HIV Care Program
History
In 1989, a group of concerned medical residents from Michael Reese Hospital noticed an alarming increase in the number of HIV-infected patients who were not receiving adequate or appropriate health care, and the lack of accessible, culturally appropriate services in the area. As a result, these residents initiated a free, community-based clinic to serve HIV-infected adults living in Chicago's south side communities.
When the HIV Care Program was established, no other providers of HIV care existed south of the Loop. At that time, the Program consisted entirely of part-time, voluntary staff and ten medical residents. Located on the Michael Reese Hospital campus, today the HIV Care Program is a recognized center of excellence and is recognized as a pioneer in fully integrated comprehensive HIV care. We offer integrated primary and multi-specialty care, adherence education, substance abuse services and mental health care for persons with HIV disease.
In 2008 the Program relocated to Mercy Hospital to continue serving this highly impacted community after Michael Reese Hospital closed. The core of our Program is a twice-weekly clinic that provides a seamless system of care to over 250 patients in all stages of HIV disease by a dedicated team. Patients come from all over the city as well as the suburbs. Due to stigma and the reluctance of some to identify with a program for people with HIV, we have intentionally integrated our clinic into a Family Health Center where no one is identified as gay or having HIV by their attendance. Many patients selected us because we are NOT a large indentifiable HIV treatement center. Our program provides continuity, coordination, and comprehensiveness of care, helping to stabilize patients triply-diagnosed with HIV infection, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Services are provided regardless of the ability to pay, and at no cost to uninsured patients.
Services
The HIV Care Program is a recognized center of excellence that offers truly integrated primary and multi-specialty care, adherence education, case management, substance abuse services, mental health care and prevention interventions for people living with HIV disease. Services include:
- Comprehensive primary & specialty medical care
- Prevention & risk reduction services
- Gynecologic services (pap smears, contraception, reproductive counseling)
- Integrated substance use & mental health counseling
- Pastoral care
- Case management
- Medication adherence counseling & pharmacy consultation
- Health promotion and education
Location
The HIV Care Program is located at the Mercy Hospital and Medical Center Family Health Center (FHC). Clinics are held twice weekly.
HIV Care Program Staff
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur Moswin, MD | Medical Director | hivdoc@pol.net |
| Norma Rolfsen, RN, FNP | Program Director | (312) 791-3465 |