Lehigh Valley Health Network - AIDS Activities Office

Overview

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s AIDS Activities Office (AAO) is the largest HIV/AIDS care provider in the greater Lehigh Valley, serving clients from a six-county region. Established in 1989, the AAO provides a full continuum of HIV services, including counseling and rapid HIV testing, primary medical care, pharmacy, adherence support, patient education, behavioral health counseling, nutritional counseling, case management, prevention and outreach services, and referrals for oral health, substance abuse and specialty services. The AAO has played a key role in clinical trials on HIV and hepatitis C to further the development of evidence-based care. The program also supports a patient food bank as an additional resource for many AAO patients living at or below the federal poverty level.

Impact

The AAO serves a very diverse patient population: 38 percent of its patients are female, 24 percent are Black/African American, and 40 percent are Hispanic. The Lehigh Valley region has a higher-than-average rate of both existing and new HIV infections in comparison with other urban areas in Pennsylvania with similar populations. In 2012, more than 812 individuals with HIV received services from the AAO, an increase of 30 percent compared with 2007. Since 2007, 5,830 people have been tested at the AAO, with 72 new diagnoses made.

Challenges/success factors

Cultural awareness and community education are vital to ensure successful treatment and transmission prevention. This capacity includes not only language-appropriate materials and culturally relevant educational events, but the acquisition of feedback from consumers. Incorporation of peers as volunteers and into the workforce provides invaluable insight to the program. Partnerships with community agencies, primary care, and public health providers remain keys to the growth of the AAO. Sharing resources with others will help stretch dollars while providing essential support for the community affected by HIV. The AAO strives to provide continuing education in ongoing efforts to reduce the stigma that still surrounds HIV.

Future direction/sustainability

New populations have emerged as the HIV epidemic has evolved. For example, the AAO sees a growing number of older patients – both those who have been living with HIV for 20 years and those newly diagnosed. In addition, as the babies who were perinatally infected years ago enter adolescence, a new group of teens living with HIV has emerged. Both of these new populations bring their own set of unique challenges. Through our patient-centered medical home approach, we are able to provide comprehensive care that focuses on keeping these infected persons healthy. Transportation services for those outside the city limits and a shortage of HIV providers in the neighboring Pocono mountain area are two other gaps in services that need to be addressed immediately. Quality of care is monitored through a strong continuous quality improvement program based on the National Quality Center’s HIVQUAL model. More than 40 outcomes are tracked and measured against established standards.

Advice to others

Creating a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to care provides the ideal patient experience. Good communication among disciplines, ideally with the incorporation of an electronic medical record, is key. Successful peer integration allows an organization to stretch limited funds while also creating improved client relations. Continuing education for providers is critical for success. For 15 years, we have collaborated with local and state organizations to share the latest, most accurate information on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV/AIDS through our annual World AIDS Day conferences. Diversified funding streams for clinical, educational, and outreach activities – including non-industry foundations and private fund-raising events accompanied by good grant-management skills – are essential to long-term success.

Contact: Charles Lewis
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
Telephone: 610-402-7520
E-mail: chuck.lewis@lvhn.org