SAME-DAY, EARLY TREATMENT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Florida Department of Health in Broward County partnered with Care Resource to launch an HIV treatment program in 2017 called Test and Treat. The goals of Test and Treat are to increase access to medication for those newly diagnosed with HIV or returning to care, and link newly diagnosed patients to care same-day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, thirty percent of people diagnosed with HIV never return for the first doctor appointment, often out of fear, denial, hopelessness, lack of health insurance or other reasons. As a result, they do not receive medication, which risks their health and possible transmission of the virus to others. This program greatly reduces the waiting time for follow-up tests to confirm the HIV diagnosis and the waiting time to make an appointment to see an HIV primary care doctor.
“Starting medicine immediately lowers the amount of virus in the blood. This is important for the health of the individual and decreases transmission of the virus. When people with HIV start treatment and become undetectable, their chance of transmitting the virus becomes virtually. People without insurance or with inadequate coverage can also receive a 30-day supply of medication the same day.” – Steven Santiago, MD, Chief Medical Officer
For information on accessing HIV testing and same-day treatment,
Contact: 305-576-1234, ext. 158.
Care Resource offers free, confidential HIV counseling and rapid testing to everyone, with priority given to pregnant or parenting women and anyone using injection drugs. In addition to offering services at our offices, we also offer counseling and testing through mobile units at several community locations. Please visit www.careresource.org/testing-hours-locations
Care Resource is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We have seven (7) facilities located in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. We provide comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of our pediatric, adolescent and adult populations. For more information, please visit www.careresource.org.
