Basic Information FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Note: Click on any of the following questions to read its answer.
Questions and Answers
Q. |
What is HIV? |
A. |
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens several body systems and destroys the body’s immune system, making it easier for opportunistic infections or cancers to invade the body. |
Q. |
What is AIDS? |
A. |
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and is the result of HIV infection. The word ‘syndrome’ refers to a group of related problems or symptoms. When speaking of AIDS, these problems or symptoms refer to any combination of opportunistic infections that attack one’s weakened immune system and/or a T-cell count of 200 or below. |
Q. |
How is HIV transmitted? |
A. |
HIV is spread through the exchange of certain body fluids from an infected person. These fluids are blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Fluids can be spread during unprotected sexual contact, the sharing of needles or breast-feeding.
Both men and women can pass HIV to a sex partner, whether the partner is of the same or opposite sex. A woman infected with HIV can pass the virus to the fetus in the womb at the time of birth or through nursing. People who received blood products (transfusions or clotting factor) between 1978 and 1985 might have received HIV-infected blood. All donated blood is currently screened for the virus and has been since 1985.
HIV cannot be spread by casual means, such as touching, hugging, shaking hands, sneezing, coughing, and kissing or from mosquito or other insect bites. |
Q. |
Where can I obtain free HIV counseling and testing? |
A. |
Maricopa County Department of Public Health offers confidential, quick, and convenient HIV counseling and testing free of charge at the following locations. No appointment is necessary, and you can usually receive your results in 20 minutes.
Maricopa County Public Health Clinic - (602) 506-2934
1645 East Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Body Positive -
(602) 307-5330
1144 East McDowell Road
Suite 200 Phoenix, AZ 85006
Call for information about upcoming testing days and times. |
Q. |
I’ve just tested positive. What do I do? |
A. |
Find a doctor or health care provider.
Being HIV positive does not mean that you now have AIDS or even that you will develop AIDS in the near future. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of living a full life.
If you don’t have a doctor or health care provider, it’s important to find one. Talk to the people at the place where you got your HIV test, or call one of the organizations listed in this booklet. It’s important that you have a health care provider who treats many people who are HIV positive and who has experience dealing with HIV and related issues.
Take an active role.
When you find a doctor, take an active role in the relationship. Write down any questions you may have, and make sure your doctor answers you in a way you can understand. You have a right to know everything you can about your condition. Your doctor may want you to begin some treatments and medications even if you don’t have any symptoms. Your doctor may also want to check your immune system and viral load (the amount of HIV in your bloodstream), on a regular basis. If you have questions about any of these procedures, ask your doctor about them, and remember, you have the right to refuse any procedure or medication if you are unsure or if it makes you uncomfortable.
Arrange for a case manager.
A case manager is someone who will work with you to develop a plan to ensure that you get the services you need. A list of case management providers is located in the phone numbers section of this book.
Develop a good support system.
It helps to have someone else you can talk comfortably and safely with about HIV — someone you can trust and who will be supportive.
Consider joining a support group — people who meet regularly to discuss HIV issues and help each other manage their disease and treatment. Support groups can also help you cope with substance abuse and behavioral health challenges.
Protect yourself and others.
It’s important that you understand how HIV is transmitted. Take precautions so that you don’t pass HIV on to others or further challenge your health. The organizations below can provide you with information on how to protect yourself from contracting other illnesses and avoid putting other people at risk to contract HIV.
Body Positive - (602) 307-5330
Chicanos Por La Causa - (602) 257-0700
Phoenix Shanti Group - (602) 279-0008 |
Q. |
Who can help me get the care I need? |
A. |
A case manager is a paid professional whose job is to help you access available resources and services to better your life and health status. Some specialize in social issues, others in medical treatment. Still other case managers help with benefits and financial needs. Your level of personal need and illness may determine whether you qualify for case management services.
Case managers can educate you about the many and varied services available for people with AIDS and HIV infection and facilitate your access to care by making referrals to other service providers on your behalf. They may also help you to enroll for disability benefits or for medical coverage. Case managers can also provide special assistance to help you through times of crisis or financial emergency.
Your case manager will work with you to identify your needs and priorities to stay healthy and maintain your independence and self-sufficiency. Together, you will create a “care plan” to fulfill these needs and objectives. A case manager will also help you take control of your life by providing practical assistance like making appointments, coordinating services, managing medical concerns and lending a friendly ear. |
Q. |
How do I get a case manager? |
A. |
A list of organizations providing case management services is located in the phone numbers section of this book. You may also find a case manager through private organizations, hospitals, and government agencies. Sometimes, case management services are provided as part of a health insurance program. |
Q. |
I don’t make a lot of money, and/or don’t have health insurance. How can I receive the health care I need? |
A. |
There are various assistance programs that can help you receive health care and social services you need at little or no cost. A case manager can help you determine which programs you might qualify for. Providers of these programs include:
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) - (602) 417-4000
Administers state-supported health care program for low-income Arizona residents. Services include case management, home care and in and out-patient medical care.
