Despite advances, many people living with or at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C still face barriers to getting the care they need.
Zero HIV Stigma Day (July 21) and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) raise awareness and encourage action to reduce stigma and improve access to care. While effective treatments are available, many individuals face socioeconomic barriers, lack of awareness, and stigma that can prevent them from seeking care.
As a healthcare leader in the region, UHS is committed to providing accessible, compassionate care for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C patients, while promoting education and resources that contribute to a healthier community. At UHS Primary Care Binghamton, the HIV Care Team and the Hepatitis C Program offer expert care and compassionate support, with state-of-the-art treatments funded through grants from New York State.
Meet the UHS teams making a difference
The HIV Care Team at UHS Primary Care Binghamton is the only HIV specialty clinic in the Greater Binghamton area, providing supportive and inclusive healthcare for HIV/AIDS patients. Team members are not only trained in the most advanced HIV/AIDS treatments available, but knowledgeable on issues related to LGBTQ+ health and substance use and provide support services to assist with every facet of the care journey.
While there is no cure for HIV, today’s treatments are highly effective. Options now include an injection given every other month, with newer therapies requiring treatment only twice a year. These medications produce minimal side effects, and can effectively suppress the virus to levels that are undetectable.
The HIV Care Team also offers pre-exposure prophlaxis (PrEP) for those who are HIV-negative and at higher risk of contracting the disease. PrEP is a prescribed medication that helps significantly reduce one’s risk of contracting HIV.
“Making HIV treatment available through primary care has helped reduce stigma, but we know there is a long way to go,” said TeriAnn Montoya, program coordination for the HIV Care Team at UHS Primary Care Binghamton. “It is important for the public to know how far treatment for HIV has come, and while HIV must be taken seriously, it is not a cause for panic and fear. With proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can live long and healthy lives.”
Also serving patients at UHS Primary Care Binghamton is the Hepatitis C Program. From testing to post treatment, this team welcomes patients into a stigma-free environment to provide truly comprehensive care, which includes counseling, education, peer support, and much more.
Treatment for hepatitis C has also come a long way. Most patients now take a daily pill for 8 to 12 weeks and nearly all who complete treatment are cured of the disease.
Partners for every step of the care journey
In addition to clinical care, both programs provide case management services, including assistance with insurance, transportation, food insecurity, housing needs and connections to community resources. The teams also promote education and awareness at community events and provide free hepatitis C testing, helping reach people who may otherwise face barriers to screening and care.
“Many people living with hepatitis C do not have symptoms or don’t know they are infected. Our team is committed to going out into the community to offer free testing and other resources, to improve access and spread awareness,” said Melissa Barker, team lead of the Hepatitis C Program at UHS Primary Care Binghamton. “You can also call our program at UHS Primary Care Binghamton to receive a free test. Hepatitis C can be cured and eradicated – and we are here to help break down the barriers in our community that are preventing that reality.”
To expand access to care and resources, UHS partners with other community organizations – including the Southern Tier AIDS Program, Helio Health and Fairview Recovery Services – to connect patients with additional support and resources.
UHS is here to help
Patients who receive PrEP, HIV, or hepatitis C treatments with UHS often have very little to no out-of-pocket costs and financial assistance programs are available to help reduce economic barriers to care.
If you or someone you know needs PrEP or treatment for HIV or hepatitis C, UHS is here to help. Patients are never turned away and are generally scheduled for a first appointment within one to two weeks. You can contact each program directly at the number listed below:
- HIV Care Team: (607) 762-2531
- PrEP Hotline: (607) 762-3300
- Hepatitis C Program: (607) 762-2810
To learn more about programs offered to patients, visit nyuhs.org/hepatitis-c-care-and-treatment or nyuhs.org/care-treatment/aids-hiv-services.