HIV/AIDS Support Network

The HIV/Aids Support Network is a not-for-profit program that provides free, confidential support services to HIV infected individuals, their families, significant others, and friends.  The HIV/AIDS Support Network also offers educational programs to the general public about HIV/AIDS related issues.  The HIV/Aids Support Network serves Bradford, Sullivan, Tioga, and Potter counties in Pennsylvania, and the Twin Tiers Region in NY.

Self-Help Support Group meets every first Thursday of the month for individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. For more information telephone the above 800 number.

Through funding by the PA Dept. of Health, the HIV/Aids Support Network is able to provide FREE, anonymous or confidential HIV Testing.  Testing can be provided at our office or, if you are more comfortable, at your home.  Please call 1-800-388-9416 or 1-570-882-5464 to schedule an appointment.

What is HIV/Aids? (click here!) 

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HIV/AIDS STAFF: Program Director/Case Manager - Tony Robinson, MSW Case Manager/HIV Counselor - Paul Ingersoll, BA Prevention Specialist

Support Network Board Members: Chief of Infectious Disease - Dr. Michael Gehman Internal Medicine- Dr. Aliasghar Mohyuddin Social Work /Director Care Coordinator- Karen Haesloop, MS, FNP, BC Pastoral Services - Chaplain James Donahoo Pharmacist- Karen Williams

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What is AIDS?

HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. Several types of HIV exist with HIV-1 being the most common in the United States. AIDS is the Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS can affect the immune and central nervous systems and can result in neurological problems, infections, or cancers. It is caused by Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus depletes CD4 cells from a normal range of 500-1200 to less than 200 at less than 200 a patient is given an AIDS diagnosis. CD4 cells are white blood cells that fight off viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which invade our bodies daily. Without a healthy number of CD4 cells individuals with AIDS can not fight off the diseases which invade the body.

The HIV/AIDS Support Network provides prevention programs and counseling. An interactive process between a client and counselor aimed at reducing the risky sex and drug sharing behaviors related to HIV acquisition (for HIV-uninfected clients) or transmission (for HIV infected clients). The HIV/AIDS Support Network provides interactive risk-reduction counseling with HIV testing through the PA DOH.

 

How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?

Sexual Contact HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through the mucous lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual activity.

Blood Contamination HIV may also be spread through contact with infected blood. However, due to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection, the risk of acquiring HIV from blood transfusions is extremely low.

Needles HIV is frequently spread by sharing needles, syringes, or drug use equipment with someone who is infected with the virus. Transmission from patient to healthcare worker, or vice-versa through accidental sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments, is rare.

Mother-infant HIV also can be spread to babies born to, or breast fed by, mothers infected with the virus.

HIV/AIDS cannot be spread through: saliva sweat tears urine feces casual contact such as sharing food utensils, towels, and bedding swimming pools telephones toilet seats biting insects (such as mosquitoes)

 

Please call 1-800-388-9416 or 1-570-882-5464 for more information.

Other Community Services Include: --Select an Option Here HIV/AIDS SUPPORT NETWORK Rural Health and Safety Prudential Youth Leadership Institute Smoking Cessation Programs