Services for People Living with HIV

Evergreen Health has been a leading provider of medical and supportive services for people living with HIV in Western New York since 1983. Our caring providers understand the unique health and wellness needs of people who are living with HIV.

We’re here to support people living with HIV with services including:

Transportation

Housing

Health Education & Engagement

Nutrition

Aging with HIV

Transportation

Sometimes the hardest part of accessing medical care is just getting to your appointments. Our transportation assistance program can help individuals who are living with HIV in Buffalo and Jamestown get transportation to health-related appointments in all eight counties of WNY.

Who is eligible for Transportation services?

Individuals who are living with HIV and have a low income.

What kind of transportation assistance is available at Evergreen?

• gas cards
• day bus passes
• monthly bus passes

What types of appointments does Evergreen help people get to?

We will help eligible patients get to any of your health-related appointments, including:

• medical appointments
• case management or care coordination visits
• pharmacy
• counseling or support groups
• food pantries
• nutrition appointments

Housing

We know that following a health regimen is hard if you’re worried about where you’re going to stay at night. We provide housing assistance programs for people who are living with HIV to give you the support you need to focus on your health.

If you’re living with HIV, our housing case workers can help you find funding or housing in Buffalo, Jamestown and throughout all eight counties of Western New York.

Who is eligible for Housing services?

We have a number of housing assistance programs for individuals and families who are living with HIV and also have a low income or are homeless.

We can help you:

• pay past-due rent
• pay toward your past-due utility bill
• pay security deposit and first month’s rent
• find a safe, secure place to live
• get life skill counseling
• resolve conflicts with landlord mediation

Health education & engagement

Evergreen’s Health Education and Engagement programs are here to help people living with HIV meet their health and wellness goals.

Who is eligible for Health Education and Engagement services?

Anyone who is living with HIV.

Who is the Health Education & Engagement team?

The Health Education and Engagement team’s Case Managers and Community Health Workers are specially trained to support people living with HIV. Our caring providers understand the experiences of people living with HIV and the barriers to accessing healthcare they can face. The Health Education and Engagement team will help you navigate the healthcare system to ensure you meet your needs and goals.

The Health Education and Engagement team will help you:

• design an individual plan to help you create and prioritize your treatment goals
• create strategies to help you take medication on time
• advocate for you and with you at doctors and social services appointments
• fill out paperwork
• connect to services like housing, transportation and insurance enrollment
• get into mental health and substance use programs

Our Case Managers also host weekly health education groups for individuals living with HIV to discuss the following topics:

• accessing your medical record
• aging with HIV (50 PLUS support group)
• breaking internal and external HIV stigma
• communicating with your medical provider
• goal setting and problem solving
• getting the medical support you need
• HIV related information
• HIV in Communities of Color
• reducing stress
• the role nutrition plays in your health

Nutrition

Evergreen offers nutrition education classes and assistance for people who are living with HIV and want to learn how to support their overall health through the food they eat. Through our nutrition program, we can help you learn how to give your body the best nourishment for your unique health needs and goals.

Why is nutrition important?

Good nutrition can help delay the progression of chronic health conditions like HIV. When you’re well-nourished, it can be easier for your body to manage your symptoms and allow your medications to work better.

Who is eligible for Nutrition services?

Our Nutrition program has limited availability and is offered to patients through referrals. Please call your Evergreen provider to learn if you meet eligibility requirements.

What’s required to participate?

• attend one group or individual appointment every month
• meet with a dietitian once or twice a year for an assessment
• participate in the program for 12 to 18 months

What you’ll learn:

• food safety
• cooking with items from a food pantry
• budgeting for food shopping
• managing the symptoms of chronic health conditions
• changing food habits and behaviors
• basic health and nutrition
• how to make healthy food choices

While working with our friendly nutrition team, it may be determined that you also qualify for additional assistance, including monthly food vouchers to assist in purchasing approved food items, or volunteer shoppers to assist if you have difficulty food shopping.

Aging with HIV

50 PLUS: community and services for people living with HIV aged 50 and better

If you’re aged 50 or better and living with HIV, we’re here to help with all that’s on your plate. If you are:

• struggling to manage multiple chronic diseases
• experiencing complications due to polypharmacy
• need assistance signing up for benefits including Medicare
• experiencing isolation

50 PLUS is here for you. Our caring team will work with you to identify your goals and create a plan to help you meet them.

Who is 50 PLUS for?

People living with HIV aged 50 and better.

The 50 PLUS team can help you:

• sign up for benefits including Medicare
• understand issues related to polypharmacy
• read lab results
• establish end of life procedures
• receive ongoing cognitive, physical, and behavioral screenings
• attend support groups
• connect and decrease social isolation