Service Linkage:
The Houston Health Department ‘s (HHD) HIV Service Linkage Program is designed to connect people diagnosed with HIV to primary medical care and other support services.

The HIV Service Linkage Program is based on the client’s individual needs and may include the following services:

Provider Selection: Identifying and connecting with doctors experienced in treating people with HIV.

Financial Assistance: Enrolling in programs that help pay for doctor’s visits and medications.

Case Management: Referral to medical case management services through doctor’s offices.

Ancillary Services: Connecting with social service organizations providing: Substance Abuse Counseling, Mental Health Services, Dental Care, Transportation Assistance, Food Assistance, Housing/Rental Assistance, etc.

---

THE IMPORTANCE OF HIV CARE RE-ENGAGEMENT
People who are diagnosed with HIV but not retained in HIV medical care are responsible for 92% of HIV transmissions¹. Successful re-engagement and retention in the HIV continuum of care will help patients manage their health and keep their viral load suppressed to an undetectable status. Therefore, reducing risk of HIV transmission.

¹ Bureau of Epidemiology and Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention, Houston Health Department, 2016.1Skarbinski J, Rosenberg E, Paz-Bailey G, et al. Human immunodeficiency virus transmission at teach step of the care continuum in the United States. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(4):588-596.doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8180.

---

Data-to-Care / HIV Care Re-Engagement:
Data-to-Care or HIV Care Re-Engagement is the use of data to locate persons living with HIV (PLWH) who were once in care, but have been out of care for 1 year or longer. HHD’s HIV Service Linkage Program contacts, re-links or re-engages PLWH with a provider and ancillary services.

---