Getting linked to HIV care, resources and support in North Texas
Receiving an HIV diagnosis is often an overwhelming and frightening experience. Where do you go? Who do you call? What should you do next? We can help. The North Texas Care Coordination Team is a group of non-profit organizations committed to helping you connect to a comprehensive system of healthcare and resources. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have lived with the disease for many years, we are here to support your efforts to manage the challenges of living with HIV and AIDS.
Who do I call first?
To connect to the HIV/AIDS care system, simply call one of the following organizations and ask for an “intake session.”
In Dallas County, call:
Any one of the above intake sites can help you locate a site nearest you. For help in counties beyond Dallas, one of the following organizations can help you:
In Ellis and Navarro Counties, call:
In Denton, Collin, Hunt, Kaufman or Rockwall Counties, call:
In Cooke, Fannin or Grayson Counties, call:
| Your Health Clinic | 903.813.1272 | |
For a complete list of Ryan White funded HIV services provided in the Dallas Planning Area, click here.
What is an Intake Session?
Your Intake Session is your first introduction to what is available in the community to help you take care of your health and begin to plan for the future. Intake Sessions are scheduled within one to two weeks of your call, although appointments for urgent situations can be scheduled sooner. Every effort will be made to locate an Intake Site convenient to you. Home visits are available from most Intake Sites when illness or transportation problems exist.
There are many services available that, based on certain eligibility criteria such as income, could be free of charge to you. These services are funded by the Ryan White CARE Act and other funding sources. They include medical and dental care, case management, medication and insurance assistance, HIV education, transportation, mental health counseling, food, legal services, childcare, housing, substance abuse treatment and home health services. Completing the Intake Process is the first and most important step towards accessing these services and finding out if and how ongoing case management can continue to help you.
All HIV+ individuals who seek care, support and resources funded by the Ryan White CARE Act must complete an Intake Session. Intake Sessions involve providing important information about yourself so we can best assess your need and eligibility for services. There will be forms to fill out, information and documents to provide to the Intake Specialist, and an in-depth discussion about how we can help you deal effectively with HIV/AIDS now and into the future.
What Information Do I Bring?
The information you must bring to your Intake Session includes:
- A letter of diagnosis from y our medical provider, HIV testing site or laboratory documents that clearly provides proof of an HIV diagnosis.
- A picture ID such as a driver’s license, school ID or other identification with a picture and distinguishable information;
- Proof of residency within one of the eligible North Texas counties, such as a rental lease, utility bill or recent pay stub with your home address;
- Proof of income such as recent pay stubs, social security, food stamps, disability statements;
- Proof of insurance if available (Private, Medicaid, Medicare)
- Mothers maiden name;
- Medical history such as significant illnesses, hospitalizations, current medications and medical provider; and
- Emergency contact information.
There are times when individuals do not have all the information listed. If this is your situation, call and talk to an Intake Specialist. They often can offer helpful advice on how to collect needed information or offer alternatives not listed above.
Once you arrive for your Intake Session, the Intake Specialist will fill out a Common Intake Form and several other forms that ask many questions. These questions are not to intrude on your privacy! They are meant to provide critical information on how best to service your needs and ensure you better understand your diagnosis and the HIV care system. Its good to know that many service organizations require additional paperwork from you beyond the Intake Form when you arrive for your first appointment, such as consent for services form or bi-annual updates to your eligibility documents. DCHHS – Eligibility.
Support Service Resources:
2021-2022 Community Services Handbook: is designed as a guide to help find information about organizations and services for people living with HIV and AIDS in Dallas County and surrounding areas. The scope of this fifteenth edition of the handbook is primarily agencies providing services to residents of the Dallas extended Metropolitan area and health service delivery area (Click here for web access). Click here for the 2021-2022 Community Services Handbook en Español.
Home base for Housing: Home base for Housing is a housing information and referral program dedicated to preventing homelessness and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS in Dallas County and seven surrounding Counties. Home base for Housing has collaborated with local AIDS Service Organizations and other housing community based organizations to develop an extensive clearinghouse of information and referrals for housing options as well as other related supportive services.
Dallas My Ride: The Get a Ride Guide has transportation options for residents of Dallas County, especially for people with disabilities and older adults.
