Creating a Healthy Georgia: Conversations and Collaborations for Change
Abstract
There are many barriers of care for low-income patients living in rural areas and we have identified three of the most prevalent that affect clients with HIV receiving care: housing, transportation, and food insecurities. Using a medical home model, in conjunction with funds from Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, and income generated from the 340B Drug Pricing Program, we are able to provide assistance to our clients in the form of transportation assistance, emergency financial assistance, housing assistance, and a freezer and pantry program to provide food and nutrition assistance. Ryan White clients in our health district are eligible to receive medical transport services to all their medical appointments, and clients are also eligible to receive meat, vegetables, and non-perishable items twice a month. We have been able to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into our offerings and have made deliberate strides to include items enjoyed by our Hispanic clients. In addition, clients who meet eligibility requirements for HOPWA may receive rental assistance, utility assistance, and additional food assistance. Clients who have stable housing, reduced food insecurity, and reliable transportation to medical appointments are more likely to remain engaged in care, which in turn greatly increases their likelihood of viral suppression. Our assistance programs have helped us expand our circle of care, thus providing a more coordinated approach to patient care.
Keywords
transportation, food insecurity, barriers, viral load suppression, rural Georgia
Creating a Healthy Georgia: Conversations and Collaborations for Change
There are many barriers of care for low-income patients living in rural areas and we have identified three of the most prevalent that affect clients with HIV receiving care: housing, transportation, and food insecurities. Using a medical home model, in conjunction with funds from Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, the Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, and income generated from the 340B Drug Pricing Program, we are able to provide assistance to our clients in the form of transportation assistance, emergency financial assistance, housing assistance, and a freezer and pantry program to provide food and nutrition assistance. Ryan White clients in our health district are eligible to receive medical transport services to all their medical appointments, and clients are also eligible to receive meat, vegetables, and non-perishable items twice a month. We have been able to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into our offerings and have made deliberate strides to include items enjoyed by our Hispanic clients. In addition, clients who meet eligibility requirements for HOPWA may receive rental assistance, utility assistance, and additional food assistance. Clients who have stable housing, reduced food insecurity, and reliable transportation to medical appointments are more likely to remain engaged in care, which in turn greatly increases their likelihood of viral suppression. Our assistance programs have helped us expand our circle of care, thus providing a more coordinated approach to patient care.
