HIV prevention and treatment
Your care options today are effective, accessible and life‑changing. Whether you want to prevent HIV, get tested or manage HIV with long‑term care, supportive services are available to help you stay healthy.
Understanding HIV & AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects the immune system and, if left untreated, can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). With early diagnosis and modern treatment, most people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others.
HIV is commonly spread through sexual contact or sharing injection drug equipment. Routine testing and early medical care are critical for both individual and community health.
HIV and AIDS services we offer
The Ryan White Services HIV/AIDS Program at the Family Health Center of Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center is a federally-funded initiative that aims to enhance the medical care and support services for people with HIV and AIDS. This program has been an integral part of HIV care providers in the Morris County area since 1995.
Both therapeutic and preventive dental care is available at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center through referral completed by the Ryan White social workers.
Making sure that your care and treatment is affordable to you is of utmost importance. The social workers screen patient eligibility for insurance and other financial assistance programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, NJ Family Care and Charity Care.
At the Family Health Center medical care for newly-diagnosed individuals with HIV and those continuing HIV care and treatment is provided by board-certified infectious disease specialists. Twice a week there are specialty clinic sessions that provide infectious disease care, including initial and follow-up appointments for patients with HIV-related complications and treatment issues. Follow-up care and other issues can be addressed on non-clinic days by the nurse practitioner.
Mental health care and HIV medical care depend on one another. Our counseling program coordinates patients’ mental health care and medical care. Psychiatric services are available through the Ryan White clinic for eligible patients.
Co-occurring medical issues are common when living with HIV. If other medical concerns arise during your care at the Family Health Center, we can point you in the right direction to address the issue. Social workers can assist with referral and coordination of these types of services such as, primary care, dermatology, psychiatric, podiatry, endocrinology, diabetic care, rheumatology and more. Infectious disease doctors provide consultation in all major medical and surgical procedures for patients with HIV/AIDS.
Education about HIV prevention—including PrEP—is incorporated into individualized care plans to improve each patient’s understanding of HIV and support informed health decisions. As part of our HIV prevention program, we offer PrEP medication and ongoing PrEP counseling. Following comprehensive assessments, social workers and patients collaborate to develop personalized risk‑reduction plans. With continued education and counseling, these plans are regularly revisited and refined until prevention goals are achieved.
In emergency situations, medical transportation to appointments and procedures is available for patients of the Ryan White Program.
Contact our outpatient location
PrEP for HIV prevention
Curious about PrEP for HIV prevention? These FAQs cover the basics—from how PrEP works to finding care and support—so you can make informed choices about your health.
Pre‑exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a way for people who are HIV negative, but at risk for HIV, to prevent infection. PrEP can significantly reduce the risk of getting HIV through sexual contact or injection drug use when taken as prescribed.
PrEP is a powerful prevention option for people who want to take control of their sexual health.
PrEP may be right for anyone who feels they are at higher risk for HIV. A PrEP counselor can help you explore whether PrEP fits your needs and answer questions about protection, side effects and ongoing care.
There are several FDA‑approved PrEP options, including:
- Daily oral medications
- Long‑acting injectable PrEP
Your PrEP counselor and medical provider will help determine the best option for you based on your sex and gender, age, medical history, insurance coverage and personal preferences.
PrEP counseling services are completely free. The cost of medical visits, lab work and PrEP medication depends on insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance, PrEP counselors can help you find affordable medical care and financial assistance options. There are options for everyone.
PrEP medical care is available through multiple options, including:
- Sexual health centers
- Primary care providers
- Infectious disease specialists
- Telehealth providers
Most providers recommend follow‑up visits every three months for routine checkups and lab testing to ensure PrEP is working safely and effectively.
Our PrEP counselors will help you decide if PrEP is right for you and will link you medical care and PrEP prescription services.
