive and living in Hamilton County or one of the 13 surrounding counties, the Medical Care Managers have information on services that can help you live a healthier, safer and higher quality life.
You may be eligible to have your Health Insurance Premiums and Co-Pays Paid! NO INSURANCE? NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR? NEED MEDICATION?
Services Provided:
Determine Ryan White eligibility according to Ryan White Policies Assistance in obtaining Infectious Disease Specialist and medical Primary Care Providers Assistance with paying for insurance premiums, co-payments and deductibles Assistance in applying for Social Security Disability Assistance in applying for Medication Patient Assistance Programs Assistance in obtaining dental care Assistance in obtaining nutritional assessments and supplements
Referrals for the Following Services:
Housing Transportation Alcohol/Drug Rehab Food Psychosocial Services Nutrition
If you have questions about these case management services, please call one of the Medical Care Managers at the numbers listed above.
INTERNET RESOURCES Food and Drug Administration AIDS Education Global Information System AIDS Clinical Trials The Body: Complete HIV/AIDS Resource Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Health HIV Dental Information Channels of Love Chattanooga CARES Medication Information Black AIDS Institute The Foundation for AIDS Research Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation The AIDS Memorial Quilt POZ: Health, Life & HIV National Minority AIDS Council Listing of HIV/AIDS Awareness Days