HIV Intensive Case Management (Cobra)
This program offers intensive case management services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their partners and families. Services include an in-depth assessment of each client’s needs and assistance in connecting with a range of quality services in the community, including primary medical care, emergency care, entitlements such as Social Security, Food Stamps, Home Relief or AFDC and the Division of AIDS Services and Income Support (DASIS), a variety of transitional and permanent housing options, mental health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment services, permanency planning and other family support services, nutritional services and social services.
Case Managers help clients coordinate all of the services they may need, provide office-based services and home visits, advocate with service providers to make sure that clients receive all services for which they are entitled, provide transportation and escort to appointments in the community and work with clients’ family members and partners as needed.
Program staff also provides HIV risk reduction counseling and education, as well as life skills training. The goal of the HIV Intensive Case Management Program is to empower clients to utilize the existing network of HIV services, stabilize their health and increase their capacity for independence.
All of the services of UBP, including HIV support groups; prevention workshops and hot meals are available to clients of this program. Clients with young children can also avail themselves of on-site child-care services.
Eligibility: Clients must be HIV-positive or have a diagnosis of AIDS and have active Medicaid entitlement. They cannot be currently enrolled in any other COBRA case management program.