HIV crisis should not be ignored
Mallory Schmoll, Special to The Courier-Journal 3:18 p.m. EDT April 10, 2015
The current HIV outbreak in Scott County, Ind. — almost 90 newly diagnosed cases since January — hits close to home. We, in Kentuckiana, have the compassion and the ability to help our neighbors in Southern Indiana.
Through the funds provided by the Louisville AIDS Walk — and the many generous supporters who sponsor, donate and participate — the Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance (KAA) provides a wide spectrum of services and supports for those living with HIV/AIDS in the 19 counties in and around Metro Louisville. Our mission is to advocate for those with HIV/AIDS and unite and empower the local HIV/AIDS service organizations that serve them.
The network of partners that comprise KAA provide services to those affected by HIV and AIDS including housing programs, financial assistance, advocacy, legal services, health care and dental services, testing and focused educational programs, case management services, and even basic needs such as food and toiletries.
As the number of those affected by the outbreak in Southern Indiana continues to rise, and the outbreak continues to spread, it is more important than ever to provide access to education, testing, prevention and treatment, as well as services to the growing number of HIV-positive residents of Kentuckiana. After diagnosis, it is crucial that those in our community receive the support and services they need.
In 2013, KAA educated more than 15,000 people on HIV and AIDS. We coordinated the care of 1,300 people.
More than 1,100 people in 700 households were supported with housing support — including 300 children.
More than 100 legal cases were managed.
And in 2013, we helped more than 15,000 people be tested for HIV.
In 2013, Scott County’s only HIV testing location was closed due to lack of funding. It is up to us to close that gap.
The Louisville AIDS Walk is the Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance’s largest single-day fundraiser. We ask you to join us on Sept. 20, 2015, at the Belvedere to raise funds, raise awareness, and show your support for those living with HIV and AIDS, as well as those who provide services. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the KAA network of partners meet the essential needs of those in our community affected by HIV and AIDS.
It is essential to know your status to make informed decisions about prevention and treatment — getting tested is the first step to prevent the continued spread of HIV. There are a number of free testing sites in the Louisville Metro region, including:
•Clark County Health Department, Sexually Transmitted Diseases/AIDS Clinical Services, AIDS Counseling and Testing Site, 1301 Akers Ave., Jeffersonville, Ind. 47130; (812) 288-2706
Services offered: Chlamydia test; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; rapid HIV blood test and rapid HIV oral test; tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis
•Volunteers of America, 1436 S. Shelby St., Louisville, Ky., 40217; (502) 635-4511
Services offered: conventional HIV oral test; free HIV test; rapid HIV oral test
•Park DuValle Community Health Center Inc., Louisville Office, 3015 Wilson Ave., Louisville, Ky. 40211; (502) 774-4401
Services offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, STD and syphilis tests; hepatitis A and B vaccines; HPV vaccine
•Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, Specialty Clinic, 7201 Outer Loop, Suite 232, Louisville, Ky. 40228; (502) 574-6699
Services offered: Chlamydia and gonorrhea tests; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; hepatitis A and B vaccines; HPV vaccine
•Bullitt County Health Department, 181 Lees Valley Road, Shepherdsville, Ky. 40165; (502) 543-2415
Services offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; hepatitis A and B vaccines; HPV vaccine
•Oldham County Health Department, 786 Commerce Parkway, La Grange, Ky. 40031; (502) 222-3516
Services offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis tests; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; hepatitis A and B vaccines; hepatitis C test; HPV vaccine
•Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Lincoln Trail District Health Department, Meade County Health Center, 520 Hillcrest Drive, Brandenburg, Ky. 40108; (270) 422-3988
Services offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; hepatitis A and B vaccines; HPV vaccine
•Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Lincoln Trail District Health Department, Nelson County Health Center, 325 S. 3rd St., Bardstown, Ky. 40004; (502) 348-3222
Services offered: Chlamydia and syphilis tests; conventional HIV blood test; free HIV test; hepatitis A and B vaccines; HPV vaccine
•AVOL (AIDS Volunteers of Lexington), 225 Walton Ave #110, Lexington, Ky. 40502; (859) 225-3000
Services offered: HIV testing
•Northern Kentucky Department of Public Health, 610 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, Ky. 41017; (859) 341-4264
Services offered: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis and trichomoniasis tests
Please call ahead to verify testing times, whether or not an appointment is needed and whether or not there is a fee. In addition to the CDC website listed above, individuals can visit www.aids.gov for service locators.
Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance partners include:
•550 Clinic
The 550 Clinic offers comprehensive HIV medical care through a team of multidisciplinary HIV specialty clinicians
Phone: (502) 561-8844
Email: 550clinic@louisville.edu
•AIDS Interfaith Ministries
The region’s longest-running HIV service organization, AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana (AIM) offers emotional support and spiritual care as well as housing, medical, and nutritional support.
Phone: (502) 224-1917
Web: http://www.aimkyonline.org/
•Camp Heart to Heart
A free, five-day overnight summer camp for children infected or directly affected by HIV/AIDS held at Lions Camp Crescendo.
•Clark County Health Department
The Clark County Health Department, in cooperation with the Hoosier Hills AIDS Coalition, administers the HIV/STD Program. Based out of their jointly located office in Jeffersonville, Ind., comprehensive and integrated services are provided to the citizens of Clark, Floyd, and nine surrounding counties in Southeast Indiana.
Phone: (812) 288-2706
Web: http://www.clarkhealth.net/
•HIV/AIDS Legal Project
The HIV/AIDS Legal Project provides legal services including obtaining and remaining in safe, affordable housing; securing government benefits, addressing debt issues, drafting life planning documents, family law, expungements, obtaining and maintaining health care and advocating against discrimination.
Phone: (502) 584-1254
Web: www.laslou.org/
•House of Ruth
House of Ruth offers housing and support services with a holistic focus on individuals who are HIV positive, as well as their family members who count on them for financial and emotional support.
Phone: (502) 587-5080
Web: www.houseofruth.net
•Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness
The Specialty Clinic diagnoses and treats sexually transmitted diseases. HIV testing is also offered at this clinic.
Phone: (502) 574-6699
Web: louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness
•University of Louisville School of Dentistry
The faculty, staff, and students at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry provide approximately $1 million worth of dental services to the underserved each year, participate in more than 80 ongoing initiatives to promote oral health.
Phone: (502) 852-5096
Web: louisville.edu/dentistry/
•Walgreens HIV Specialty Network
Walgreens HIV Specialty Network Locations offer personalized medication counseling, free delivery, and specially trained staff.
Phone: (800) 573-3602
Web: http://www.walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/hiv-pharmacy-services.jsp
•Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America provides case management, housing, and prevention services including free anonymous HIV testing, educational materials, and harm reduction supplies.
Phone: (502) 636-0771
Web: www.voaky.org/
Visit www.kyaids.org to register for the Louisville AIDS Walk, find out about sponsorship opportunities, and to learn more about what we do and where your fundraising dollars go.
Mallory Schmoll, PharmD and HIV specialty pharmacist, is president of the Kentuckiana AIDS Alliance.
