As a Ryan White Program provider, Care Resource helps uninsured and underinsured individuals access HIV treatment, support services, and comprehensive healthcare. In December 2019, the Broward County Commission recognized Care Resource and other Ryan White Part A providers for their commitment to HIV care.
The recognition took place during AIDS Awareness Month. The event highlighted the important role Ryan White Program providers play in improving access to care and support services.
Care Resource team members Ausline Perry, Director of Dental Care Services, Hugo Rocchia, Behavioral Health Services Manager, and Thomas Smith, Director of Behavioral Health Services, accepted a proclamation designating December 2019 as AIDS Awareness Month.
HIV Care Remains a Public Health Priority
According to data referenced at the time, more than 119,000 Floridians were living with HIV. More than 21,000 of those residents lived in Broward County.
These numbers reinforced the need for ongoing HIV education, prevention, testing, and treatment services. AIDS Awareness Month provided an opportunity to increase awareness and reduce stigma.
Community organizations, healthcare providers, and advocates worked together to promote access to care and support healthier outcomes for people living with HIV.
How the Ryan White Program Supports HIV Care
The Ryan White Program helps connect eligible individuals with healthcare services, treatment, and support resources. These services help many patients overcome barriers to care and remain engaged in treatment.
Programs like Ryan White also support efforts to improve long-term health outcomes and increase viral suppression rates. Access to consistent care remains a critical part of effective HIV treatment.
Learn more about the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Understanding U=U and HIV Treatment
Care Resource has helped raise awareness about Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). U=U means that people living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral therapy cannot sexually transmit HIV to their partners.
This message has helped improve understanding of HIV treatment while encouraging individuals to remain connected to care. Effective treatment allows many people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives.
HIV Prevention Through PrEP
People who do not have HIV can lower their risk of acquiring the virus through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). When taken as prescribed, PrEP is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy.
Advances in HIV treatment and prevention continue to improve health outcomes and reduce new HIV transmissions.
The Importance of Early HIV Treatment
At the time of publication, Care Resource participated in the Test and Treat (T&T) Program. The program aimed to start antiretroviral therapy within 24 hours of diagnosis for eligible patients.
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health outcomes and strengthen the immune system. They also help reduce the spread of HIV within the community.
A Continuing Commitment to HIV Care
Broward County’s HIV care network brings together healthcare providers, community organizations, and public agencies. These partners work together to identify needs, allocate resources, and improve access to care.
The recognition received during AIDS Awareness Month reflected a shared commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, education, and support services. It also demonstrated the important role of Ryan White Program providers in improving community health.
For information about current HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support services, please visit our testing and services links above.
Editor’s Note
This article was originally published in December 2019 and is preserved as part of Care Resource’s organizational history. Statistics, programs, services, and organizational information referenced in this article reflect conditions at the time of publication and may have changed.
