Nashville, Tenn. – Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop. Nashville CARES has been fighting to end the HIV epidemic in Middle Tennessee for 35 years, and regardless of the current uncertainties, we can’t stop now.
In early March, when the devastating tornado hit Nashville and we immediately began reaching out to our clients to assess their needs. Then, on March 16 we had to close our doors to the public due to the COVID-19 mandate. Though challenging, Nashville CARES will continue providing essential services to some of the most vulnerable in our community – those who are living with HIV.
Below is what we have been up to since March 5, 2020.
OUTREACH
- 1,422 clients were contacted by our case management, behavioral health and support services teams to assess their immediate needs.
- More than 100 clients were directly impacted by the tornado, needing shelter or temporary housing.
STAFF HOURS
- 3,022 hours were spent on client contact provided by Client Services staff across all departments.
- 273 hours in behavioral health support to over 177 clients
- 1,560 hours in case management support to 1,153 clients
- 268 hours of Ryan White eligibility support to 349 clients [Including 214 RWES re-certifications]
- 820 hours of Early Intervention Services & supportive contacts provided to 795 clients by Education, Prevention & Support Services staff
- 101 hours of psychosocial support to 150 clients
ESSENTIAL SUPPORT
- 625 Food Bags (Fresh Food & Traditional Food Bags) delivered to more than 433 clients
- 278 Bus Passes distributed to more than 267 clients
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
- $153,545.14 was spent in Housing & Utility Assistance for clients.
- This is nearly triple the amount spent during the same time frame in 2019 ($52,873.99)
PREVENTION CALLS RECEIVED
- Emergency HIV Testing Calls: 15
- Routine HIV Testing Calls: 39
- Education/HIV Testing Questions: 5
- PrEP Calls: 78
About Nashville CARES:
Nashville CARES is Tennessee’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization.
Our Mission: Nashville CARES mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.
Our vision is a community where HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, everyone with HIV/AIDS has access to the care, treatment and support to achieve optimal health and self-sufficiency without stigma or discrimination.
Last year Nashville CARES served more than 50,000 Middle Tennesseans infected and affected by HIV/AIDS including: HIV prevention education to more than 29,000 youth and adults, more than 10,000 FREE confidential HIV tests, and essential support services to 3,400 men, women and children living with the disease. To learn more, visit us at NashvilleCARES.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
