Business Wire - August 15, 2002
In an effort to increase minority wellness through effective case management, the program targets HIV+ men and women offering services at no charge to increase their chances of success once they return to active living in the Dallas community. By aligning closely with program participants, correctional staff, parole and probation officers, AIDS Arms provides assistance with pre- and post-release plans as well as medical and social support services in addition to linking them with medication support through the Texas HIV Medication Assistance Program.
"AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American men and women between the ages of 25 and 44 and is the third leading cause of death for Latinos," says Raeline Nobles, AIDS Arms executive director. "Incarcerated individuals are rarely fully prepared for living life successfully with HIV or AIDS once released. At AIDS Arms, we work with clients to build a new bridge to wellness, health and success. Our program offers them hope as they re-enter their communities and integrate long term wellness and health care into their lives."
Research indicates that effective case management programs geared toward the needs of HIV+ individuals increase the health and quality of life for participants for longer periods of time. The official launch of the Free World Bound program began in April 2002. It actively works within the Texas Department of Corrections, Lew Sterritt Justice System, and the Federal Bureau of Corrections. Program staff also work closely with parole and probation offices, halfway houses and other transitional services for recently released individuals.
About AIDS Arms, Inc.
AIDS Arms, Inc. was established in 1986 to assist individuals in accessing the healthcare, resources and support necessary to successfully manage the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. The agency serves men, women, children and families affected by HIV, and promotes effective access to care by reducing the barriers impacting an individual's ability to live a stable, progressive life. Its services include outpatient medical care, comprehensive and medical case management and HIV medication assistance programs. Services are structured to target Dallas-area HIV-positive individuals with emphasis on underserved groups and those with significant barriers to care and treatment adherence issues. More than 76 percent of AIDS Arms clients live below federal poverty guidelines and 74 percent of its female clients are single parents living in poverty. More than 65 percent of the agency's clients are ethnic minorities. AIDS Arms is a United Way agency and has three locations in Dallas including Oak Cliff, Oak Lawn and South Dallas. It provided services to more than 1,500 HIV-positive individuals during 2001, a 23 percent increase compared to 2000. AIDS Arms' Peabody Health Center in South Dallas offers complete outpatient medical care, medication assistance and case management programs and has a current patient ratio of 51 percent African Americans, 13 percent Hispanics and 34 percent Anglos.
CONTACT: Normandy Communications, Dallas Shanon Rust, 214/522-6500
SOURCE: AIDS Arms, Inc.
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