HIV Care (Ryan White Program)
Coastal Family Health Center recognized the need for health care and social services for HIV positive patients in the late 1980’s. At first we were only able to provide an initial patient workup and referrals to other providers and support services. Within a few years many of our providers were trained in HIV care so that referrals to outside providers were no longer necessary.
In 1998 Coastal was awarded a capacity building grant to explore the needs for developing HIV care services in this area. In 1999 we were awarded a Ryan White Early Intervention Services grant. Between 1999 and 2009 we have grown from serving 75 patients to over 300 patients annually.
Scope of Services:
We provide a wide range of services for HIV patients, including:
- Medical care of HIV/AIDS
- Mental health counseling
- Substance abuse counseling
- Marriage and family therapist
- Case management
- AIDS Drug Assistance Program
- Dental care at Biloxi and Gulfport centers
- Optical care at Biloxi Center
All of our patients are offered Case Management services. Case Managers coordinate care needs and referrals to other services such as support groups, temporary housing and a food pantry. Uninsured patients needing antiretroviral medications are assisted with referrals to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program or other assistance programs.
Patients are encouraged to provide us feedback on our program by providing information through patient comment cards, by completing satisfaction survey and through participation in our Consumer Advisory Board.
Availability:
- Bay St Louis
- Biloxi
- Gulfport
- Moss Point
- Vancleave
How to Become a Patient:
All HIV patients are automatically eligible for our Ryan White Program. Patients do not have to receive medical care in order to utilize dental, optical or case management services.
Please call to make an appointment at:
- Medical, dental, optical appointments: 1.877.374.4991
- Case management and counseling: contact Mary Tillis at 228.374.4994
For information on the Ryan White Early Intervention Services Program, contact Cindy Bruce, Program Director, at 228 374-4991 Extension 1220.