Testing

We offer confidential or anonymous testing at 34 S. Baldwin Ave.  Individuals who test positive for HIV are referred for treatment at our clinic or through their private providers.  Partner notification and contact investigations are also conducted to identify and treat individuals who may have been exposed.  For information on HIV testing, call (863) 993-4601 ext. 131, or Florida residents can send their zip code to “46246” and receive information on the nearest HIV testing center. The service is free, though standard text-messaging fees apply.

The HIV Test

During testing, a health care worker takes a little blood from your arm or finger, takes cells from the inside of your cheek or gums with a cotton swab, or asks for a urine sample. The health care professional uses your sample to look for HIV antibodies in your body.  If don’t have these antibodies, this can mean one of two things: 

• You don’t have HIV
• Or You have HIV, but your body hasn’t made antibodies yet.  It takes up to 3 months after infection for the body to make HIV antibodies.

If you have HIV antibodies upon testing, your test will be positive.  Positive results are almost 100% accurate; however, DCHD offers a multitude of services to help you deal with the results, management and get on with your life.  Services include: 

• Health Care
• Case Management
• Food
• Support Groups
• And More…

Treatment

The DeSoto County Health Department offers HIV/AIDS treatment for eligible patients.  Services include medical visits, clinical counseling, lab work, and certain pharmaceuticals.   For more information on our HIV clinic services, call 941-639-1181 extension 2244.

Case Management

HIV/AIDS Case Managers act as liaisons between clients and organizations that provide services to people living with HIV/AIDS.  Clients must make an appointment for an initial screening to identify patient needs, determine which programs they are eligible for, and develop a care plan.  Case Managers follow clients through their care plan, making necessary modifications as patients’ needs change.   Some of the medical and social service programs clients may be enrolled in include:

• Ryan White Part II
• ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program)
• HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS)
• PAC (Project AIDS Care)
• AICP (AIDS Insurance Continuation Program)
• Medical Care
• Dental Care
• Hospice care
• Mental Health Services
• Substance Abuse Services
• CHAPS Pick-up
• Support Groups - (Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month.  Call (863) 993-4601 ext. 126)

For information about case management services, call (863) 993-4601 extension 126.

HIV/AIDS Health Education and Prevention

DeSoto County Health Department’s HIV/AIDS Health Education staff work as part of the Disease Control and Prevention team.  Our staff are recognized as leaders in education on HIV/AIDS and strive to reach out to the community to encourage the prevention of illness.  The HIV/AIDS health educators also raise awareness about HIV/AIDS-related services available in DeSoto County and help individuals choose and maintain healthier lifestyles.  By providing educational services and partnering with community agencies throughout DeSoto County, DCHD works to reduce the number of new HIV infections.