I just found out that I have HIV, now what?

Finding out that you have HIV is likely to have emotional and practical implications. But, it also means that you’re in the best position to look after your health, including assessing HIV treatment and care. Be assured that people living with HIV are loved and accepted, maintain and form relationships, have children, and lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Where can I go for support?

You may find that a lot of support is available from the place where you get your HIV medical care, such as an HIV clinic. Finding sustainable HIV treatment and care is the single, most important connection that HIV positive individuals can make. Clinics may have counselors or other staff who can help you come to terms with your diagnosis or talk to you about any problems you are having.

What kind of help can I get through Ryan White Part B services?

Through a network of clinics, neighborhood health centers, community-based organizations (CBO), and Centers of Excellence, there are many services and programs available in Tennessee to help HIV-positive people and their families. If you are a person living with HIV, find out if you’re eligible for Ryan White Services. You may qualify for the Ryan White Part B programs for help with:

 

Case Management

Goal: Facilitate and support persons living with HIV (PLWH’s) access to HIV medical care and other needed services in order to enhance their ability to effectively manage their HIV disease. Read More

Emergency Financial Assistance

Goal: Meet the emergency financial needs of PLWH by providing utility assistance. Read More

Eye Care

Goal: The Eye Care Initiative seeks to provide Ryan White clients with the eye care treatment they need by covering the cost of eye exams and glasses. Read More

Food Bank

Goal: Provide food in order to improve the nutritional status of PLWH and enhance medication adherence. Read More

Housing

Goal: Provide short-term housing assistance to PLWH to enhance maintenance and adherence to HIV medical care and services. Read More

Medical Case Management

Goal: Provide Medical Case Management assistance to PLWH to determine eligibility and enhance maintenance and adherence to HIV medical care and services. Read More

Medical Transportation

Goal: Provide transportation services to PLWH in order to access HIV medical care and other services. Read More

Mental Health

Goal: Provide Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Services based on national best practice models in order to enhance maintenance and adherence to HIV medical care and services. Read More

Oral Health Care

Goal: The program is the only path to critical preventive dental services and treatment for thousands of adults in the United States who need the care the most. Read More

Psychosocial Support

Goal: Improve or maintain the emotional well-being of PLWH in order to enhance the activities of daily living and access to HIV medical care and services. Read More

Referral Support Services

Goal: Provide telephone referral services to engage and maintain clients in HIV medical care and services. Read More

Substance Abuse

Goal: Provide outpatient substance abuse treatment services based on national best practice models to PLWH who are abusing Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) in order to enhance maintenance in and adherence to HIV medical care and treatment. Read More

Providers listed are funded through United Way’s RFP process. For a more comprehensive list, please go to HIV.gov.