WHO WE SERVE
In 2011, AIDS Arms served 14,620 persons in North Texas.
Seeking Help – Finding Life and Better Health
After many attempts to self manage her HIV disease unsuccessfully, Carla called AIDS Arms for help. As a single parent living in poverty, she had been utilizing emergency rooms as her primary care provider. Her AIDS Arms’ case manager completed an in-depth needs assessment for Carla and her three children. She linked her to AIDS Arms’ Peabody Health Center for ongoing outpatient medical care, medication assistance and HIV education. Referrals for food, child care, and housing were also provided. Carla began family counseling with AIDS Arms. With improved health and a new job, she is moving towards success. AIDS Arms’ efforts to move individuals from emergency room to outpatient care saves the Dallas community over $6 million per year in public health dollars.
Integrated programs offer new found health, independence and purpose
Hindered by years of drug addiction, 23 year old Jesse was in denial about his HIV+ status. To him, the only answers were drugs and plans for suicide. A community event introduced him to AIDS Arms and his future case manager. Jesse decided to make one more effort to change his life. His case manager entered him into drug treatment and mental health counseling. She assisted him with housing, food and support groups while linking him to AIDS Arms’ Peabody Health Center. Jesse, now healthy and drug free, works full time and no longer depends on community resources. Jesse has renewed purpose for his future. AIDS Arms’ substance abuse and mental health services are an integral part of our holistic programs. Our integrated care teams work in concert with each other and hundreds of community organizations to help our clients achieve goals of health, wellness and independence.
Milestones of Health are Created through Hard Work, Tenacity and Hope
Blaine was 32 years old when his family escorted him to the AIDS Arms’ Peabody Health Center. Weighing only 120 pounds, he suffered dementia and needed help standing and walking. With a Cd4 count of one, the clinical team began a HAART cocktail (a combination of several HIV medications). His case manager educated the family on how to properly care for him. Nutrition interventions were initiated, and his case manager provided referrals for his basic living needs. After 18 months of treatment, Blaine now has a Cd4 count of 350. His dementia is gone and he has gained over 25 pounds. He continues his fight against AIDS. Almost 5,000 HIV+ people in Dallas are not in medical care, creating a crisis of individual health, expensive hospitalizations and a negative economic impact. AIDS Arms’ Lost to Care program provides cost effective, quality health and support services.
Bad Economy Forces Many to Go Without Care
Steve was 42 years old and living with AIDS when he called on AIDS Arms. He had lost his job, home and health insurance. A year before he had his own home, car, caring friends and a promising career. Losing hope, he was no longer seeing his physician and filing his HIV prescriptions. His physical and mental health was deteriorating. His AIDS Arms’ case manager connected him to our Peabody Health Center where medical care was offered at no cost. She linked him to job training, and resources for mental health counseling, housing, food and transportation. Steve now works full time and has his own housing. His health is returning quickly with renewed treatment in place. AIDS Arms combats hopelessness by coordinating efforts in the community to offer quality medical and support services.
Everyday Brings New Choices, New Hope
Sarah had a $1,000 a day cocaine addiction when she met her AIDS Arms’ case manager. Homeless and infected with hepatitis and HIV, Sarah remained in denial regarding her HIV status. Encouraged by her case manager, Sarah began inpatient substance abuse treatment. Following the completion of her program, she began HIV medical treatment at AIDS Arms’ Peabody Health Center. Sarah’s success did not stop there. She achieved a GED and acquired her first job. Today, Sarah is working and attending college to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.
