Supportive Care and Testing

Special Populations Support Program

The Special Populations Support Program is funded by the Indiana State Department of Health and encourages those at-risk for and infected with HIV with concurrent substance abuse issues to improve health outcomes through risk and harm reduction techniques. This program has two components, as outlined below.

• HIV Testing and Counseling: The HIV Testing Counselor provides HIV and Hepatitis testing to individuals that have risk factors associated with substance use (past and present). The Testing Counselor works with substance abuse treatment facilities and facilities within the Department of Corrections (state and local) to access participants. Basic HIV and STD information is provided to participants.

• Supportive Care: The Supportive Care Counselor provides substance abuse counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS. Although enrollment in Care Coordination is highly encouraged, it is not mandatory. The Supportive Care Counselor utilizes the Stages of Change Theory and harm reduction methods to assist motivated clients to reduce drug and alcohol use. Tobacco cessation courses are also provided. Support groups are available.