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Client Services

Medical Assistance Program (MAP)

Services vary depending on the availability of funds. All services requiring payment assistance are coordinated through a case manager and require a purchase order at least 24 hours PRIOR to the service. Some services include:

• Medical
• Lab/X-Ray
• Dental
• Counseling
• Prescriptions
• Nutritional Services
• Transportation
• Home Health Care
• Food Bank
• Substance Abuse Counseling

Project AIDS Care (PAC)

This is a Medicaid Waiver Program that provides home- and community-based services to eligible persons with AIDS as determinded by the Office of Disability. Some services include:

• Home Nursing (RN, LPN)
• Personal Care (bathing)
• Medical Equipment (wheelchair)
• Education & Support
• Home Delivered Meals

AIDS Insurance Continuation Program (AICP)

Assistance is provided with premium payments for group, individual, or COBRA policies. Clients must meet eligibility criteria.

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

Limited assistance is provided with transitional housing, rent/mortgage and utilities to People Living With HIV/AIDS. Supportive services and referrals regarding housing needs are also provided. Clients must meet eligibility criteria.

AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)

The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is run through local county health departments. This program provides assistance with some HIV medication based on the State Department of Health formulary. A Big Bend Cares case manager or health department employee can provide a formulary that lists available medications. There are eligibility criteria for this program. Availability/enrollment may be limited.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Florida

Big Bend Cares maintains a partnership with PPARxFL.org, a Web site designed to help low-income, uninsured Florida residents get free or discounted brand-name medicines.

Healthy Relationships

Healthy Relationships is a program designed to assist HIV-positive people adjust to living with HIV; assist HIV-positive clients in disclosing their status to family, friends and sexual partners; and to reduce the rate of risky sexual behaviors among participants.

Support Groups

HIV Support Group

The HIV support Group is open to anyone with HIV/AIDS. Please call Big Bend Cares to find out the dates and times this group meets.

Big Bend Cares now offers free Online Support Forums. Check them out!

Canopy Connection: An interfaith association of Big Bend Cares

Meeting the spiritual needs of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Services We Provide:

• A network of Clergy and caring individuals who are ready, willing and able to provide Pastoral Care and/or spiritual guidance, free of charge and regardless of denominational/faith affiliation.
• Assistance in planning and conducting memorial services and funerals.
• Referrals and information to appropriate places of worship and religious institutions.
• Opportunities for fellowship with people of faith.
• Planning and conducting World Aids Day services and commemorations.
• Provide pastoral care or spiritual guidance for Big Bend Cares staff.

How can I get involved?

• Represent your place of worship at the monthly Canopy Connection meetings.
• Register your Pastor, committee, team or group with the Canopy Connection network.
• Invite a representative from Canopy Connection, or Big Bend Cares, to speak to your group/place of worship about HIV/AIDS.
• Make a generous donation to Canopy Connection or the HIV/AIDS ministry of your choice.
• Talk about your personal experience with HIV/AIDS and how it has affected your faith.
• Become a Canopy Connection "Prayer Partner" and pray for our work.

For more information, please contact

Red Ribbon Alliance

Big Bend Cares is proud to be a member of the Red Ribbon Alliance. The Red Ribbon Alliance is a group of concerned community members, representatives from the Florida Department of Health and community-based organizations working with HIV+ individuals, and members of the HIV/AIDS community. The Red Ribbon Alliance meets monthly to plan HIV/AIDS services for people living in Gadsden, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties. Contact John Mark Schacht at 656-2437 x248 for more information.

::: By law, all client information is kept strictly confidential :::

Big Bend Cares is a
United Way Agency