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." These services include: medical case management, primary medical care, oral health, mental health, substance abuse-outpatient, medical nutrition therapy, HIV-related medications, health insurance premium and cost sharing assistance, home health care, home-and-community based services, hospice care, medical transportation, housing-related services, food bank/meals, psychosocial support, linguistic services and related emergency financial assistance. Eligible PLWHA can access these core medical and support services throughout Connecticut at no cost to them.
For additional information, contact the Department of Public Health’s Health Care and Support Services Unit at 1-860-509-7806.
The following is a list of Connecticut’s HIV/AIDS services and contact information.
The Connecticut AIDS Drug Assistance Program (CADAP) can help pay for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved HIV-related drug treatments. There is no asset limit and the income limit is 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Physician verification of HIV/AIDS and proof of Connecticut residency is required.
For more information, call CADAP Toll-Free at 1-800-233-2503.
Children, Youth and Family AIDS Network of Connecticut (CYFAN)
The Children, Youth and Family AIDS Network of Connecticut (CYFAN) of the Community Health Centers Association of Connecticut (CHCACT) offers HIV/AIDS primary care services, coordination of the Perinatal HIV Transmission Project, medical case management services (intensive child and youth centered), mental health services and support groups for infected and affected children, youth and their families. Community health centers participating in CYFAN also administer comprehensive, culturally competent HIV/AIDS outreach services to provide appropriate linkages to care for youth between the ages of 13-24.
For more information, call the CYFAN Program Coordinator at 860-667-7820.
Transitional Linkage into the Community (Project TLC)
"Project TLC" is a statewide program designed to assist HIV-positive individuals ready for, or recently released from Connecticut’s correctional system with linkages and referrals to community-based and core medical services, including the Connecticut AIDS Drug Assistance Program (CADAP). Project TLC offers transitional case management, medical transportation and referrals to individuals for 30-60 days following release.
For more information, contact Project TLC at 860-951-4833.
Statewide Medication Adherence Programs
Many people living with HIV are living longer and healthier lives due to the advent of highly active antiretroviral drugs (HAART). The ability of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) to take these drugs and maintain the medication regimen is essential for maximizing the potential benefits of the medications. However, because these medications are difficult to take because of side effects, other co-morbidities (e.g. depression, substance abuse, hepatitis, etc) and psychosocial factors (e.g. homelessness, issues with access to health care, etc), adherence to the treatment regimen is often difficult. Poor adherence to a prescribed HIV medication regimen may also lead to the development of drug resistance, which can affect future treatment options. To assist PLWHA adhere to their medication regimens, the Connecticut Department of Public Health funds statewide Medication Adherence Programs (MAP). Currently programs are located in Hartford, Rockville, Stamford, New Haven, New Britain, Waterbury and Willimantic. (See Medication Adherence Program information). MAPs are staffed by licensed staff and provide biopsychosocial assessments, individualized treatment plans, consumer education, as well as follow up and referral of clients to support services.
HIV/AIDS Services
Connecticut receives funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to provide prevention services and core medical/support services throughout the state. CDC funded Connecticut-based prevention services include evidence-based HIV prevention interventions targeting PLWHA, Men-Who-Have-Sex–With Men (MSM) African Americans, Latino/as, Youth, Inmates and those recently released to the community, and Injection Drug Users (IDUs); Counseling Testing and Referral (CTR);Routine HIV Testing; Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services (CRCS), and Drug Treatment Advocacy, as well as statewide funded Syringe Exchange Programs and the Children’s HIV Perinatal Health Initiative.
Core medical services and support services are funded throughout Connecticut through grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). These services include core medical services such as outpatient/ambulatory, oral health care, local AIDS pharmaceutical assistance, early intervention services, health insurance cost sharing assistance, home health care, home and community-based health services, mental health, hospice, medical nutrition therapy, substance abuse-outpatient and medical case management. Support services include non-medical case management, child care services, emergency financial assistance, food bank/home-delivered meals, health education/risk reduction, housing services, legal services, linguistic/translation, medical transportation, outreach, and psychosocial support.
For a listing of Statewide HIV/AIDS Services see HIV Care, Prevention and Support Services by County.
HIV/AIDS Prevention & Care Guide
The Guide, available on the United Way of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 website provides comprehensive information about specific HIV/AIDS services in Connecticut. The resource provides up-to-date HIV care and prevention information, as well as information about other social and support services beyond the scope of HIV.
For more information, call 2-1-1 or access online at www.infoline.org.