client services
AFAN’s services are designed to foster a client’s sense of pride, independence and self-empowerment. Everyone has a different starting point. Some clients may need more services than others. We assess client’s needs and based on eligibility, connect them with the following services:
Medical Case Management
Ryan White Part A
Our Medical Case Managers and clients work together to develop a comprehensive service plan specific to each client’s unique circumstances. Service plans are intended to address the client as a whole, including medical and medication needs, mental health, finances, housing stability, support system, medical transportation and other areas as determined. AFAN’s Medical Case Management team works closely with other AIDS service organizations and community based support systems through the use of referrals to address areas not available in house. The goal of Medical Case Management is to work with our clients and community partners in an effort to increase adherence to care and treatment by addressing the barriers that commonly affect access to services.
Ryan White Part B
Case Managers are available to provide eligibility, enrollment, and recertification for Ryan White Part B programs and services. AFAN’s Ryan White Part B Case Managers work closely with other AIDS service organizations and community based support systems through use of referrals to health care and supportive services not available in house. Ryan White Part B health care and supportive services include, but are not limited to, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Early Intervention, Health Education / Risk Reduction, Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing Assistance Program, and Legal services.
medical transportation
For clients who are Ryan White Part A eligible we provide transportation assistance for their medical and/or social support service appointments. Medical transportation assistance can be in the form of a daily bus pass, taxi ride, Uber or Lyft.
education & prevention
Contrary to what many people think, HIV continues to spread at an alarming rate in Southern Nevada. Since an important aspect of our core mission is to reduce the current rate of infection in our community, our well-trained HIV Prevention Specialists conduct educational seminars and outreach efforts targeting high-risk groups. We work with a wide array of HIV service providers to ensure that our intervention efforts are age appropriate, culturally diverse and reach all segments of the community.
To schedule a HIV 101 seminar, request information on testing, and include us in your outreach events, please send us an email at education@afanlv.org.
Lunch & Learn Program
This program provides an opportunity for clients to learn about a variety of topics related to HIV/AIDS. It is organized in conjunction with pharmaceutical companies that specialize in HIV treatment. Clients experience the opportunity to expand their education about HIV/AIDS while enjoying lunch.? Mothers, Sisters, & Daughters Mothers, Sisters, & Daughters is a psychosocial wellness group that meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics that impacts women with HIV. Once a month, the members gather to celebrate the unique aspects of womanhood.
emergency financial assistance
Financial Assistance
Sometimes individuals experience financial hardships that are beyond their control. Individuals with HIV can face expensive medical costs and/or unexpected changes in income due to complications with their health. In order to assist clients with maintaining stable housing, financial assistance is available for the following services:
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Rental/Mortgage Assistance
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Utility Assistance
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Move-in Costs
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Supportive Services (i.e., D’s, birth certificates, health cards, Sheriff’s cards, etc.)
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Eyeglasses co-pay
AFAN clients are encouraged to contact their Medical Case Manager to determine eligibility for financial assistance. Requests are determined on a case-by-case basis and on the availability of funding.
nutritional services
Food Vouchers & Nutritional Supplements
AFAN is the only organization in Southern Nevada to offer food and nutritional services specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of persons infected with HIV/AIDS.
Depending on eligibility, AFAN’s registered dietitian (RD) develops a plan specifically tailored to each individual’s unique needs. It teaches program participants how to make healthy dietary choices, how to use the family food budget correctly and make palatable foods the family will actually eat. This is particularly important for individuals that develop lesions in the mouth that make eating painful or for individuals affected by wasting and lack of appetite related to side effects from medications.
The main goals of food and nutrition services are to:
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Assist individuals living with HIV/AIDS maintain the highest level of functioning, which may include the ability to care for children and family and/or maintain employment.
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Reduce the number of hospitalizations and other medical interventions required by providing nutrition support and education.
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Ensure that low-income program participants do not go hungry by offering various food assistance programs.
mental health
We are currently referring clients to the appropriate mental health support services.
housinG SERVICES
Esperanza Project
Esperanza Project is an affordable social living environment for those with HIV/AIDS in Las Vegas. The recently renovated property will house 20 residents within single cottages and a group home that have been completely furnished and stocked with living necessities. Casa de Esperanza, meaning House of Hope, will offer group style living to 12 residents. The property’s floor plan has three identical wings with four individual bedrooms and shared bathroom for every two residents.
In the heart of the facility is a warm and inviting living area decorated in deep red tones with black and gold accents. The community space has various couches and chairs for residents to relax and enjoy the company of their housemates as well as a piano for entertainment.
A sleek kitchen is equipped with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and two maple dining tables. Each resident will have lockable fridge and pantry space to keep personal food and cookware items. Personal cabinets are also available to store cleaning products in the full size laundry room which includes multiple washers and dryers.
Jardin de Esperanza, translating to Garden of Hope, features eight one-bedroom cottages. Each resident will have a full kitchen styled with neutral granite countertops and matching floor tiles that spill into the living area, featuring vaulted ceilings allowing for generous amounts for natural light. The bedroom has an attached full bath including a large closet space for storage.
Separating the group home from the individual cottages is a community patio furnished with a table and chairs as well as a stainless steel propane grill for barbeques. AFAN plans to incorporate sustainable gardens within the outdoor space that includes organic fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. A community entertainment building is located between the cottages, and has an additional kitchen, laundry facility and recreational room perfect for social events.
Over the last year, AFAN has seen a significant increase in its clientele in need of affordable housing options. Esperanza will help clients cope with this burden by providing a social living environment that meets all the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Las Vegas community.
Secure Homes & Parent & Me
The Secure Home and Parent & Me programs offer subsidized rental assistance for single individuals and families who are in the process of securing stable incomes. Clients who are eligible for the program will work with their Medical Case Manager to set personal goals for obtaining self-sufficiency. While enrolled in the program, clients will participate in monthly case management, attend classes and events, volunteer, attend a financial planning class, and other activities as determined by the client and Medical Case Manager.
free hiv testing
Specially trained staff will administer the tests in a private and confidential setting in our Scott Washburn Testing Center through the same technology the health district uses, an HIV rapid screening test using a finger prick blood sample, with results in less than 20 minutes. Testing is available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, by appointment only. Staff is available to provide assistance in English and Spanish and AFAN’s case managers can provide subsequent counseling and other support services. Call 702-382-2326 to schedule a test.