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Helping People. Changing Lives.
HIV / AIDS Prevention and Care Programs
The HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Programs at SENDCAA are
comprised of a variety of programs and services. These programs are designed to
promote healthy living and to improve quality of life for those have HIV or
AIDS, or are at risk for contracting HIV.
An overview of HIV and AIDS
HIV is the abbreviation of human immunodeficiency virus, which is the
virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a condition of a severe
breakdown in the immune system of a person. This means that common illnesses
become life-threatening to someone with AIDS, because their immune system is
weakened.
People can have HIV and not know it. They can also be transmitting HIV to others
without knowing.
Ways to contract or transmit HIV
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Unprotected sexual intercourse
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Sharing of drug injection needles and equipment.
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Unsterilized tattoo needles
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Receiving a blood transfusions before 1985
Ways to prevent contracting HIV
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Use condoms when having vaginal, anal, and oral
sexual intercourse
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Cleaning or not sharing drug injection needles/equipment
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Use sterilized needles for tattoos
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Abstinence
Programs offered at SENDCAA
HIV Prevention Program
This program provides free condoms and safer sex kits to the general public,
along with individual education on proper use and safety precautions. Free and
confidential HIV testing is also available. The HIV test used is a non-invasive
oral swab, and the client can return to get their results in about 1 week. A
brief prevention counseling session is included in the testing service, and
focuses on reducing the client's at-risk behaviors.
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS/Tri-State HELP
Program
This program assists clients living with HIV or AIDS in accessing and
obtaining affordable housing. Applicants must meet income, residency, and
diagnosis requirements to be eligible. Assistance can be long- or short- term.
Ryan White CARE Act Title II (RWTII)/North Dakota
Comprehensive AIDS/HIV Resources and Emergency Services (ND CARES)
This program is offered to assist clients living with HIV or AIDS in
obtaining health and supportive services. This service focuses on improving the
client's quality of life, addressing issues with housing, transportation, and
other needs. SENDCAA staff work closely with a case manager at Fargo Cass Public
Health to coordinate services, as Public Health works with the client on
obtaining medication, medical services, etc.
Prevention Case Management
This service is a combination of risk-reduction counseling and case
management. It is designed for people who are newly diagnosed with HIV, or those
that are at high-risk for contracting HIV. The ultimate goal of this service is
to promote healthy behaviors that reduce risk for transmitting or contracting
HIV. The main components of Prevention Case Management are risk behavior
assessment; medical and psychosocial needs assessment; risk-reduction
counseling; and establishing connections with other community agencies.
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