SERVICES
CASE MANAGEMENT -- If an individual living with HIV wishes to become a
client of Inland AIDS Project (IAP), he/she may contact the office
closest to them and schedule an appointment with a case manager, for an
intake. The case manager will conduct an initial assessment with
the client and help identify the client's individual needs.
Following this assessment, the case manager will assist in linking the
client and their family to appropriate services. These services
may include referrals for HIV medical care, benefits counseling,
assistance with meeting nutritional needs, referrals for psychiatry
services, individual and family counseling, and substance abuse recovery
services, and if needed, a referral for transportation to medical and
counseling appointments.
All persons who are HIV positive and live in western
Riverside County or San Bernardino County are eligible to become a
client of IAP. A case manager will need your proof of HIV
status, income verification and ID to complete the intake.
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TREATMENT -- AIDS is
a bio-psychosocial disease and AIDS care providers must be ready to
treat possible psychological symptoms, not just biological ones.
IAP's Mental and Behavioral Services focus on the psychological and
social effects on the client, enabling him/her to face not only the
challenges of daily life with AIDS, but also to respond more positively
to medical treatment for biological symptoms. Psychotherapy, psychological testing, support groups, and individual,
group and family counseling programs are all part of IAP's mental health
services program.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING -- An active and
effective substance abuse program is proven to be an essential service
for many people living with HIV/AIDS. Such a program not only
reduces dependence on alcohol and other drugs, but also reduces
associated mental health problems and the patient's engagement in risky
behavior. The Inland AIDS Project's substance abuse treatment
program helps those with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse problems to:
achieve sobriety, develop effective ways to manage living life without
drugs and alcohol, and improve ability to manage HIV treatment regiments
thereby decreasing the risk of secondary infection. Substance
abuse treatment is managed by Certified Chemical Dependency Counselors
(CCDC).
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES -- IAP owns
and maintains two low-rental housing units in San Bernardino and
Ontario. Also IAP has two Alcohol and Drug Free Transitional
Living Houses in Riverside and Ontario. The Transitional Living
Centers house 6 individuals and a house manager. These units are
available to all HIV infected residents of the Inland Empire, including
non-IAP clients.
EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE --Housing assistance in the form of mortgage, rent and
utility payments are also available to qualified IAP clients. IAP
Case Managers will assist those clients with these request.
HOME CARE --IAP provides in-home certified home
health attendants and homemakers to provide assistance with activities
of daily living and some light housekeeping chores. Clients may
enjoy the comfort and familiarity of home life for as long as possible
as a result of these services.
TRANSPORTATION -- The Inland Empire area covers
27,460 square miles, making it the largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
Its vast size can cause difficulties for those living with HIV/AIDS in
need of reliable transportation to medical and support services. IAP maintains a fleet of
vehicles to provide its clients with transportation to medical, dental appointments
and mental health services.
When needed IAP also provides clients with vouchers for travel through
public transportation.
EDUCATION and PREVENTION -- Combating the spread
of HIV demands an informed community. IAP works with schools and
health agencies throughout the Inland Empire to educate the area's
residents about the causes, costs, and effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Free HIV tests are also available through IAP. The Agency's
outreach activities target and encourage those in high-risk roups to be
tested for HIV. Many in these groups are reluctant to receive
testing and support services, fearing the possible revelations and
consequences of a positive serostatus. IAP strives to find these
Inland Empire residents and provide them with free confidential testing
and support services.
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