FAHASS CLIENT SERVICES
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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OUTREACH & EDUCATION
We participate in many LOCAL EVENTS such as health fairs, volunteer fairs, community festivals, etc. At such events, we are available to pass out brochures, safe-sex kits, and other health education literature. In addition, we provide HIV testing services on-site at several local events during the year.
Community Speaking is facilitated by trained HIV educators and are specialized for community organizations and health awareness. Topics include HIV transmission, prevention, and awareness, as well as information about FAHASS and the services we offer.
Contact us to arrange a speaking engagement at your agency today!
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The FAHASS Prevention Team seeks to reduce stigma surrounding HIV by bringing awareness to it, educating about its transmission, and the necessity for testing. Our Outreach Team Members provide health education and health promotion programs with the goal of reducing the risk of individuals becoming infected with HIV or, if already infected, reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) to others. We work to provide the community with the most current information about HIV and risk reduction.
Mpowerment is a community building program designed to reduce the frequency of unprotected anal intercourse among young gay and bisexual men. Developed through an intensive social marketing process with young gay men, the Mpowerment is based on an empowerment model in which young gay men take charge of the project.
We are looking for young gay and bisexual men between the age of 18-30 to join our program.
For more information please contact Chalen Aleong.
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PrEP PROGRAM
Descovy for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex, when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. Apretude is an injectable PrEP medication that is administered every other month by a healthcare provider.
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Descovy for PrEP and Apretude are only for people who are at risk of getting HIV-1 You must be HIV-negative before you start taking Descovy for PrEP or Apretude.
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Descovy for PrEP and Apretude do not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.
If you are insured, you may qualify for free medication and services. Please contact Jason Knight if you would like to learn more about PrEP.
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MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT
Medical case management is a process where a client's needs are met through coordination of medical and support services. The purpose of medical case management is to ensure that progress toward the client's health-related goals is possible. Every client will be assigned a Medical Case Manager (MCM) after their intake. The MCM is the person to contact for all services. If the MCM cannot provide the service directly to meet the client's specific need, they will provide a referral to someone or an organization that can. The MCM monitors the client's health care to ensure progress toward the client's health goals. The client and case manager relationship is a partnership to maintain a healthy, active, and fulfilling life for the client. Spanish-language case management services are available.
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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
FAHASS provides counseling services to HIV-positive clients. Specific counseling services that are offered are: individual, couples, and family counseling. The counselor at FAHASS specializes in HIV specific issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, as well as, LGBTQ (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/questioning) issues.
Counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential place to discuss your concerns with a skilled professional. If you are interested in meeting with the counselor you are welcome to discuss your counseling needs with your case manager and they will provide you with a referral.
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MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION
FAHASS provides transportation assistance for HIV-related medical appointments to ensure that clients are able to maintain their medical treatment goals. Clients must contact their Medical Case Manager when with a transportation need. Once the appointment has been validated and the need for transportation has been established, the case manager will work with the client to select the best method for reaching the appointment.
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HOUSING ASSISTANCE
FAHASS is currently funded to provide housing assistance in the rural areas surrounding Fredericksburg. Only clients living in the counties listed below are eligible to receive assistance with rent, utilities, mortgage, deposit, and/or rental application fees. Clients requesting assistance should talk to their medical case manager for a referral to the housing case manager.
The City of Fredericksburg, Culpeper County, Fauquier County, King George County, Madison County, Orange County, Rappahannock County, Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, and Westmoreland County.
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NON-MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT
Non-medical Case Management provides guidance and assistance in accessing medical, social, community, legal, financial, and other needed services. They perform the initial assessment of service needs, develop individualized and comprehensive service plans,
re-evaluations every 6 months, and on-going assessments of the client’s other key family member’s needs and personal support services. Every client will be assigned a Non-medical Case Manager (NMCM). NMCM will also link clients to services identified in the initial assessment. Additionally, they will provide referrals to the necessary programs.
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PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Psychosocial Support Services provide group or individual support and counseling services to assist eligible people living with HIV to address behavioral and physical health concerns. Currently, Psychosocial provides Life Skills classes, a nutrition program, F.A.M. (Fredericksburg Alliance of Men) group, Peer to Peer support, and a Gay Men’s support group. The Psychosocial provider, based on the client’s assessments, will give guidance and develop, schedule and facilitate events or groups according to need. Psychosocial Support Services works towards the client’s mental and physical health by working to empower clients in the areas identified in their assessment.
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SUPPORT GROUPS
The support groups are made up of individuals who are going through or who have gone through similar life circumstances. These groups provide support around what you may be going through and help you from feeling alone. Support groups at FAHASS meet at various times. If you are interested in joining please contact your case manager for further information.
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OTHER SERVICES
FAHASS provides services to HIV-positive clients in the region based on the simple idea that when patients stay in care, they get the services that they need, leading to healthier people and a stronger community. Because each person's needs are unique, FAHASS provides a variety of services to ensure that everyone has the ability and resources to maintain their treatment. FAHASS offers these additional services to clients, either directly or through its network of quality service providers.
Free HIV Testing, Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services, Substance Abuse Services, Medications Assistance, Oral Health Care, Health Insurance Premium & Copay Assistance, and Emergency Food Assistance.