UHS champions care for those living with HIV and Hepatitis C

Even as healthcare evolves at a rapid pace, ensuring people live longer and healthier lives than ever before, many individuals continue to face challenges in receiving the essential care they need – including those living with or at risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis C.

Zero HIV Stigma Day (July 21) and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) are both celebrated annually to unite people and communities to raise awareness and take action to eliminate stigmas. While advanced treatments are available for both HIV and Hepatitis C, people are often prevented from getting essential care due to factors such as socioeconomic barriers, lack of public knowledge, and the social stigma surrounding conditions that are sexually transmitted, such as HIV, or transmitted by exposure to infected blood, such as Hepatitis C.

As a healthcare leader in the region, UHS is committed to providing accessible, compassionate care for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis patients, as well as reducing the stigma by promoting education and resources that will contribute to a healthier community for all. 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.

Although there is no cure for HIV, the treatments available today are advanced and highly effective. While HIV-positive patients used to have to take daily medications for treatment, HIV can now be treated with injections received every other month – with a recently-approved treatment that will require an injection only every six months. These modern medications for HIV produce minimal side effects, and can effectively suppress the virus to levels that are undetectable.

In addition to treating patients who are HIV-positive, 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 taken daily or a bi-monthly injection 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 non-discriminatory, stigma-free environment to provide truly comprehensive care, which includes treatment adherence counseling, education, peer support and much more.

Treatment for Hepatitis C has also come a long way, with patients generally having to take a daily pill for 8 to 12 weeks before treatment is complete. With today’s medicine, Hepatitis C is curable, and almost all patients who follow their Hepatitis C treatment are cured of the disease.

Helping with everything from appointment scheduling and reminders, access to full service in-house lab and pharmacy, and working with providers to ensure patients meet their treatment goals, these teams work closely and compassionately with patients throughout the entire care process. 

Partners for every step of the care journey

More than just providing the clinical treatment patients need, the HIV and Hepatitis C care teams provide case management for their patient populations – with services ranging from helping patients navigate insurance and payment options, providing transportation to and from appointments, and addressing social determinants of health including food insecurity and homelessness. If the services needed can’t be provided within UHS, the teams will refer patients to the resources they need, accompanying them throughout every step of the care journey.

Outside of the clinic, the teams work diligently to promote their services and educate the public, tabling at events such as the recent Pride Palooza celebration at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton or organizing gatherings such as the Hepatitis C Cure Day celebration held at the Broome County Public Library in May. The Hepatitis C Program also offers free testing at community events, knowing that access to testing can be a significant challenge for those who need it.

“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 further advance access to necessary care and resources, UHS has also established close relationships with other community outreach organizations, including the Southern Tier AIDS Program, who provide essential HIV/AIDS services for patients throughout the region, as well as local addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers such as Helio Health and Fairview Recovery Services.

UHS is here to help

Patients who receive PrEP, HIV or Hepatitis C treatments with UHS tend to have very little to no out-of-pocket charges for the care they receive, and programs are offered for financial assistance to help reduce the economic barrier many face when trying to receive 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

Visit nyuhs.org to learn more about programs offered to patients.