Antiretroviral Therapy – An Intervention Strategy Essential for Maximizing Positive Health Outcomes.
Care Resource offers affordable and quality care to low income South Floridians living with HIV. HIV treatment involves antiretroviral therapy (ART), a consistent regimen of medication that slows the progression of the virus in the body. When medication is taken exactly as prescribed on a consistent basis, individuals can lower their HIV viral load to an undetectable status. Individuals who achieve and maintain undetectable status cannot sexually transmit the virus to a partner who does not have HIV. Undetectable equals untransmittable.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that a person with HIV begin ART as soon as possible after diagnosis. ART is for all people with HIV/AIDS, regardless of how long they have had the virus. Care Resource participates in the essential Test & Treat (T&T) program, which initiates ART within 24 hours of an HIV diagnosis for patients who are newly diagnosed or who were previously in care. This intervention strategy is essential for maximizing positive health outcomes.
Starting ART slows the progression of HIV, allows individuals to lead healthy lives, and strengthens the immune system. Maintaining consistent ART helps prevent drug resistance, which develops when the virus changes form and no longer responds to certain HIV medication. Drug resistance limits the options for successful HIV treatment.
Care Resource provides patient-centered linkage to care services to anyone who is newly or previously diagnosed with HIV and are interested in connecting to life-saving care. Moreover, the health centers guide transgender patients through ART as they undergo hormone therapy. Our Medical Providers assist patients in adhering to their treatment plan despite challenges such as a busy schedule, medication side effects, behavioral health issues, or substance abuse issues.
Whether patients newly or previously diagnosed with HIV, Care Resource offers treatment plans that address diverse needs. The health care center meets our communities where they are in order to provide access to ART and enhance the lives of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
For Media Inquiries or additional article information, please contact Jonathan Welsh, Associate Director of Development and Communications at jwelsh@careresource.org
