Aids Center Of Queens County Inc

Case Management - This program, now also known as Health Home, assists people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and/or with other chronic medical conditions in accessing care necessary to live a healthier life thereby improving their quality of life. This is done via linkage to services both within and outside the Agency but more importantly, by identifying and prioritizing critical needs and then establishing a work plan which is then managed by our case managers and adhered to by the patient. Critical services might include but not be limited to; medical care, counseling and behavioral health, housing, legal, specialty pharmacy and/or nutrition and food pantry. tHIS program served in excess of 5450 clients during 2024.

Other Programs:In 2024, ACQCs other programs continued to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families infected with, affected by, or at risk for HIV/AIDS and related conditions. Through a combination of education, advocacy, and support services, these programs addressed medical, emotional, and social needs, helping clients navigate complex health systems and improve overall well-being.

Education This program operates through the community at large. Staff present workshops on a variety of topics including; HIV/AIDS, sexual health, Prep/PEP, risk reduction in the area of transmission. Presentations inform & encourage participants to access other services both within and outside of the Agency, all with a goal of eliminating any stigma surrounding both infection and gender status. Populations supported include both Latino and African-American with special consideration to the LGBTQIA and IDU groups. During 2024,due to limitation caused by the pandemic, we have performed approximately 3,100 HIV tests,identifying 76 individuals testing positive for hiv and of which most if not all of whom have been linked to medical care with AHF. We have referred those tested to appropriate programs as determined by the respective results.

Harm Reduction - This program focuses on the intravenous drug use ("IDU") population and provides outreach and education around topics related to hiv/aids, sti and hep c. additionally, staff perform testing for these conditions and refer those tested for additional services both within and outside the agency as deemed appropriate. a significant activity of this program is the collection of used syringes and the distribution of new/unused syringes. In excess of 560 individuals per annum regularly utilize our syringe exchange program, the benefit being to a) minimize transmission by IDUs and b) ensure proper destruction of potentially infected syringes.

Behavioral Health This program provides a full continuum of services through its NYS Article 31 Licensed clinic. Services include but are not limited to individual and group counseling, psychiatric assessments, medication and crisis management. Additionally, treatment with Buprenorphine and Suboxone is provided where deemed appropriate for Opioid dependence and detox. Services are provided to Adults and adolescents, thirteen (13) years and above. Funding includes government contract and fee for service sources.

Legal This program provides representation including, where necessary, preparation of filings and court proceedings, on a variety of civil matters including but not limited to; wills and advance directives, legal name and document change, public benefits, discrimination and employment, landlord-tenant, immigration, civil rights, custody and guardianship. Additionally, they educate staff and if requested, outside groups on a variety topics.