The EmpowerLink Program facilitates primary care linkages for people living with
HIV and AIDS (PLWHA). Our Linkage Coordinator provides individual-level counseling
designed to link/re-link individuals infected with HIV to medical care within
90 days of diagnosis. ERC uses ARTAS Linkage to Case Management (ALCM), an
evidence-based intervention to assist client in managing and living with HIV.
The ultimate goal of the program is for PLWHA
to obtain primary care and better health outcomes.
Approximately 85% of ERC clients are linked to primary care within 90 days of
diagnosis through the EmpowerLink Program.
Program Goal: To help clients locate needed resources to resolve the various
individual and structural barriers to HIV medical care.
SERVICES OFFERED UNDER THE EMPOWERLINK PROGRAM:
Patient Advocacy Services
Develop Individualized Goals to Enroll and Remain in Care
Navigate the Ryan White Clinic Intake Process
Direct Linkage to Medical Care & Treatment
Transportation Services Restrictions Apply
CORRELATION BETWEEN DISEASE PROGRESSION & PRIMARY CARE GAPS
ERC recognizes that early diagnosis and expediant care lengthens the time from HIV
diagnosis to AIDS diagnosis and leads to better health outcomes. According to a recent CDC study:
Many patients who self-navigate to access care become lost to care.
38.3% of patients diagnosed with HIV progress to AIDS within 1 year of HIV diagnosis.
6.78% of patients develop AIDS within 1 to 3 years of confirmed HIV infection.
Minority populations are more likely to have a late diagnosis.
46.1% of African-Americans;
47.2% of American Indians/Alaskan Natives;
48.4% of Hispanics/Latinos; and
50.4% of Asians.
When compared by gender, 41.9% of women test late in their disease.
For more information about the EmpowerLink Program
Please Contact the Linkage Coordinator Email: MLink@EmpowerYoungWomen.org
Phone: (404) 526-1145
EmpowerLink Program Sponsors The EmpowerLink Program is funded in part by:
