Community Health Nursing Programs

Sexually Transmitted Disease, HIV/AIDS (443) 523-1740
Enfermedades Transmisibles

• HIV/AIDS Education
• HIV/AIDS Counseling & Testing
• HIV/AIDS Case Management/Support Services
• Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing & Treatment

HIV/AIDS Education
The Health Department provides HIV/AIDS education in a variety of ways.   Public presentations are given upon request to community agencies including schools, churches, social organizations, and places of business.   The Health Department regularly participates in community gatherings such as health fairs and neighborhood events as a means to provide outreach.   HIV/AIDS information is provided in many programs including, Addictions , Family Planning , Healthy Start and STD .

HIV/AIDS Counseling & Testing
Both anonymous and confidential HIV testing are offered to the public at no charge.   Each client receives pretest counseling which is a client-centered intervention designed to promote behavior change to prevent infection, or if already infected, to prevent transmission to others.   Samples tested are blood or oral fluids.  Referrals to additional medical care, psychosocial and other needed supportive services are provided as needed.

HIV/AIDS Case Management/Support Services
Case management and support services are available to all HIV/AIDS patients in Somerset County.   HIV case management is a collaborative process that incorporates a range of client-centered services that assist clients in gaining timely and coordinated access to health care, psychosocial and support services.   Services include but are not limited to rental assistance, medical appointments, food assistance, mental health appointments, and transportation services.   R eferrals are accepted from providers or patients themselves.

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases Screening & Treatment
Somerset County Health Department offers screening and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).   Patients are seen on an appointment basis and there is no charge for the visit.     The communicable disease staff's goal is to eliminate further spread of disease.  They are responsible for surveillance of all public and private reportable STD's and will assist these clients with partner notification in an effort to eliminate further spread of the disease.