Equitas Health

People with HIV/AIDS have many needs. Due to the controversial nature and stigma still attached to the disease, many do not seek out basic community resources available to them. Often the HIV infected individual and family feel isolated and in need of assistance to help with the emotional and financial difficulties that can occur.

Equitas Health acts as the primary resource for persons infected and affected with HIV/AIDS in a 35 county region by providing case management, housing assistance, support services, education, information and referrals.

Coping with HIV/AIDS is a battle that no person, family member or friend should ever have to do alone. This is why Equitas Health has developed a range of programs and services to help people through this confusing and often difficult time.

Support Groups:
Equitas Health provides education and other supportive services to those who are impacted by or at risk of HIV infection. This could include families struggling to understand the many dynamics of the disease as well as educating the community about HIV and how to reduce risks for infection. In addition, Equitas Health offers a variety of groups aimed at keeping those infected and their families connected with a network of caring individuals there to support and assist.

Support groups are continually evolving at Equitas Health to meet consumer need. Please contact your site directly to learn about the latest offerings. The following exist in an ongoing capacity

Financial and Resource Location Assistance:
HIV and AIDS can often have drastic affects on an individual and/or family income. The cost of medical services and medication can be staggering, especially if the individual affected can no longer be employed or is forced to take leave of absences.

Utilizing the diverse portfolio of funds that Equitas Health has access to, we can help those with HIV/AIDS who qualify with financial assistance such as:

Medical Care
Diagnostics
Nutrition
Rides
Housing (Rent, Mortgage, Deposits)
Utility Assistance
Counseling
Substance Abuse Treatment
Legal Assistance
Case managers at ARC Ohio access financial assistance through among other sources, the Ryan White CARE Act and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

Case Management:
Individuals with HIV/AIDS often need assistance in locating resources as well as sorting through the many systems that are often involved on a day to day basis. Equitas Health provides clients with a central person to provide those needed services and referrals.

Through the relationship with a case manager, Persons Living With HIV/AIDS are better able to access needed services. Social worker case managers meet people with HIV/AIDS in their homes, health care settings, Equitas Health offices or at convenient locations, to assess their needs. Case Managers also seek to help clients better understand the disease process through health education as well as assisting in care plan implementation and progress monitoring. Case managers advocate, support, and link clients to services.