What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes HIV infection.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
HIV attacks the infection-fighting cells of the immune system. The destruction of these cells makes it difficult for your body to protect against infections and certain cancers.
Without approved medical treatment, HIV can gradually destroy your immune system and progress to AIDS.
How is HIV Spread?
HIV is spread only in certain body fluids from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load (enough virus in the blood that a test can identify it).
A person with HIV cannot sexually transmit HIV if they have an undetectable viral load (an extremely low amount of virus in the blood as a result of treatment).
Body fluids that can spread HIV
- Blood
- Breast milk
- Fluids: semen, pre-seminal, vaginal & rectal
How HIV Spreads in the U.S.
- Having anal or vaginal sex without condoms
- If HIV negative, not taking medicine to potentially prevent HIV
- If HIV positive, sharing injection drug equipment (e.g., needles) with someone who is HIV positive
If this is you or someone you love, we are here for you!
We Provide
HIV Testing
Information and Education
Links to Support Services
PrEP
Is PrEP Right For Me?
If you are HIV negative, taking PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) may be a great option for you.
PrEP is a daily pill that reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex up to 99%. Among people who inject drugs, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by at least 74% when used as prescribed.
PrEP can be taken within 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV, hopefully to prevent infection. Ask us about PrEP if you think you’ve been exposed to HIV during sex, or a sexual assault, or from sharing needles, or working to prepare drugs.
- If you are living with HIV, substance misuse or a mental health disorder
- If your income is within the program limit
- If you live in Northeast Arkansas
You May Qualify For Assistance With:
- HIV case management
- Health insurance
- Prescription drugs
- Medical/Dental care
- Mental health counseling
- Drug and alcohol treatment/counseling
- Housing/Transportation
- Food/Utilties
What is Mental Health?
Mental health includes your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel and act. It helps you determine how you handle stress, how you relate to others and your ability to make healthy choices.
It’s okay to talk to someone if you are:
- Experiencing extreme high/low mood changes
- Feeling sad or down
- Having excess fears or worries
- Having an extreme feeling of guilt
- Not thinking clearly
What is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse is the misuse of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs that leads to one or more of the following behaviors:
- Continuing to misuse substances, even after you experience social or personal problems caused or worsened by substance abuse
- Facing substance abuse related legal problems (e.g., arrest for disorderly conduct)
- Failure to fulfill your responsibilities at work, school or home
- Repeated misuse in situations where it is physically dangerous, such as driving while impaired
Signs of substance misuse:
- Angry outbursts
- Consistently tired or spaced out
- Fearful, anxious or paranoid for no reason
- Lack of motivation
- Nervousness or instability
- Periods of unusual increased energy
- Sudden mood swings
- Unexplained change of personality or attitude
Want to Learn More?
Simply contact the 1st Choice Healthcare clinic closest to you to click below to learn more!