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CRAVEN
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Telephone: 252-636-4920- ex 2008 Health
Department HIV / AIDS ServiceThis unit of the Craven County Health Department provides free, confidential testing for HIV/AIDS. This testing, as is true of testing for all sexually transmitted diseases, does not require parental consent. If you have reason to believe that you have been exposed to HIV/AIDS, call the Craven County Health Department at 636-4920 to schedule an appointment with the HIV/STD Health Educator for a free blood test. A return visit is scheduled approx. two weeks after the test, at which time the Health Educator will explain the results. 1. Some persons receiving a negative test result may be asked to be tested again in six months at no charge. 2. If results are positive, the Health Educator presents the treatment options and provides follow up counseling that includes referrals for necessary treatment. All positive persons are referred to Abundant Life in Jacksonville which will provide services which are reimbursed by ECHAP (Eastern Carolina HIV/AIDS Partnership). They will talk with the client about enrolling in the Ryan White Program as well as discuss the various community financial resources available and the Aids Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). A Disease Intervention Worker is assigned to locate any partner(s) that may need testing. Confidentiality is maintained throughout this process. The Department of Health will refer patients to either private doctors or to the ECU Infectious Disease Clinic at the Brody Medical Center in Greenville for regular medical treatment. Patients receive an initial physical exam. Thereafter, medication and monitoring on a monthly to quarterly basis is provided. With early intervention and regular medical monitoring fewer people convert from HIV to full blown AIDS. If transportation assistance is needed, the patient will need to be enrolled in either the Ryan White Program, or have Medicaid transportation assistance. The Craven County Health Department and the Craven County Department of Social Services coordinate Medicaid services to provide care to those with HIV/AIDS. The two county services share the location on Neuse Blvd. ©2000EMR 7/2006 |