Phoenix Indian Medical Center - (602) 263‑1200 x1835
Provides comprehensive medical, dental and social services for the American Indian community.
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act - Contact a case management provider
The Act provides a variety of primary medical care and supportive services. For more information, see the next section, “What is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act?”
Veterans Administration (Carl T. Hayden Medical Center)
Immunodeficiency Clinic - (602) 277-5551 or (800) 554-7174
Provides HIV medical care, medications, and behavioral health counseling for honorably discharged veterans. |
Q. |
What is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act? |
A. |
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act is a program of the federal government that ensures that people living with HIV/AIDS, who have low or no income, or who are uninsured or underinsured, have access to quality health and supportive services. |
Q. |
How do I know if I am eligible to receive Ryan White funded services? |
A. |
The Act establishes certain guidelines for individuals to be eligible to receive services. There are three things you will need to have with you the first time you apply for services:
1. Verification of HIV+ status (any one of the following):
- An original signed statement from an attending physician, on letterhead or a prescription pad, indicating that you are HIV+;
- A copy of a lab report with your name, indicating your HIV+ status; or
- A copy of a lab report with your name, indicating detectable HIV virus in your blood through a bDNA or RNA-PCR viral load test.
2. Proof of income (any one of the following):
- A paycheck stub indicating your current pay (updated every 6 months);
- A financial award letter from a government agency (Social Security, DES, VA, etc.) or proof of private long-term disability. You may substitute a copy of a bank statement indicating the direct deposit of funds, or a copy of an actual check from an agency or institution; or
- A written statement that you have no source of income, witnessed by a case manager (updated every 6 months).
3. Verification of residency in Maricopa or Pinal County:
Any one of these items will be accepted as proof of residency if the address is not a PO Box, is a “land” address, is valid in date and not expired, and the same as the client’s stated address:
Official documents with an address present, such as:
- Food stamp, General Assistance or TANF documentation
- AHCCCS approval or denial letter
- Social Security or Veterans Administration Benefits award letter
- Unemployment award/benefits statement
- Property tax assessment
- HOA assessment/fee statement
- Mortgage or lease agreement indicating the client’s name and residence
- Written attestation as to no source of income, witnessed by a case manager (updated every 6 months).
In the absence of the above, any two of these other documents will be accepted as proof of residency if the address in not a PO Box, is a “land” address, valid in date and not expired, and the same as the client’s stated address:
- Utility bills. Your name must be on the bill. (Examples: Cable TV, Water/Sewer/Garbage, Internet, Land line phone, APS or SRP, Southwest gas);
- Non-property tax bill or tax assessment statement;
- W-2 (tax) form from your employer;
- A check stub from your employer;
- Bank statement;
- Driver’s license;
- Motor vehicle department issued identification card; or
- Immigration identification card.
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Q. |
How much money can I earn and still qualify for free or low cost Ryan White funded services? |
A. |
Your eligibility for Ryan White funded services is based on your annual gross income (the amount of money your earn in a year, before taxes or deductions) and varies depending on the service. If you do not qualify for free services, most agencies will use a sliding fee scale to make your care as affordable as possible. If you’re concerned about your ability to pay, let your provider or case manager know — you may qualify for other forms of assistance. |
Q. |
What is the Phoenix EMA Ryan White Planning Council? |
A. |
Each Eligible Metropolitan Area (EMA) that receives Ryan White funding must establish a community group, comprised of people infected and affected by HIV, to determine how to best provide services in their area. In the Phoenix EMA, this group is the Ryan White Planning Council.
The Planning Council is a community group that has been appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to plan the organization and delivery of HIV services funded by Part A of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act. Each Council member is a caring, dedicated volunteer who has been carefully selected to reflect the diversity of our community. Members represent the general public, HIV positive individuals, Part A service providers, and other health and social service organizations.
Planning Council members work together to identify the care needs of people living with HIV. The Council then determines which services are of the highest priority, and how much Part A funding should be committed to each service. Council members also evaluate the cost effectiveness and the quality of the services provided. The Planning Council only makes decisions about service categories — we do not directly fund or contract with any agency to provide client services. |
Q. |
When does the Planning Council meet? |
A. |
The Phoenix EMA Ryan White Planning Council generally meets:
Second Thursday of each month
5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Area Agency on Aging/Care Directions
1366 East Thomas Road, Phoenix
Large Conference Room
You are encouraged to participate!
All Planning Council meetings are open to the public. Guests are welcome to share their ideas and opinions during discussions. Your input is critical in helping the Council determine how to best provide for our HIV community.
Persons with a disability may request reasonable accommodation to attend any Planning Council meeting. Translation services can also be requested. Teleconferencing may also be available. These services should be requested at 48 hours in advance of any meeting.
Please contact Planning Council Support at (602) 506-5002 for more information about the Planning Council meeting schedule. |
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Last updated on May 27, 2009
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