HIV/AIDS
Because
of the high incidence and prevalence of HIV infection among the IV drug
using population it is important to have a clear policy regarding
education, counseling, management, and referral. It is impossible to provide realistic, responsible treatment
for IV drug users without addressing the serious problem of HIV
infection. Alpha House has
implemented a formal procedure to do so.
New
residents are given HIV antibody pretest counseling sessions and within
the first week are taken to the Family Health Center of
Shadyside Hospital for a physical examination and more pretest
counseling. The
resident decides if he/she would like to get the HIV antibody test, the
results of which are confidential.
Alpha House staff will provide post-testing counseling to discuss
how to interpret the results and the ramification.
The type of counseling depends on the amount of information the
resident discloses.
If
a resident is infected with the HIV virus, he or she may continue to
participate in the Alpha House program for as long as he or she is physically,
mentally, and emotionally able to meet the basic requirements for the
program. Alpha House will
make referrals if hospitalization or other services are needed.
At
least quarterly, a trained staff member will conduct an educational seminar, at
least two hours long, with the entire resident population about HIV, and
AIDS.
To see the complete policy, please click on Client Handbook
HIV/AIDS
435 Shady Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 363-42200