Setting: Georgia has the 8th highest AIDS case rate in the U.S. Among AIDS patients, 27% of men, 43% of women and 47% of children live outside metropolitan Atlanta. Compared to the face of AIDS in the cities, Georgia's rural AIDS cases are more female, more African American, and more heterosexual.
Model: The Southeast Health Unit (SEHU) is a rural, 16 county public health service district based in Ware County, Ga. spanning 8,800 square miles. The SEHU is the only provider of HIV primary care in the area.
Access and Linkage: Five HIV/AIDS Wellness Centers and seven satellite clinics have been established throughout the district. Primary care services are provided by four nurse practitioners, three RN's and an LPN, and supervised by a physician who visits each site monthly. Primary care services at the Wellness Centers include HIV counseling and testing, antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections. Also offered on site are nutritional counseling, social services, case management, and referrals to specialty care. Oral health and mental health/substance abuse services are by referral. Local community-based organizations provide client transportation, a Buddy Adherence program, Legal Aid services, prevention and education activities. One of the Wellness Centers links with the HIV Clinic at The Medical College of Georgia.
Demographics: There are over 400 clients, an 18% increase from 1996 to 1999. 61% are male, 39% female. 71% are black, 26% white, and 3% Hispanic.
Summary: The Wellness Centers Model provides effective, comprehensive HIV services to a large rural area.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe how HIV clinical services are provided through the county public health service in Southeast Georgia. 2. Describe how rural HIV clinical sites link with specialty and community-based services. 3. Understand how quality improvement is monitored in the Southeast Health Unit's HIV clinical program.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Rural Health Care Delivery System
Awards: - WinnerPresenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.